As used herein, and unless the context suggests otherwise, the
terms “we”, “us”, “our” or “Ituran” refer to Ituran Location and Control Ltd. and its
consolidated subsidiaries.
We have prepared our consolidated financial statements in US Dollars.
Our consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S.
GAAP”). All references herein to “dollars” or “$” or “USD” are to United States dollars, and
all references to “NIS” are to New Israeli Shekels.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
The selected consolidated financial data below is provided under
generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (U.S. GAAP). You should read the selected consolidated financial data presented in
this Item together with Item 5 – Operating and Financial Review and Prospects and with our consolidated financial statements included
elsewhere in this annual report.
Our selected consolidated statements of income data for the years
ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021 and our selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2020 and 2021 have been
derived from our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report. The selected consolidated statements of income data
for each of the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018, and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2017, 2018
and 2019, are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements not included in this report.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Our business, operating results and financial
condition could be seriously harmed due to any of the following risks, among others. If we do not successfully address the risks to which
we are subject, we could experience a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and our share
price may decline, which may result in a loss of all or part of your investment. We cannot assure you that we will successfully address
any of these risks. You should carefully consider the following factors as well as the other information contained and incorporated by
reference in this annual report before taking any investment decision with respect to our securities. See “Forward Looking Statements”
on page iv above.
Failure to maintain our existing relationships or establish new relationships
with insurance companies or car manufacturers could adversely affect our revenues and growth potential.
Changes in practices of insurance companies in the markets in which
we provide our SVR services and sell our telematics products could adversely affect our revenues and growth potential.
We depend on the practices of insurance companies in the markets in which we provide
our SVR services and sell our telematics products. In Israel, insurance companies either mandate the use of SVR services and telematics
products, or their equivalent, as a prerequisite for providing insurance coverage to owners of certain medium- and high-end vehicles or
provide insurance premium discounts to encourage vehicle owners to subscribe to services and purchase products such as ours. In certain
subsidiaries in Brazil and Argentina, insurance companies mainly lease our telematics products directly and subsequently require their
customers to subscribe to our SVR services.
If any of these policies or practices change, revenues from sales of our SVR services
and telematics products could decline, which could adversely affect our revenues and growth potential.
A reduction in vehicle theft rates may adversely impact demand for
our SVR services and telematics products.
Demand for our SVR services and telematics products depends primarily on prevailing
or expected vehicle theft rates. Vehicle theft rates may decline as a result of various reasons, such as the availability of improved
security systems, implementation of improved or more effective law enforcement measures, or improved economic or political conditions
in markets that have high theft rates. If vehicle theft rates in any or all of our existing markets decline, or if insurance companies
or our other customers believe that vehicle theft rates have declined or are expected to decline, demand for our SVR services and telematics
products may decline.
A decline in sales of new cars at the markets in which we operate
could result in reduced demand for our telematics services and telematics products.
Our SVR services and telematics products are primarily used to protect cars and are
often installed before or immediately after their initial sale. Consequently, a reduction in sales of vehicles could reduce our addressable
market for SVR services and telematics products. New vehicle sales may decline for various reasons, including an increase in new vehicle
tariffs, taxes or gas prices. A decline in vehicle production levels or labor disputes affecting the automobile industry in the markets
where we operate may also impact the volume of new vehicle sales. A decline in sales of new vehicles in the markets in which we provide
our SVR services or sell our telematics products could result in reduced demand for such services and products.
There is significant competition in the markets in which we offer
our services and products and our results of operations could be adversely affected if we fail to compete successfully.
The markets for our services and products are highly competitive. We compete primarily
on the basis of the technological innovation, quality and price of our services and products. Our most competitive market is the telematics
services market and the related telematics products market, due to the existence of a wide variety of competing services and products
and alternative technologies that offer various levels of protection and tracking capabilities, including global positioning systems,
or GPS, satellite- or network-based cellular systems and direction-finding homing technologies. Some of these competing services and products,
such as certain GPS-based products, are installed in new cars by vehicle manufacturers prior to their initial sale, which effectively
precludes us from competing for such subscribers in the SVR market. Furthermore, providers of competing services or products may extend
their offerings to the locations in which we operate, or new competitors may enter the telematics services market. Our telematics products
also compete with less sophisticated theft protection devices such as standard car alarms, immobilizers, steering wheel locks and homing
devices, some of which may be significantly cheaper. Some of these competing products have greater brand recognition than our telematics
products.
The development of new or improved competitive products, systems
or technologies that compete with our telematics products may render our products less competitive or obsolete, which could cause a decline
in our revenues and profitability.
We are engaged in businesses characterized by rapid technological change and frequent
new product developments and enhancements. The number of companies developing and marketing new telematics products has expanded considerably
in recent years. The development of new or improved products, systems or technologies that compete with our telematics products, for both
our SVR and fleet management services, may render our products and services less competitive and we may not be able to enhance our technology
in a timely manner. In addition to the competition resulting from new products, systems or technologies, our future product enhancements
may not adequately meet the requirements of the marketplace and may not achieve the broad market acceptance necessary to generate significant
revenues. Any of the foregoing could cause a decline in our revenues and profitability.
The inability of local law enforcement agencies to timely and effectively
recover the stolen vehicles we locate could negatively impact customers’ perception of the usefulness of our SVR services and telematics
products, adversely affecting our revenues.
Our telematics products identify the location of vehicles in which our products are
installed. Following a notification of an unauthorized entry, or if we receive notification of the vehicle’s theft from a subscriber,
we notify the relevant law enforcement agency of the location of the subscriber’s vehicle and generally rely on local law enforcement
or governmental agencies to recover the stolen vehicle. We cannot control nor predict the response time of the relevant local law enforcement
or other governmental agencies responsible for recovering stolen vehicles, nor that the stolen vehicles, once located, will be recovered
at all. In the past, some stolen vehicles in which our telematics products were installed were not recovered on timely manner, from the
time an unauthorized entry is confirmed or reported to the time the vehicle is recovered. To the extent that the relevant agencies do
not effectively and timely respond to our calls and recover stolen vehicles, our recovery rates would likely diminish, which may, in turn,
negatively impact customers’ perception of the usefulness of our SVR services and telematics products, adversely affecting our revenues.
The ability to detect, deactivate, disable or otherwise inhibit the
effectiveness of our telematics products could adversely affect demand for such products and our revenues.
The effectiveness of our telematics products is dependent, in part, on the inability
of unauthorized persons to deactivate or otherwise alter the functioning of our telematics products or the vehicle anti-theft devices
that work in conjunction with our telematics products. As sales of our telematics products increase, criminals in the markets in which
we operate may become increasingly aware of our telematics products and may develop methods or technologies to detect, deactivate or disable
our tracking devices or the vehicle anti-theft devices that work in conjunction with our telematics products. We believe that, as is the
case with any product intended to prevent vehicle theft, over time, there may be an increased ability of unauthorized persons to detect,
deactivate, disable or otherwise inhibit the effectiveness of our telematics products, although it is difficult to verify this fact. An
increase in the ability of unauthorized persons to detect, deactivate, disable or otherwise inhibit the effectiveness of our telematics
products could adversely affect demand for our products and our revenues.
We rely on some intellectual property that we license from third
parties, the loss of which could preclude us from providing our SVR services or market and sell some of our telematics products, which
would adversely affect our revenues.
We license from third parties some of the technology that we need in order to provide
our SVR services and market and sell some of our telematics products. In the event that such licenses were to be terminated, or if such
licenses were rendered unenforceable or invalid and we would not be able to license similar technology from other parties, it would require
us, at a minimum, to obtain rights to a different technology and reconfigure our telematics products accordingly. In addition, some of
the licenses we obtained from third parties are non-exclusive, which may enable other entities to obtain identical licenses from such
third parties to operate in the places in which we conduct our business resulting in increased competition and could adversely affect
our revenues.
Our ability to sell some of our services and products depends upon
the prior receipt and maintenance of various governmental licenses and approvals and our failure to obtain or maintain such licenses and
approvals, or third-party use of the same licenses and frequencies, could result in a disruption or curtailment of our operations, a significant
increase in costs and a decline in revenues.
We are required to obtain specific licenses and approvals from various governmental
authorities in order to conduct our operations. For example, some of our telematics products use radio frequencies that are licensed and
renewed periodically from the Ministry of Communications in Israel and similar agencies worldwide. As we continue to expand into additional
markets, we will be required to obtain new permits and approvals from relevant governmental authorities. Furthermore, once our telematics
infrastructure is deployed and our telematics end-units are sold to subscribers, a change in radio frequencies would require us to recalibrate
all of our antennas and replace or modify all end-units held by subscribers, which would be costly and may result in delays in the provision
of our SVR services. In addition, some of the governmental licenses for radio frequencies that we currently use may be preempted by third
parties. In Israel, our license is designated as a “joint” license, allowing the government to grant third parties a license
to use the same frequencies, and in Brazil our license is designated as a “secondary”, non-exclusive license, which allows
the government to grant a third party a primary license to use such frequencies, which third-party use could adversely affect, disrupt
or curtail our operations. Our inability to maintain necessary governmental licenses and frequency approvals, or third-party use of or
interference with the same licenses or frequencies, could result in a significant increase in costs and decline in revenues.
Our SVR services business model is based on the existence of certain
conditions, the loss or lack of which in existing or potential markets could adversely affect our revenues generated in existing markets
or our growth potential.
Our SVR services business model and, consequently, our ability to provide our SVR services
and sell our telematics products, relies on our ability to successfully identify markets in which:
The absence of such conditions, our inability to locate markets in which such conditions
exist or the loss of any one of the above conditions in markets we currently serve could adversely affect our revenues generated in existing
markets or our growth potential.
The loss of key personnel could adversely affect our business and
prospects for growth.
Our success depends upon the efforts and abilities of key management personnel, including
our President and our Co-Chief Executive Officers. Loss of the services of one or more of such key personnel could adversely affect our
ability to execute our business plan. In addition, we believe that our future success depends in part upon our ability to attract, retain
and motivate qualified personnel necessary for the development of our business. If one or more members of our management team or other
key technical personnel become unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, and if additional key personnel cannot be hired
and retained as needed, our business and prospects for growth could be adversely affected.
We rely on third parties to manufacture our telematics products,
which could affect our ability to provide such products in a timely and cost-effective manner, adversely impacting our revenues and profit
margins.
We outsource the manufacturing of a significant part of our telematics products to third
parties. We use manufacturers for production of our telematics products and we do not maintain significant levels of inventories to support
us in the event of an unexpected interruption in its manufacturing process. If our principal manufacturer or any of our other manufacturers
is unable to or fails to manufacture our products in a timely manner, we may not be able to secure alternative manufacturing facilities
without experiencing an interruption in the supply of our products or an increase in production costs. Any such interruption or increase
in production costs could affect our ability to provide our telematics products in a timely and cost-effective manner, adversely impacting
our revenues and profit margins.
We rely on two major suppliers to supply us with various products
and software. Each of these suppliers supply us with different type of products and services and act as single supplier of such products
and services.
We rely on two major suppliers to supply us with various products and software, one
of them is our subsidiary. Each of these suppliers supply us with different type of products and software and act as single supplier of
such products and services.
Termination of relations with one of our major suppliers would adversely affect our
operations and revenues.
We depend on the use of specialized quality assurance testing equipment
for the production of our telematics products, the loss or unavailability of which could adversely affect our results of operations.
We and our third-party manufacturers use specialized quality assurance testing equipment
in the production of our products. The replacement of any such equipment as a result of its failure or loss could result in a disruption
of our production process or an increase in costs, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
The adoption of industry standards that do not incorporate the technology
we use may decrease or eliminate the demand for our services or products and could harm our results of operations.
There are no established industry standards in all of the businesses in which we sell
our telematics products. For example, vehicle location devices may operate by employing various technologies, including network triangulation,
GPS, satellite-based or network-based cellular or direction-finding homing systems. The development of industry standards that do not
incorporate the technology we use may decrease or eliminate the demand for our services or products and we may not be able to develop
new services and products that are in compliance with such new industry standards on a cost-effective basis. If industry standards develop
and such standards do not incorporate our telematics products and we are unable to effectively adapt to such new standards, such development
could harm our results of operations.
Expansion of our operations to new markets involves risks and our
failure to manage such risks may delay or preclude our ability to generate anticipated revenues and may impede our overall growth strategy.
We anticipate future growth to be attributable to our business activities in new markets,
particularly in developing countries, where we may encounter additional risks and challenges, such as longer payment cycles, potentially
adverse tax consequences, potential difficulties in collecting receivables and potential difficulties in enforcing agreements or other
rights in foreign legal systems. The challenges and risks of entering a new market may delay or preclude our ability to generate anticipated
revenues and may impede our overall growth strategy.
Part of our services rely on GPS/GPRS-based technology owned and
controlled by others, the loss, impairment or increased expense of which could negatively impact our immediate and future revenues from,
or growth of, our services and adversely affect our results of operations.
Part of our business relies on signals from GPS/GPRS satellites built and maintained
by third parties. If GPS/GPRS satellites become unavailable to us, or if the costs associated with using GPS/GPRS technology increase
such that it is no longer feasible or cost-effective for us to use such technology, we will not be able to adequately provide our services.
In addition, if one or more GPS/GPRS satellites malfunction, there could be a substantial delay before such satellites are repaired or
replaced, if at all. The occurrence of any of the foregoing events could negatively impact our immediate and future revenues from, or
growth of, our telematics services and adversely affect our results of operations.
Material cyber security failure may harm our operations, which rely
on use of information technology and wireless transmission.
Our telematics and SVR services, relies on the use of information technology which under
a major cyber security breach, could harm our operations. We are using physical services, wireless transmitting stations, GPRS/GPS, and
in lesser account cloud computing to provide our services. There are risks associated with storing and transmitting data, which due to
cyber security breach may be corrupted, and the store data on remote servers may be destroyed, damaged, seized, or otherwise no longer
accessible, which may temporary decrease our ability to deliver telematics and SVR services.
We implemented cyber security controls – which consists of three pillars: prevention,
detection and response (data recovery in the event of a cyber breach). We perform an ongoing review of our systems and an annual external
review of our cyber security controls and their implementation. However, such cyber security controls may not be able to prevent all unexpected
weaknesses. In the event of a cyber-attack, we could experience the corruption or loss of data, misappropriation of assets or sensitive
information, including customer information, or operational disruption. This could result in response costs and various financial loss
and may subject us to litigation and cause damage to our reputation, for which we may not be covered under our current insurance policies
and may lead to substantial loss of revenues.
Some of our employees in our subsidiaries in Brazil and Argentina
are members of labor unions and a dispute between us and any such labor union could result in a labor strike that could delay or preclude
altogether our ability to generate revenues in the markets where such employees are located.
Some of our employees in our subsidiaries in Brazil and Argentina are members of labor
unions. If a labor dispute were to develop between us and our unionized employees, such employees could go on strike and we could suffer
work stoppage for a significant period of time. A labor dispute can be difficult to resolve and may require us to seek arbitration for
resolution, which arbitration can be time consuming, distracting to management, expensive and difficult to predict. The occurrence of
a labor dispute with our unionized employees could delay or preclude altogether our ability to generate revenues in the markets where
such employees are located.
A regional or a global health pandemic, such as COVID-19, could severely affect our
business, results of operations and financial condition due to impacts on our suppliers and customers, as well as impacts from remote work
arrangements, actions taken to contain the disease or treat its impact and the speed and extent of the recovery.
We are subject to litigation that could result in significant costs
to us.
On July 13, 2015, we received a purported class action lawsuit which was filed against
the Company in the District Court of Central Region in Tel-Aviv by one plaintiff who is a subscriber of the Company, alleging that the
Company, which was declared a monopoly under the Israeli Antitrust Law, unlawfully abused its power as a monopoly and discriminated between
its customers. The lawsuit is yet to be approved as a class action. The total amount claimed if the lawsuit is approved as a class action
was estimated by the plaintiff to be approximately NIS 300 million (approximately USD 96 million). Based on an opinion of its legal counsels,
the Company believes that the lawsuit lacks substantiation, and that the Company has good defense arguments in respect of claims made
by the plaintiff and that the chances that the suit will not be approved as a class action lawsuit are higher than it will be approved.
While we cannot predict the outcome of this case, if we are not successful in defending our claim, we could be subject to significant
costs, adversely affecting our results of operations.
For additional information on these lawsuits and for information concerning additional
litigation proceedings, please refer to Item 8.A – “Consolidated financial Statements and other Financial Information”
under the caption “Material Legal Proceedings” below.
We have not applied nor obtained for several of the permits required
for the operation of some of our base sites. To the extent enforcement is sought, the breadth, quality and capacity of our network coverage
could be materially affected.
Currently most of our base sites in Israel and Brazil and some of our base sites in
Argentina operate without local building permits or the equivalent. Although relevant authorities in Israel, Brazil and Argentina have
not historically enforced penalties for non-compliance with certain permit regulations, following ongoing press coverage and actions by
various public interest groups, relevant Israeli authorities have begun seeking enforcement of permit regulations, especially with respect
to antennas constructed for cellular phone operators. Some possible enforcement measures include the closure or demolition of existing
base sites or the imposition of limitation on erection of new base stations. Should these enforcement measures be imposed upon us in Israel,
Brazil or Argentina, the extent, quality and capacity of our network coverage and, as a result, our ability to provide SVR services, may
be adversely affected. In Israel we are in process of achieving compliance with the regulation of our base stations, such process can
take several years.
Currency fluctuations may result in valuation adjustments in our
assets and liabilities and could cause our results of operations to decline.
The valuation of our assets and liabilities, our revenues received, and the related
expenses incurred are not always denominated in the same currency. This lack of correlation between revenues and expenses exposes us to
risks resulting from currency fluctuations. These currency fluctuations could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, such
currency fluctuations take place in several countries in which we operate which affects our operation results in these countries. In addition,
fluctuations in currencies may result in valuation adjustments in our assets and liabilities which could cause our results of operations
to decline.
We are headquartered in Israel and therefore our results of operations
may be adversely affected by political, economic and military instability in Israel.
Our headquarters are located in Israel and most our key employees, officers and directors
are residents of Israel. Accordingly, security, political and economic conditions in Israel directly affect our business. Over the past
several decades, a number of armed conflicts have taken place between Israel and its Arab neighbors. During July-August 2014 and during
May 2021, Israel was engaged in an armed conflicts with a militant group and political party who controls the Gaza Strip. These conflicts
involved missile strikes against civilian targets in various parts of Israel, including areas in which our employees and some of our consultants
are located, and negatively affected business conditions in Israel. Continued or increased hostilities, future armed conflicts, political
developments in other states in the region or continued or increased terrorism could make it more difficult for us to conduct our operations
in Israel, which could increase our costs and adversely affect our financial results.
Furthermore, there are number of countries, primarily in the Middle East, that still
restrict business with Israel or Israeli companies and as a result our company is precluded from marketing its products in these countries.
Restrictive laws or policies directed toward Israel or Israeli businesses could have an adverse effect on our ability to grow our business
and our results of operations.
Under Israeli law, we are considered a “monopoly” and
therefore subject to certain restrictions that may negatively impact our ability to grow our business in Israel.
We have been declared a monopoly under the Israeli Economy competition Law (formerly
known as Restrictive Trade Practices Law, 1988) (the “Israeli Antitrust Law”), in the market for the provision of systems
for the location of vehicles. Under Israeli law, a monopoly is prohibited from taking certain actions, such as predatory pricing and the
provision of loyalty discounts, which prohibitions do not apply to other companies. The Israeli antitrust authority (under its new name
- Competition Authority) may further declare that we have abused our position in the market. Any such declaration in any suit in which
it is claimed that we engage in anti-competitive conduct would serve as prima facie evidence that
we are a monopoly or that we have engaged in anti-competitive behavior. Furthermore, we may be ordered to take or refrain from taking
certain actions, such as set maximum prices, in order to protect against unfair competition. If we breach certain provisions of the Israeli
Antitrust Law, including as a monopoly, the Israeli Competition authority may also impose on us in an administrative procedure, financial
sanctions in an amount of up to the lower of NIS 100 million (approximately US$32 million) or 8% of our annual revenues for the
last financial year prior to such breach. Restraints on our operations as a result of being considered a “monopoly” in Israel
could adversely affect our ability to grow our business in Israel.
It may be difficult and costly to enforce a judgment issued in the
United States against us, our executive officers and directors, or to assert United States securities laws claims in Israel or serve process
on our officers and directors.
We are incorporated and headquartered in Israel. As a result, our executive officers
and directors are non-residents of the United States and a substantial portion of our assets and the assets of these persons are located
outside of the United States. Therefore, service of process upon any of these officers or directors may be difficult to effect in the
United States. Furthermore, it may be difficult to enforce a judgment issued against us in the United States or any of such persons in
both United States courts and other courts abroad.
Additionally, there is doubt as to the enforceability of civil liabilities under United
States federal securities laws in actions originally instituted in Israel or in actions for the enforcement of a judgment obtained in
the United States on the basis of civil liabilities in Israel.
Provisions of Israeli corporate and tax law may delay, prevent or
otherwise encumber a merger with, or an acquisition of, our company, which could prevent a change of control, even when the terms of such
transaction are favorable to us and our shareholders.
We may be subject to Israeli corporate law which regulates mergers, requires tender
offers for acquisitions of shares above specified thresholds, requires special approvals for transactions involving directors, officers
or significant shareholders and regulates other matters that may be relevant to these types of transactions. In addition, our articles
of association contain, among other things, provisions that may make it more difficult to acquire our company, such as classified board
provisions and certain restrictions on the members of our board pursuant to regulatory requirements of the Israeli Ministry of Communication.
Furthermore, Israeli tax considerations may make potential transaction structures involving the acquisition of our company unappealing
to us or to some of our shareholders. See Item 10.B. – “Memorandum and Articles of Association” - “Our Corporate
Practices under the Israeli Companies Law” under the caption “Approval of Transactions under Israeli law” and Item 10.E.
– “Taxation” under the caption “Israeli Tax Considerations” for additional discussion of some anti-takeover
effects of Israeli law. These provisions of Israeli law and our articles of association may delay, prevent or otherwise encumber a merger
with, or an acquisition of, our company or any of our assets, which could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control
of our company, even when the terms of such a transaction could be favorable to our shareholders.
The rights and responsibilities of our shareholders will be governed
by Israeli law and may differ in some respects from the rights and responsibilities of shareholders under United States law.
We are incorporated under Israeli law. The rights and responsibilities of holders of
our ordinary shares are governed by our memorandum of association, articles of association and by Israeli law. These rights and responsibilities
differ in some respects from the rights and responsibilities of shareholders in typical US-based corporations. In particular, a shareholder
of an Israeli company has a duty to act in good faith toward the company and other shareholders and to refrain from abusing his, her or
its power in the company, including, among other things, in voting at the general meeting of shareholders on certain matters. Israeli
corporate law has undergone extensive revisions in recent years and, as a result, there is little case law available to assist in understanding
the implications of these provisions that govern shareholders’ actions, which may be interpreted to impose additional obligations
on holders of our ordinary shares that are typically not imposed on shareholders of US-based corporations.
Future sales of our ordinary shares could reduce the market price
of our ordinary shares.
If we or our shareholders sell substantial amounts of our ordinary shares on the Nasdaq
Global Select Market, the market price of our ordinary shares may decline.
The market price of our ordinary shares is subject to fluctuation,
which could result in substantial losses for our investors.
The stock market in general, and the market price of our ordinary shares in particular,
are subject to fluctuation, and changes in our share price may be unrelated to our operating performance. The market price of our ordinary
shares has fluctuated in the past, and we expect it will continue to do so, as a result of a number of factors, including:
These factors and price fluctuations may materially and adversely affect the market
price of our ordinary shares and result in substantial losses to our investors.
Somewhat significant portion of our ordinary shares are held by a
small number of existing shareholders and our articles of association provide for a staggered board, which may hinder change of control.
Moked Ituran Ltd. currently beneficially owns approximately 19.87% of our outstanding
ordinary shares (not including treasury stock held by us). Other than applicable regulatory requirements under applicable law, Moked Ituran
Ltd., is not prohibited from selling an interest in our company to a third party. In addition, our articles of association provide for
a staggered board which may delay, prevent or deter a change in control. For additional information concerning our staggered board, see
Item 6.A – Directors and Senior Management.
U.S. investors in our company could suffer adverse tax consequences
if we are characterized as a passive foreign investment company.
If, for any taxable year, our passive income or our assets that produce passive income
exceed levels established by the Internal Revenue Code, we may be characterized as a passive foreign investment company, which we refer
to as PFIC, for US federal income tax purposes. This characterization could result in adverse US tax consequences to our shareholders
who are U.S. Holders. See Item 10.E. – “Taxation” under the caption “United States Tax Considerations” below,
for more information about which shareholders may qualify as U.S. Holders. If we were classified as a PFIC, a U.S. Holder could be subject
to increased tax liability upon the sale or other disposition of our ordinary shares or upon the receipt of amounts treated as “excess
distributions.” Under such rules, the excess distribution and any gain would be allocated ratably over the U.S. Holder’s holding
period for the ordinary shares and the amount allocated to the current taxable year and any taxable year prior to the first taxable year
in which we were a PFIC would be taxed as ordinary income. The amount allocated to each of the other taxable years would be subject to
tax at the highest marginal rate in effect for the applicable class of taxpayer for that year, and an interest charge for the deemed deferral
benefit would be imposed on the resulting tax allocated to such other taxable years. In addition, U.S holders of shares in a PFIC may
not receive a “step-up” in basis on shares acquired from a decedent. U.S. Holders should consult with their own U.S. tax advisors
with respect to the United States tax consequences of investing in our ordinary shares as well as the specific application of the “excess
distribution” and other rules discussed in this paragraph. For a discussion of how we might be characterized as a PFIC and related
tax consequences, please see Item 10.E. – “Taxation” under the caption “United States Tax Considerations–Passive
foreign investment company considerations”.
Securities we issue to fund our operations or in connection with
acquisitions could dilute our shareholders ownership or impact the value of our ordinary shares.
We may decide to raise additional funds through a public or private debt or equity financing
to fund our operations or finance acquisitions. If we issue additional equity securities, the percentage of ownership of our shareholders
will be reduced and the new equity securities may have rights superior to those of our ordinary shares, which may, in turn, adversely
affect the value of our ordinary shares.
Global and local economic downturns could reduce the level of consumer
spending and available credit within the automobile industry, which could adversely affect demand for our products and services and negatively
impact our financial results.
Current and future economic conditions could adversely affect consumer spending in the
automobile industry, as such spending is often discretionary and may decline during economic downturns when consumers have less disposable
income. Consequently, changes in general economic conditions resulting in a significant decrease in dealer automobile sales or in a tightening
of credit in financial markets, such as the 2007 U.S. subprime mortgage crisis and resulting credit crunch, could adversely impact our
future revenue and earnings. Such decreases could also affect the financial security of the automobile dealers and manufactures with whom
we do business. The delayed payment from or closure of our larger dealer groups could affect our ability to collect on our receivables.
Similar effects could result from local economic downturns in either one of our main markets of operations, i.e. Israel, Brazil, Mexico,
Colombia, Ecuador and Argentina. Given the volatile nature of the current market disruption, we may not timely anticipate or manage such
existing or new risks. Our failure to do so could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations
and prospects.
Our legal name is Ituran Location and Control Ltd. and we were incorporated under the
laws of the State of Israel on February 1994 as a subsidiary of Tadiran Ltd., an Israeli-based designer and manufacturer of telecommunications
equipment, software and defense electronic systems, whose original business purpose was to adapt military-grade technologies for the civilian
market.
We are mainly engaged in the area of Telematics services, consisting of stolen vehicle
recovery, fleet management services, connected cars, UBI, and other tracking services. We also provide telematics products used in connection
with our Telematics services and various other applications. We currently primarily provide our services as well as sell and lease our
products in Israel, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, Canada and the United States.
In May 1998, we completed the initial public offering of our ordinary shares in Israel
and our ordinary shares began trading on the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange. In September 2005, we publicly offered our ordinary shares in the
United States. On May 25, 2016 our shares were voluntarily delisted from the Tel Aviv stock exchange, and our ordinary shares are currently
quoted only on Nasdaq under the symbol “ITRN”.
On September 13, 2018 we closed the acquisition of 81.3% of the shares of Road Track
Holding S.L, (following transaction name was changed to Ituran Spain Holdings S.L) a telematics company operating primarily in the Latin
American region ("RTH Transaction").
We paid the shareholders of Road Track Holding S.L $91.7 million for 81.3% of the company
valuing the company at approximately $113 million. Of this, $75.7 million was paid in cash, through a debt facility provided by Ituran’s
lending bank. An additional $12 million was paid in our shares (373,489 shares). The remaining $4 million was paid out of the company’s
equity as a bonus over the coming three years to the senior management of Road Track Holding S.L who remained with us through the end
of that period. The above mentioned consideration paid to the sellers was subject to downward adjustments depending on the full year 2018
performance of the Road Track business. Based on the aforementioned mechanism, during April 2019 an amount of 300,472 shares (approximately
valued at $ 11 million) were transferred to our ownership. Based on indemnification provisions we were also compensated in an amount of
1.0 million USD. On September 22, 2021, we closed the acquisition, of the remaining 18.7% shares of Ituran Spain Holdings S.L., for a
total amount of $11.2 million and therefore completed the full ownership of Ituran Spain Holdings S.L.
We are subject to the provisions of the Israeli Companies Law, 5759-1999. Our principal
executive offices are located at 3 Hashikma Street, Azour 58001, Israel, and our telephone number is +972-3-557-1333. Our website address
is www.ituran.com (the information contained therein or linked thereto shall
not be considered incorporated by reference in this annual report). Our agent for service of process in the United States Ituran USA Inc.1700
NW 64th ST. SUITE 100 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309, and its telephone number is +1 (866) 543-5433.
We had capital expenditures of $16.6 million in 2021, $ 10.2 million in 2020 and $18.3
million in 2019. We have financed our capital expenditures with cash generated from our operations.
Our capital expenditures in 2021, 2020 and 2019 consisted primarily of acquisition of
operational equipment for $ 7.0 million, $3.9 million, and $7.1 million respectively.
We believe we are a leading provider of telematics services, consisting predominantly
of stolen vehicle recovery, fleet management services and other tracking services as well as connected car and UBI (usage base insurance).
We also provide telematics products used in connection with our telematics services. We currently primarily provide our services and sell
and lease our products in Israel, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, United States, Canada and other regions through our distributers.
We utilize technologies that enable precise and secure high-speed data transmission and analysis. Some of the technology underlying our
products was originally developed for the Israeli Defense Forces in order to locate downed pilots.
We generate our revenues from subscription fees paid for our telematics services and
from the sale and lease of our telematics products.
We describe below the principal markets in which we compete. For a breakdown of total
revenues by category of activity and geographic market for each of the last three financial years, please see Item 5.A - Operating Results
under the caption “Revenues”.
In 2021, 70% of our revenues were attributable to our telematics services. As of December
31, 2021, we provided our services in Israel, Brazil, and other countries to approximately 653,000, 453,000, and 775,000 subscribers,
respectively.
Following RTH Transaction we have direct agreements with 2 major car manufacturers
and our products developed by RTH subsidiary are embedded in the cars or otherwise approved by the car manufacturer. This connection requires
us to stand up for the highest car manufacturer automotive standards.
Our stolen vehicle recovery and tracking services, which we refer to as SVR services,
enable us to locate, track and recover stolen vehicles for our subscribers. Our customers include individual vehicle owners who subscribe
to our services directly, car manufacturers and insurance companies that either require their customers to install a security system or
offer their customers financial incentives to subscribe to SVR services such as ours. In certain countries, insurance companies directly
subscribe to our SVR services on behalf of their customers.
Our fleet management services enable corporate and individual customers to track and
manage their vehicles in real time. Our services improve appointment scheduling, route management and fleet usage tracking, thereby increasing
efficiency and reducing operating costs for our customers. We market and sell our services to a broad range of vehicle fleet operators
and individual vehicle owners in different geographic locations and industries. As of December 31, 2021, we provided our services to approximately
421,000 end-users through 25,000 corporate customers in countries where we operate directly and through distributers.
The locator services that we offer allow customers to protect valuable merchandise and
equipment. We currently provide locator services in Israel, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador and Argentina. In addition, through a call
center, we provide 24-hour on-demand navigation guidance, information and assistance to our customers. Such services include the provision
of traffic reports, help with directions and information on the location gas stations, car repair shops, post offices, hospitals and other
facilities. We offer our concierge services to our subscribers in Israel, Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia and Brazil.
"Connected Car"- The service platform includes a back office application, a telematics
device installed in the vehicle, mobile apps for both IOS and Android and an interface using the car infotainment screen. Such services
include information on car service history, information on some car systems, remote communication with the car in order to detect malfunctions,
and to provide pre-emptive car maintenance alerts for both mechanical failures and operational issues such as a low tire pressure alert.
The system also enables booking service appointments, both from the infotainment system interface in the system and from the user's mobile
app and additional related operational, and marketing services, as well as information analysis. ”Connected Car’ is operating
in Israel, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Argentina and Ecuador.
“Usage Based Insurance” (UBI) – we have developed a unique product
(hardware and software) that measure and analyze the driving behavior in a verity of aspects by the driver, which enables insurance companies
to offer a tailor -made and personalized insurance policy. The UBI has already been implemented and marketed by seven Israeli insurance
companies and we intend to accelerate its marketing and work with additional insurance companies in year 2022.
In 2021, 30% of our revenues were attributable to the sale of our telematics products.
Our telematics products employ short - and medium-range communication between two-way wireless modems and are used for various applications,
including automatic vehicle location, which we refer to as telematics products.
Our telematics products enable the location and tracking of vehicles, as well as assets,
and are used by us primarily to provide Telematics services as described above to our customers. Each subscriber to our services has our
telematics end-unit installed in his or her vehicle. Subscribers to services for locating equipment and merchandise will use our SMART
and GPS/GPRS products.
Our stolen vehicle recovery system is based on three main components: a telematics end-unit
that is installed in the vehicle, a network of base stations and a 24-hour manned control center. Once the control center receives indication
of an unauthorized entry into a vehicle equipped with our telematics end-unit, our operators decide whether it is a false alarm or an
actual unauthorized entry. If it is determined to be an unauthorized entry, or if a notification of the vehicle’s theft is received
directly from the vehicle operator, our operators transmit a signal that activates the transmitter installed in the vehicle. We then pinpoint
the location of the transmitter with terrestrial network triangulation technology or GPRS technology and notify the relevant law enforcement
agency. In Israel, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador and Argentina, we also maintain private enforcement units, which work together with
local police to recover the vehicle. In addition, we have the capability to immobilize vehicles remotely from our control centers.
We offer our customers the ability to use a comprehensive application for fleet management
both by using an Internet site and workstations. Our system allows our customers 24-hour access to information on their fleets through
our active control center and we are able to tailor our system to our customers’ specific needs.
Our solutions allow our subscribers to effectively manage and control their fleet, and
thereby to reduce their operating costs, optimize work hours and appointment scheduling and improve their services and operations. Our
system includes the following features:
Our telematics products are used for various applications in the telematics markets
and primarily in connection with our telematics services described above.
Our telematics products enable the location and tracking of vehicles, as well as assets
or persons, and are primarily used by us in providing our telematics services. Each subscriber to our services has at least one of our
end-units installed in his or her vehicle. Subscribers to services for locating persons or valuables will use our SMART and GPS/GPRS products.
Our key telematics products for telematics applications include:
The following table lists the key services and products that we currently sell or lease in different regions
of the world:
In each of the above countries we maintain a control center, which is operated 24 hours a day, 365 days
a year. The following is a short description of key operating statistics about our telematics services in the countries in which we operate
(including through RTH subsidiaries):
In all of the abovementioned countries (except of Israel and
Brazil), and others, we had approximately 775,000 subscribers as of December 31, 2021.
We market and sell our products and services to a broad range of customers that vary
in size, geographic location and industry. In 2019 one of our customers comprised 15.8% of our total annual revenues. In 2020 and 2021
no single customer or group of related customers comprised more than 10% of our total annual revenues.
Our selling and marketing objective is to achieve broad market penetration through targeted
marketing and sales activities. As of December 31, 2021, our selling and marketing team consisted of 84 employees.
Our customers in the SVR market include insurance companies, car manufactures and individual
vehicle owners. As of December 31, 2021, majority of our subscribers use SVR services.
Our marketing and sales efforts are principally focused on five target groups: insurance
companies and agents, car manufacturers, dealers and importers, cooperative sales channels (mostly vehicle fleet operators and owners)
and private subscribers.
We maintain marketing and sales departments in each geographical market in which we
operate. Each department is responsible for maintaining our relationships with our principal target groups. These responsibilities also
include advertising and branding, sales promotions and sweepstakes.
In Israel, we focus our marketing efforts on insurance companies and agents, dealers
and importers, cooperative sales channels (mostly vehicle fleet operators and owners) and private subscribers. In Brazil and Argentina
our marketing and sales efforts are principally focused in all five target groups, as described above. In the United States, we believe
that insurance companies do not constitute a material influence in the marketing of SVR services or telematics products. Most of our sales
in the United States are made through car dealerships and dealers for new or used cars and cooperative sales channels (mostly vehicle
fleet operators and owners). In Mexico, Colombia and Ecuador we focus our marketing efforts on dealers and importers, cooperative sales
channels (mostly vehicle fleet operators and owners), private subscribers and car manufactures.
Vehicle fleet management systems are primarily marketed through vehicle fleets’
departments, which form a part of our regional marketing departments. We conduct in-depth research to identify companies that will gain
efficiency and cost savings through the implementation of our products and services and conduct targeted marketing campaigns to these
companies. In addition, we participate in professional conventions and advertise in professional publications and journals designed for
our target customers. Our customers in the fleet management market include small-, mid- and large-size enterprises and individuals. As
of December 31, 2021, we provided our services to approximately 421,000 end users through 25,000 corporate customers and individuals in
Israel, Brazil, Argentina, United States, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador and through distributers in other regions.
"Connected Car"- The service platform includes a back-office application, a telematics
device installed in the vehicle, mobile apps for both IOS and Android and an interface using the car infotainment screen. Such services
include information on car service history, information on some car systems, remote communication with the car in order to detect malfunctions,
and to provide pre-emptive car maintenance alerts for both mechanical failures and operational issues such as a low tire pressure alert.
The system also enables booking service appointments, both from the infotainment system interface in the system and from the user's mobile
app, and additional related operational, and marketing services, as well as information analysis.” Connected Car’ is
operating in Israel, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Argentina and Ecuador. As of December 31, 2021 we had 472,000 subscribers.
“Usage Based Insurance (UBI)" – we have developed a unique product (hardware
and software) that measure and analyze the driving behavior in a verity of aspects by the driver, which enables insurance companies to
offer a tailor -made and personalized insurance policy. The UBI has already been implemented and marketed by Seven Israeli insurance companies
and we intend to accelerate its marketing and work with additional insurance companies in year 2022.
(B) Telematics products
Our telematics end-units are primarily used by us in providing our telematics services,
including, SVR, fleet management, "Connected Car" and value-added services, at the regions we operate.
Competition
We face strong competition for our services and products in each market in which we
operate. We compete primarily on technology edge, functionality, ease of use, quality, price, service availability, geographic coverage,
track record of recovery rates and response times and financial strength.
(A) Telematics services
We compete with a variety of companies in each of our markets. The three major technologies
utilized by our competitors are GPS/cellular, network-based cellular and radio frequency-based homing systems. In addition, new competitors
utilizing other technologies may continue to enter the market.
Stolen vehicle recovery
■ |
Israel. Our primary competitors in Israel are Pointer and Skylock Ltd. |
■ |
Brazil. Brazil is a highly fragmented market with many companies selling competing products
and services (including immobilizers and other less-sophisticated vehicle security systems). Our main competitors in Brazil are Sascar,
Zatix, CEABS, Car Systems, Sat-Company, 3S. |
■ |
Argentina. Argentina is a highly fragmented market with many companies selling competing products
and services (including immobilizers and other less-sophisticated vehicle security systems). Our main competitors in Argentina are LoJack
Corporation, Pointer Argentina S.A., Prosegur S.A. and Megatrans S.A. |
■ |
United States. In the United States, there are several major companies offering various theft
protection and recovery products that compete with our product and service offerings, including LoJack Corporation, OnStar Corporation,
Advantage GPS/Procon Analytics, Sarekon GPS, Calamp, Spireon (which also includes SysLocate and GoldStar), PassTime, Guide Point, Icon
and I-Metrik SVR. |
◾ |
Colombia. Colombia is a highly fragmented market. Main
companies operate under the satellite/cellular infrastructure. Our main competitors are LoJack Corporation (under Detekor Brand), Prosegur,
SATRACK (Local Company). |
◾ |
Mexico. Mexico is a highly fragmented market in tracking and satellite location services,
in which there are multiple companies dedicated to providing comprehensive satellite tracking, fleet management and vehicle recovery solutions
with GPS technology through the marketing of similar devices and technologies to ours, highly specialized in fleet management. The direct
competitors are LoJack Corporation, Encontrack S.A. and Pointer Recuperación S.A. |
◾ |
Ecuador. Ecuador is highly fragmented market.
Main companies operate under the satellite/cellular infrastructure. Our main competitors
are Hunter (Lojack Corporation),Tracklink and Carsync. |
We believe that we are a leading provider of telematics services in Israel, as we are deemed a monopoly
in this field; however, we are unable to provide specific market share information in the markets of our operations for various reasons,
including the broad range of services and products that compete in these markets, the non-existence of trade publications with respect
to the products and services we offer in such markets and the lack of meaningful or accurate market research or data available to us.
Fleet Management
The vehicle fleet management market is highly fragmented with many corporations offering
location products and services. Our major competitors are:
|
• |
Israel: Pointer, ISR, Traffilog and Skylock; |
|
• |
United States: GPS Insight, Trimble, Network Fleet, Street Eagle, FleetMatics, Navtrack, Teletrac,
Trim Track, FleetBoss, PassTime, Verizon, AT&T, Geotab, Fleet-Complete,Sprint, Zubie, and Spireon; |
|
• |
Brazil: Sascar, Zatix, CEABS, 3S and GolSat; |
|
• |
Argentina: LoJack Corporation, Megatrans SA., Sitrac S.A., American Tracer, Ubicar S.A.,Sky
Cop. and Prosegur S.A; |
|
• |
Mexico: LoJack Corporation, Encotrack, Easytrack, Geotab and Tracker; |
|
• |
Ecuador: Hunter (LoJack Corporation), Tracklink, Carsync and Sherlock; |
|
• |
Colombia: Satrack, Detector and Prosegur. |
(B) Telematics products
Our telematics system for automatic vehicle location is based on terrestrial network
triangulation technology and GPS/GPRS and primarily competes with companies that use one of three main technologies: GPS/GPRS (in
combination with telematics), network-based cellular communication and radio frequency-based homing.
Telematics products based on GPS, network-based cellular and homing technologies do
not require the construction of a separate infrastructure of base stations as with terrestrial network triangulation systems.
GPS receivers require line of sight to at least three satellites, which reduces
their effectiveness in areas where the satellite signals are subject to interference and “noise” (such as urban areas, buildings
or parking garages, forests and other enclosed or underground spaces). GPS and network-based cellular systems are also prone to jamming
since the tracking signal receivers are located in the vehicle and can be easily tampered with. In addition, the satellites utilized by
GPS devices are managed by the United States Department of Defense and can be subject to forced temporary outages. The main disadvantage
of homing systems is that they provide only the general direction and not the precise location of the end-unit. In addition, homing systems
require that the vehicle be reported stolen before the tracking signal can be activated, which may result in a delay between vehicle theft
and recovery.
The GPS technology can receive and transmit a massive capacity of data which enable
us to provide a better data analysis and variety of additional services.
Terrestrial network triangulation system does not require line
of sight and the signals are not easily interrupted in densely populated or obstructed areas. Also, the signals are transmitted from the
end-unit in the vehicle to a network of base stations. Therefore, in order to jam the system, receivers in each individual base station
within range of the end-unit would have to be jammed, which is difficult to accomplish. Additionally, since the primary application of
terrestrial network triangulation systems in the telematics industry is vehicle location and not continuous two-way communication,
short bursts of data are sufficient for tracking purposes, which enable the network of base stations to be deployed at a much lower density
in the coverage area than traditional network-based cellular base stations. Terrestrial network triangulation systems are capable of determining
the precise location, and not just the general direction, of a vehicle at any moment in time. Furthermore, when connected with the existing
theft protection system in the vehicle, terrestrial network triangulation systems automatically alert the control center when a vehicle
is stolen and do not require that the vehicle be reported stolen, which can potentially reduce stolen vehicle recovery times to a few
minutes. The main disadvantage of terrestrial network triangulation systems is the necessity to deploy a physical infrastructure, including
the construction, development and deployment of a network of base stations and a control center and the need to address the various financial,
legal and practical issues associated with such deployment. Any such deployment entails an investment of a sizable amount of money prior
to the receipt of any revenues.
Since our telematics end-units are primarily used by us in providing our telematics
services, the information provided above concerning our competition in this market is applicable to the competition in the telematics
products’ market as well.
Manufacturing Operations and Suppliers
Our telematics products are manufactured and assembled by a limited number of manufacturers
in Israel (including our subsidiary E.R.M) and in China. We engage with our manufacturers on a full turn-key basis, where we supply detailed
production files and materials list and receive a final product that we sell directly to our clients. Other than our dependency on manufacturing
suppliers, as described in Item 3D. -“Risk Factors” above, we do not depend on a single manufacturer for the production
of our products. Our quality assurance and testing operations are performed by our manufacturers at their facilities, while using our
quality assurance and testing equipment and in accordance with the test procedures designated by us. We monitor quality with respect to
key stages of the production process, including the selection of components and subassembly suppliers, warehouse procedures, assembly
of goods, final testing, packaging and shipping. We are ISO 9001 certified. Some of our products are within the highest car manufacture
automotive standard. We believe that our quality assurance procedures have been instrumental in achieving the high degree of reliability
of our products. Due to the recent shortage of several components, prices of several components accelerated, although’ the impact
on our total purchase cost was immaterial,
Several components and subassemblies included in our products are presently obtainable
from a single source or a limited group of suppliers and subcontractors. We maintain strong relationships with our manufacturers and suppliers
to ensure that we receive an adequate supply of products, components and raw materials at favorable prices and to access their latest
technologies and product specifications.
Proprietary Rights
We seek to protect our intellectual property through patents, trademarks, contractual
rights, trade secrets, know-how, technical measures and confidentiality, non-disclosure and assignment of inventions agreements and other
appropriate protective measures to protect our proprietary rights in the primary markets in which we operate. The continued use of some
licenses granted by third parties to use their intellectual property is material to our business. Please refer to Item 3D. – Risk
Factors, under the caption “We rely on some intellectual property that we license from third parties, the loss of which could preclude
us from providing our SVR services or market and sell some of our telematics products, which would adversely affect our revenues” above.
We typically enter into non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements with our employees
and consultants. We also seek these protective agreements from some of our suppliers and subcontractors who have access to sensitive information
regarding our intellectual property. These agreements provide that confidential information developed or made known during the course
of a relationship with us is to be kept confidential and not disclosed to third parties, except in specific circumstances.
Our stolen vehicle recovery system is based on three main components: (i) a telematics
end-unit that is installed in the vehicle, (ii) (for RF technology based telematics units) a network of base stations that relay information
between the vehicle location units and the control center, certain components of which were developed by third parties and are currently
licensed to us and (iii) a 24-hour manned control center consisting of software used to manage communications and the exchange of information
among the hardware components of the telematics system, certain components of which were developed by third parties and licensed to us.
“Ituran” and “Mr. Big” and the related logos are our trademarks,
the former has been registered in Israel, Hong Kong and as a European Union and the latter has been registered in Israel. “Mapa”
trademark and its related logos where sold as part of the sale of Mapa to an unrelated party to us.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Practices
As a global brand with material social and economic influence, we recognize that our
success can only be built alongside the success of our stakeholders, including, our users, partners, and employees. We aim to achieve
high ESG standards while continuing to develop our business and executing on our strategy.
We conduct our business activities and develop policies based on a firm commitment to
ethical practices and corporate governance best practices. This includes the “code of business conduct and ethics” and anti-bribery/corruption
area where we have a policy of zero tolerance for corruption. This also includes a “Whistle Blower” procedure whose purpose
is to dissuade and to prevent illegal activity and conduct of business that may harm our good reputation. Our code of business conduct
and ethics, and the Whistle Blower procedure are published in our website.
We promote and support fair social and economic opportunities in the professional services
global market. We recognize that there are systemic and cultural biases, caused by age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion,
or ability, and we know these biases can reduce the accessibility to opportunities on a global scale. It is our mission to reduce these
accessibility gaps worldwide through our services, the programs we support, and the partners with whom we work. We invest resources into
data privacy and how we can protect our users by, among other things, building key infrastructures and policies to safeguard the data
on our platform and the privacy of our users.
We advance fairness and transparency in our workforce and we promote and implement fair
labor practices and employees' human rights throughout our organization. We respect data privacy relating to our employees. We act to
prevent sexual harassment and workplace bullying. We also implement non-discriminatory hiring and promotion practices and actively pursue
gender diversity in our workforce.
We value and celebrate diversity within our community. Our work environment seeks to
foster an inclusive culture, where our employees feel challenged and in possession of the tools to thrive at work. We are continuously
learning and looking at ways to continue to create an environment that is an inclusive place of work. Furthermore, we recognize the importance
of environmental matters.
In addition, we also have an “environmental policy”. This policy sets goals
in terms of preserving the environment, raising employees awareness and developing and promotion products that will help our customers
to save fuel and as a result to reduce waste, air pollution and gas emissions greenhouse. We also adopted a “Code of conduct of
Ituran's Suppliers and Agents” which sets high standards in choosing our suppliers, In terms of business honestly, ethically and
quality drive. Our environmental policy and the Code of conduct of Ituran's Suppliers and Agents our both published in our website.
Regulatory Environment
In order to provide our SVR services in the locations where we currently operate, we
need to obtain four primary types of licenses and permits: (i) for our products utilizing the RF technology - a license that allows us
to use designated frequencies for broadcasting, transmission or reception of signals and information and to provide telecommunication
services to our customers, (ii) for our products utilizing the RF technology - a building permit, which permits us to erect our base sites
and transmit therefrom, (iii) product specific licenses (commonly known as type approvals), which enable us to use the equipment necessary
for our services, and (iv) a general commerce license, which allows us to offer our services to the public.
The telecommunication services and frequency license and general commerce licenses we
require are granted by the applicable national agency regulating communications in the markets in which we operate, specifically, the
Ministry of Communication, in Israel, Anatel. Agencia Nacional de Telecomunicatoes in Brazil. Modernization Ministry in Argentina
and the Federal Communications Commission in USA. The product specific licenses we require are granted in Israel by the Ministry of Communication,
in Brazil by IBRACE (the Instituto Brasileiro de Certificatao de Productos para Telecominicatoes), in Argentina by the Autoridad Federal
de Tecnologias de la Información y las Comunicaciones, in the United States by the Federal Communications Commission, and Ministry
of Information Technology and Communications and Regulatory Communications Commission in Colombia. In Mexico, the regulatory authority
is the Federal Telecommunications Commission, however, because of the type of services we provide, we are not obligated entities; In Ecuador's
case, the regulatory body is the Telecommunications Regulatory and Control Agency, however, we are not subject to either.
In Brazil, the general commerce licenses, such as the city permits, are granted by the
local municipalities and other specific entities, depending on the licenses required.
Our frequency licenses in all of the locations where we operate are “secondary”
or “joint”, which means that the government may grant another person or persons, typically a cellular operator, a primary
license to the same frequencies and, to the extent our operations interfere with the operations of the other person, we would have to
modify our operations to accommodate the joint use of the frequencies. All of these licenses are also subject to revocation, alteration
or limitation by the respective authority granting them. While any events that would cause us to change frequencies or to modify our operations
could have a material adverse effect on us, we do not believe that this is a likely event in any of the locations where we provide our
SVR services.
Our frequency license in Israel was renewed for a term of five (5) years until January
31, 2023. Our frequency licenses in Brazil will expire in 2034. Except in Brazil, we have options to extend all of our frequency licenses
for periods ranging from three- to ten-years. A renewal application in Brazil will be submitted 6 months before the frequency license
expiration date, to provide us a new license for a period of ten (10) years. In Argentina, on July 15, 1999, the SECOM (Secretary of Communication
dependent of Economy Ministry) granted us a license to provide services in a Secondary Band. On December 2015, SECOM was converted into
the Modernization Ministry, with ENACOM (National Communication Entity) which is a decentralized entity that works within the scope of
the Modernization Ministry.
Nevertheless, our frequency is still authorized, there is a new entrant with ENACOM
Authorization to provide LTE service. If this entrant starts the activity, we will face an incompatibility situation. We received the
authorization from ENACOM to use a 12-month trial in Band 8 902-905/947-950 MHz bands additionally to our current frequencies. During
this period, we will perform a test to obtain a definitive authorization. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic we have not managed an extension
to the trial period so as not to compromise future network development. We have decided to wait for a formal request from ENACOM
to start again with this trail.
On December 9, 2016, we were informed that one of the cellular providers in Argentina,
which shares some of our frequencies, intends to implement on them 4G cellular service. Such service may cause Interference that may impede
the provision of our SVR service in Argentina. We are negotiating with ENACOM to define new frequency which we will migrate into. Subject
to the applicable laws, and ENACOM decision, the migration process may take few years, and will be determined by ENACOM.
In Israel and Brazil, like our competitors and most cellular operators, we are not in
compliance with all relevant laws and regulations in connection with the erection of transmission antennas (our base sites). As of the
date hereof, most of our base sites in Israel and Brazil are operating without local building permits. Currently, there is heightened
awareness of this issue in Israel, particularly in connection with base sites of cellular providers, and possible sanctions could include
fines and even the closure or demolition of these base sites. In Brazil, Brazilian authorities enforce permit requirements and impose
penalties for non-compliance with such requirements. However, we do not believe this is likely. Obtaining such required permits may involve
additional fees as well as payments to the Land Administration Authority.
In Israel the required permits and approvals for the erection of the base sites include:
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erection and operating permits from the Israeli Ministry of the Environment; |
■ |
permits from the Israeli Civil Aviation Authority, in certain cases; |
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permits from the Israeli Defense Forces; |
■ |
approval from Israel’s Land Administration and/or from Civil Administration in the Territories, which usually also involves
payment for the land use rights; and |
■ |
building permits from local or regional zoning authorities in Israel and Brazil. |
We are continuously in the process of obtaining the relevant permits required for the
construction of our base sites in Israel, however, to date, we have been issued only 15 of these permits (13 of them have expired). With
respect to the general permit from Israel’s Land Administration, in 2005 we entered into an agreement with the Israel’s Land
Administration, pursuant to which the general permit has been issued to us against an annual consideration based on the date of approval
of our base sites. The agreement had expired on December 31, 2010. In the event that the Israel Land Administration claims consideration
for the building of the base sites without a permit, we may be subject to penalties and payment of annual consideration for the years
of use of those base sites.
In Brazil, very few providers of wireless telecommunications services obtain the required
permits for the erection of transmission antennas due to the nature of the approval process. Currently we do not have such permits (except
Anatel permits). In Brazil, we try to minimize our risk by locating most of our equipment in sub-leased sites which are already used by
other telecommunication service providers, such as cellular operators.
In Brazil the required permits for the building of our base sites include:
|
• |
a permit from Anatel (National Agency for Telecommunication) |
|
• |
a permit from IBAMA (Environment national agency) and/or state EPAs |
|
• |
a permit from the fire department; and a |
|
• |
permit from COMAR (Aviation authorities) |
ANATEL permits are required only for sites where we have transmission equipment and
we have obtained all the permits required with this agency. Special IBAMA permits need to be obtained only for ground sites which are
located in certain preservation areas. We have few sites of this kind, most of them are collocated sites where we pay for the right of
use and permits are undertaken by the landowner. Fire Department permits are required only for equipment rooms and we have not applied
for any as of this date. COMAR permits are needed only for a very few of our sites, most of which are collocated.
In Argentina, the installation of an antenna support structure requires the authorization
of the owner of the building or the land in which it is intended to be install. The Municipalities regulate through specific Municipal
Ordinances are granting urban licenses for our base stations’ installation.
The regulation referred to the civil work of the support structure of the antenna,
(masts / towers / anchors / bracing, etc.) is not the competence of ENACOM (National Communication Entity), so it cannot exercise jurisdiction
over it. This situation is determined in articles 39, 40 and 41 of the National Law 19798/72, and in Resolution No. 795 CNT / 92, ratified
by Resolution 302 SC / 99. Therefore, the claims and queries related to the installation, the deterioration or poor conditions or related
to the support structures, should be addressed to the municipalities. It should be noted that the owner of a station in operation
assumes responsibility for the works and accessory facilities that must be executed to install a radio station, attributing the technical
responsibility of a civil work, to the designer and the director of the same, being this situation framed in what is established in articles
1273 and following of the Civil and Commercial Code of the Nation.
We are not in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations in connection with the
erection of antennas; some of them in the past were closure by Municipalities. As of the date hereof, most of our base sites operating
without local Municipality permits, possible sanctions could include fines and even the closure of those sites. In Argentina authorities
enforce permit requirements and impose penalties for non-compliance with such requirements. Obtaining such required permits may involve
additional fees as well as payments to Municipality Authority.
We have been declared a monopoly under the Israeli Antitrust Law, 1988, in the provision
of systems for the location of vehicles in Israel. This law prohibits a monopoly from abusing its market position in a manner that might
reduce competition in the market or negatively affect the public. For instance, a monopoly is prohibited from engaging in predatory pricing
and providing loyalty discounts, which prohibitions do not apply to other companies. The law empowers the Commissioner of Competition
to instruct a monopoly abusing its market power to perform certain acts or to refrain from taking certain acts in order to prevent the
abuse. Additionally, any declaration by the Israeli Competition authority that a monopoly has abused its position in the market may serve
in any suit in which it is claimed that such a monopoly engages in anti-competitive conduct, as prima
facie evidence that it has engaged in anti-competitive behavior. Our declaration as a monopoly in the market of “provision
of systems for the location of vehicles in Israel” was not accompanied with any instructions or special restrictions beyond the
provisions of The Economic Competition Law. Although we may be ordered to take or refrain from taking certain actions, to date we have
not been subject to such restrictions.
In Colombia we have to pay 2.2% on the annual gross income generated by the provision
of our services to the Ministry of Information Technologies and Communications (MINTIC) for use of telecommunication spectrum (resolution
0290 MINTIC) and 0.1% to Commission Regulatory of Communications (CRC) in the same terms (resolution 5807 CRC).
In Ecuador and Mexico there are no levies imposed on our activities.
Other Investments
As part of our ongoing business we are engaged and encountered by many potential investment
which may have correlation to our core business. The following are the main investments we have consummated during last seven years.
Bringg - On December 2013 the Company invested $1.4 million in Bringg delivery technologies
Ltd. (formerly Overvyoo Ltd.), an Israeli start-up company developing solutions for the management of mobile/field workforce. On January
and July, 2015, we invested additional amounts of $1.1 million and US$ 2 million, respectively. During the years 2015 - 2020, additional
investors, which are not related to us, invested in Bringg a total amount of approximately $80 million, which reduced our capital share
in Bringg. During 2021, Bringg, raised an additional $100 million, which sets Bringg’s valuation at $1 billion. Following such
investment, we now hold 16.9% of Bringg’s share capital.
SaverOne Ltd - On March 2017, we invested an amount of $0.9 million in SaverOne 2014
Ltd., an Israeli start-up company developing a system that aims to reduce the occurrence of
road accidents by preventing the use of distracting mobile apps while driving (The system prevents the driver from using texting applications
while the vehicle is in motion, leaving other passengers unaffected).
During the years 2017 – 2021 we invested additional amount of approximately $0.8
million.
On June 2020 SaverOne have consummated public registration on the Israeli Stock Market
(“TASE”) and thus its shares became equity investment with readily determinable fair
value. We now hold approximately 9.7% of SaverOne’s share capital.
As of December 31, 2021, the fair value of our investment in SaverOne is approximately
US$ 4.3 million.
On December 29, 2021, SaverOne filed with the SEC a confidential submission of Form
F-1.
C. ORGANIZATIONAL
STRUCTURE
In July 1995, Moked Ituran Ltd. purchased our company and the
assets used in connection with its operations from Tadiran and Tadiran Public Offerings Ltd. In September 2018, we acquired a majority
of the shares of Road Track, a telematics company operating primarily in the Latin American region.
List of Significant Subsidiaries
Name of Subsidiary |
|
Country of Incorporation |
|
Proportion of Ownership Interest |
|
|
|
|
|
Ituran USA Holdings Inc |
|
USA |
|
100% |
Ituran USA Inc |
|
USA |
|
85.80% |
Ituran de Argentina S.A |
|
Argentina |
|
100% |
Ituran Sistemas de Monitoramento Ltda |
|
Brazil |
|
98.75% |
Ituran Instalacoes Ltda |
|
Brazil |
|
98.75% |
Teleran Holding Ltda |
|
Brazil |
|
99.99% |
Ituran servicos Ltda |
|
Brazil |
|
98.75% |
E.R.M. Electronic Systems Limited |
|
Israel |
|
49.5%1
|
Mapa Mapping & Publishing Ltd |
|
Israel |
|
100% |
Ituran Spain Holding S.L |
|
Spain |
|
100% |
Ituran Road Track Monitaramento de Veiculos LTDA |
|
Brazil |
|
100% |
Ituran Road Track Argentina, S.A |
|
Argentina |
|
100% |
Global Telematics Solutions HK, Limited |
|
Hong Kong |
|
100% |
Road Track De Colombia S.A.S |
|
Colombia |
|
100% |
Road Track Ecuador, S.A. |
|
Ecuador |
|
100% |
Road Track Mexico S.A. De C.V |
|
Mexico |
|
100% |
Road Track HK Telematics Limited |
|
Hong Kong |
|
100% |
E.D.T.E – Drive Technology Ltd |
|
Israel |
|
100% |
Ituran Tech Ltd |
|
Israel |
|
99.99% |
|
D. |
PROPERTY, PLANTS AND EQUIPMENT |
As of the date of this report, we don’t own any real estate other than the following
properties: An office building of 8 floors in the area of approximately 5,356 sqm (57,651 square feet), which was purchased by our subsidiary
Ituran Sistemas de Monitoramento Ltda (Ituran Brazil) in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and was later, on December 3, 2014 sold to us, A building
located in Rua Joao pessoa 450, Sao Caetano do Sul, Estado de Sao Paulo in Sao Paulo, Brazil in the area of approximately 36,936 square
feet which was purchased by our subsidiary Ituran Road Track Monitoramento de Veiculos, Ltda which serve as an Operating center, A building
located in Avenida del Taller No.36 Col. Transito in Mexico in the area of approximately 21,132 square feet which was purchased by our
subsidiary Road Track Mexico, S.A de C.V which serve as an Operating center, a building located in Manuel Najas Oel 81 and Juan de Selis
in Quito, Ecuador in the area of approximately 23,875 square feet which was purchased by our subsidiary Road Track Ecuador, S.A which
serve as an Operating center, and a building located in Keren Ha' Yesod 15, Tirat Ha'Carmel, Israel at the area of approximately 5,025
square feet which was purchased by our subsidiary E.D.T.E – Drive Technology Ltd which serve as an office space and a warehouse.
1 The proportion of voting
power is 51%.
Other than the property in Brazil, Ecuador and Mexico and Israel, all of our offices,
headquarters, control centers and facilities are leased in accordance with our specific needs in the areas in which we operate. Additionally,
we lease space for our base sites, in order to operate the reception and transmission stations of the system, in each area in which we
provide our SVR services.
In 2021 we leased an aggregate of approximately 61,876 square feet of office space in
Azour and Holon, Israel. In 2021, the annual lease payments for these facilities were approximately $1,292,000. The initial term of the
primary lease (in Azour) expired on March 31, 2013; and we renewed the lease until April 2022. The lease is expected to be extended for
additional 7 years under the same terms. These premises include our executive offices and the administrative and operational centers for
our operations as well as our customer service, value-added services and technical support centers and warehouse for the Israeli market.
We also lease 3,000 square feet for a warehouse and offices in Tirat Ha’Carmel for $ 62,000 annually.
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, we lease approximately 8,611 square feet for office space
for the total amount of AR$12.772.992 ($ 98.253) annually, approximately 1,238 square feet for our control center for AR$ 3.258.000 ($
25.061) annually and approximately 2,121 square feet for our warehouse for AR$ 2.040.000 ($ 15,692) annually.
In Bogota, Colombia, we lease approximately 9,035 square feet for office space and Operating
center for the amount of $63,049 annually,
In Mexico City, Mexico, we lease approximately 3,875 square feet for Corporate Office
for the amount of $ 35,000 annually. This was terminated in November 2020. Additionally, we lease a warehouse for the amount of $3,000
annually.
We leased approximately 12,916 square feet of office space, stores and warehouse in
Brazil for approximately 264,000 ($48,000) Brazilian Real annually. The lease agreements will expire and will have to be renewed on August
21, 2026 and December 2024, as applicable to each engagement.
In Guayaquil, Ecuador, we lease approximately 2,459 square feet
for Warehouse for the amount of $ 30,000 annually. In Quito, Ecuador, we lease approximately 1,014 square feet for Warehouse for the amount
of $ 11,700 annually. In Cuenca, Ecuador, we lease approximately 170 square feet for Warehouse for the amount of $ 3,400 annually. In
Ibarra, Ecuador, we lease approximately 349 square feet for Corporate Office for the amount of $ 1,800 annually.
We leased approximately 9,260 square feet for our offices and control center in Florida
for an amount of $ 166,500 annually for period of 60 months commencing March 24, 2016 and ended March 23, 2021, and a 24 monthes
extension starting March 24, 2021 at a reduced annual rate of $146,000 annually.
We believe that our facilities are suitable and adequate for our operations as currently
conducted. In the event that additional facilities will be required, we believe that we could obtain such facilities at commercially reasonable
rates.
The size of our base station sites varies from approximately 11 to 44 square feet. In
Israel, we have 98 base stations and we rent most base station sites independently for a monthly rate ranging from $200 to $2,200 per
site depending on the location, size and other factors; for certain sites we do not pay any rent. The typical duration of a lease agreement
for our base stations in Israel is five years and we generally have a right to renew the term of the lease agreements for a period ranging
between two and five years. In Brazil, we have 147 base station sites, of which 23 sites are leased from the same entity under a 15 years-contract,
(commencing from 2012) for a monthly rate ranging from $500 to $1,750 per site. The remaining 124 sites are leased independently for an
annual rate ranging from $200 to $550 depending on the location, size and other factors, and the typical duration for these leases is
five years. In Argentina, we have 37 base station sites, all of which are leased from six entities for a monthly rate ranging from $215
to $930 per site. The duration of the lease ranges from one to two years.
We do not believe that we have a legal retirement obligation associated with the operating
leases for our base sites pursuant to the relevant accounting standards, since we do not own any real property. However, we are obligated
pursuant to certain of the operating leases for our base sites, mainly for base sites in Israel, Brazil and Argentina, to restore facilities
or remove equipment at the end of the lease term. Since the restoration is limited to any construction or property installed on the property,
which in our case is only the installed antennas, we do not believe that these obligations, individually or in the aggregate, will result
in us incurring a material expense.
ITEM 4.A.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable
ITEM 5:
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
The following discussion and analysis should
be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this report.
Introduction
We believe we are a leading provider of telematics services, consisting predominantly
of stolen vehicle recovery, which we refer to as SVR, and tracking services. We also provide telematics products used in connection with
our SVR services and for various other applications. We currently provide our services and sell and lease our products mainly in Israel,
Brazil, Argentina and the United States and since September 2018 also in Colombia, Mexico and Ecuador.
Our operations consist of two segments: Telematics services and telematics products.
Our telematics services segment consists of our SVR, "Connected Car" fleet management,
UBI, and other value-added services. We currently operate our telematics services throughout the regions we operate.
Our telematics products segment consists of our short - and medium-range two-way
telematics products. We sell our telematics end-units to customers that subscribe to our telematics services.
Outlook
We have historically experienced growth in most of the markets in which we provide our
telematics services. These markets, which are the main markets that we operate in, are generally characterized by high car theft rates,
insurance companies and car manufactures that are seeking solutions to limit their actual losses resulting from car theft and increase
their sales by adding additional value to the customer, and hence the Brazilian market continues to represent growth potential for our
telematics services. The growth in subscribers within our telematics services segment also has a direct impact on the sale or lease of
our telematics products, as they are an integral component of our telematics services and are installed in each subscriber’s vehicle.
In Israel, in recent years the market experienced an increased car sales which positively affect our sales as compared with previous years.
Please refer to Item 3D. – Risk Factors above in respect of factors that could
negatively impact our business.
Geographical breakdown
Telematics services’ subscriber base
The following table sets forth the geographic breakdown of subscribers to our telematics
services as of the dates indicated:
|
|
As of December 31, |
|
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
2019 |
|
Israel |
|
|
653,000 |
|
|
|
643,000 |
|
|
|
610,000 |
|
Brazil |
|
|
453,000 |
|
|
|
452,000 |
|
|
|
489,000 |
|
Others |
|
|
775,000 |
|
|
|
673,000 |
|
|
|
682,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total(1)
|
|
|
1,881,000 |
|
|
|
1,768,000 |
|
|
|
1,781,000 |
|
(1) All numbers provided are rounded, and therefore totals may be slightly different
than the results obtained by adding the numbers provided.
Revenues
The following table sets forth the geographic breakdown of our revenues for each of
our business segments for the relevant periods indicated.
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
2019 |
|
|
|
In USD, in Millions |
|
|
|
Telematics services |
|
|
Telematics products |
|
|
Telematics services |
|
|
Telematics products |
|
|
Telematic services |
|
|
Telematics products |
|
Israel |
|
|
|
|
|
|
44.1 |
|
|
|
85.1 |
|
|
|
35.4 |
|
|
|
77.6 |
|
|
|
32.5 |
|
Brazil |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.6 |
|
|
|
60.0 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
85.1 |
|
|
|
12.9 |
|
Others |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37.8 |
|
|
|
25.8 |
|
|
|
42.0 |
|
|
|
29.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total(1)
|
|
|
189.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
182.9 |
|
|
|
62.7 |
|
|
|
204.7 |
|
|
|
74.6 |
|
(1) We attribute revenues
to countries based on the location of the customer.
Telematics services segment
We generate revenues from rendering our SVR, fleet management connected car,UBI and
other value-added services. A majority of our revenues represent subscription fees paid to us by our customers. We recognize revenues
from subscription fees on a monthly basis. Most of our customers are free to terminate their subscription at any time. In the absence
of such termination, the subscription term continues automatically. We also generate subscription fees from our fleet management services.
Assuming no additional growth in our subscriber base and based on our historical average churn rates of 3% per month in this segment,
we can anticipate that at least 95% of our subscription fees generated in a prior quarter will recur in the following quarter.
Telematics products segment
We generate revenues from sale of our telematics products to customers in Israel, Brazil,
Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador and the United States. We currently sell or lease our telematics end-units in each of the above regions.
Growth in our subscriber base is the principal driver for the sale of our telematics products. We recognize revenues from sales of our
telematics products upon transfer of control to the customer (usually upon delivery).
Cost of revenues
Telematics services segment
The cost of revenues in our telematics services segment consists primarily of staffing,
maintenance and operation of our control centers and base stations, costs associated with our staff and costs incurred for private enforcement,
licenses, permits and royalties, as well as communication costs and costs due to depreciation of leased products and installation fees.
Cost of revenues for sales of our fleet management services also includes payments to a third party who markets our services.
Telematics products segment
The cost of revenues in our telematics products segment consists primarily of production
costs of our third-party manufacturers and costs associated with installation fees.
Operating expenses
Research and development
Our research and development expenses consist primarily of salaries, costs of materials
and other overhead expenses, primarily in connection with the design and development of our telematics products. We expense some of our
research and development costs as incurred. Subject to certain criteria we capitalize software development costs. For further information
see Note 1S to our consolidated Financial statements.
Selling and marketing
Our selling and marketing expenses consist primarily of advertising, salaries, commissions
and other employee expenses related to our selling and marketing team and promotional and public relations expenses.
General and administrative
Our general and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries, bonuses, accounting
and other general corporate expenses.
Operating Income
Telematics services segment
Operating income in our telematics services segment is primarily affected by increases
in our subscriber base and our ability to increase the resulting revenues without a commensurate increase in our corresponding costs.
Telematics products segment
Operating income in our telematics products segment is primarily affected by our ability
to increase sales of our telematics products.
Financing expenses (income), net
Financing income (expenses), net ,include, inter alia ,short-term and long-term interest
expenses, financial commissions, income (expenses) in respect of changes in obligation to purchase non-controlling interests ,and gains
(losses) from currency fluctuations from the translation of monetary balance sheet items denominated in currencies other than the functional
currency of each entity in the group, gains (losses) in respect of marketable securities and other investments, and expenses related to
tax positions.
Taxes on income
Income earned from our services and product sales is subject to tax in the country in
which we provide our services or from which we sell our products.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our critical accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 to our consolidated
financial statements appearing elsewhere in this report. However, certain of our accounting policies require us to make estimates and
judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities. We evaluate our estimates on a periodic basis. We base our estimates on historical experience, industry trends, authoritative
pronouncements and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Such assumptions and estimates
are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty.
The following are our critical accounting policies and the significant judgments and
estimates affecting the application of those policies in our consolidated financial statements. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial
statements included elsewhere in this report.
Revenue recognition
We and our subsidiaries generate revenue from subscriber fees for the provision of services
and sales of systems and products, mainly in respect of fleet management services, stolen vehicle recovery services and other value-added
services. To a lesser extent, revenues are also derived from technical support services. We and our subsidiaries sell the systems primarily
through their direct sales force and indirectly through resellers.
Revenue recognition accounting policy applied from January 1, 2018 (following the adoption
of ASC Topic 606);
We apply ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”).
In accordance with ASC 606, we determine revenue recognition
through the following five steps:
|
• |
Identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer; |
|
• |
Identification of the performance obligations in the contract; |
|
• |
Determination of the transaction price; |
|
• |
Allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and |
|
• |
Recognition of revenue when, or as, we satisfy a performance obligation. |
A contract with a customer exists when all of the following criteria are met: the parties
to the contract have approved it (in writing, orally, or in accordance with other customary business practices) and are committed to perform
their respective obligations, we can identify each party’s rights regarding the distinct goods or services to be transferred (“performance
obligations”), we can determine the transaction price for the goods or services to be transferred, the contract has commercial substance
and it is probable that we will collect substantially all of the consideration to which it will be entitled in exchange for the goods
or services that will be transferred to the customer.
For each type of contract, at inception, we assess the goods or service promised in
a contract with a customer and identifies the performance obligations. With respect to contracts that are determined to have multiple
performance obligations, such as contracts that combine product with services (mostly SVR services) and/or rights to use assets, we allocate
the contract’s transaction price to each performance obligation using its best estimate of the relative standalone selling price
of each distinct good or service in the contract. However, when applicable (see below), we estimate the selling prices of certain services
using the residual approach.
Revenues are recognized when, or as, control of services or products is transferred
to the customers at a point in time or over time, as applicable to each performance obligation.
Revenues are recorded in the amount of consideration to which we expect to be entitled
in exchange for performance obligations upon transfer of control to the customer, excluding amounts collected on behalf of other third
parties and sales taxes.
we do not adjust the amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing
component since we expect, at most contracts inception, that the period between the time of transfer of the promised goods or services
to the customer and the time the customer pays for these goods or services to be generally one year or less, based on the practical expedient.
Our credit terms to customers are, on average, between thirty and ninety days.
In accordance with ASC 606, our revenues are recognized as follows:
|
1. |
Revenues from sales of Automatic Vehicle Location ("AVL") products are recognized when the control of the product passed to the customer
(usually upon delivery). |
|
2. |
Revenues from provision of SVR services are recognized over time, as the customers simultaneously receive and consume the benefits
provided by our performance as we perform. |
|
3. |
For arrangements that involve the delivery or performance of multiple products (mostly, AVL products), services (such as SVR services)
and/or rights to use assets, we analyze whether the goods or services that were promised to the customer are distinct. A good or service
promised to a customer is considered ‘distinct’ if both of the following criteria are met: 1. The customer can benefit from
the good or service, either on its own or together with other resources that are readily available to the customer; and, 2. Our promise
to transfer the good or service to the customer is separately identifiable from other promises in the contract. When the above criteria
are met, the revenue recognition for the related products and/or services are recognized as described in 1 and 2 above, as applicable.
|
With respect to arrangement that are determined to have multiple
performance obligations that are distinct,we allocates the contract’s transaction price to each performance obligation using the
relative standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract. However, in certain circumstances, we estimate the
selling prices of the SVR services (which are sold together with AVL products) using the residual approach. Under the residual approach,
the standalone selling price of the SVR services is estimated by reference to the total transaction price less the sum of the observable
standalone selling prices of all other goods or services promised in the contract. Such approach is used since we sell the same type of
service in those jurisdictions to different customers (at or near the same time) for a broad range of amounts (thus, the stand-alone selling
price is highly variable).
Revenues from SVR services subscription fees, right to use assets
(AVL products installed in customer vehicles) and installation services, sold to customers within a single contractually binding arrangement
were accounted for revenue recognition purposes, as a single performance obligation, since the installation services element was determined
not to be ‘distinct’. Accordingly, the entire contract fee for the two deliverables was recognized over time, on a straight-line
basis over the subscription period.
|
4. |
Amounts earned by certain Brazilian subsidiary for arranging a bundle transaction of SVR services subscription and installation services
together with insurance services to be supplied by a third party insurance company, are recognized ratably on a straight-line basis over
the subscription period (see 2 above), since the amount allocated to us (for the SVR services subscription, installation services and
for arranging the transaction), is contingent upon the delivery of the SVR services. As the insurance company is acting as a principal
with respect to the insurance component, we recognized only the net amounts as revenues, after deduction of amounts related to the insurance
component. |
|
5. |
Deferred revenues include unearned amounts received from customers (mostly for the provision of installation, future subscription
services and extended warranty) but not yet recognized as revenues. Such deferred revenues are recognized as described in paragraph
2 above or paragraph 6 below, as applicable. |
In the majority of countries, in which the
we operate, the statutory warranty period is one year, and the extended warranty covers periods beyond year one. Revenues from extended
warranty include warranty services which were sold separately for a monthly fee, or warranty services that were determined to represent
a separate performance obligation and were sold together with an AVL unit. Such revenues are recognized over the duration of the
warranty periods.
Contingencies
We and our subsidiaries are involved in certain legal proceedings that arise from time
to time in the ordinary course of their business and in connection with certain agreements with third parties. Except for income tax contingencies,
we records accruals for contingencies to the extent that the management concludes that the occurrence is probable and that the related
liabilities are estimable. Legal expenses associated with contingencies are expensed as incurred.
Goodwill and intangible
assets
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable
net assets acquired in business combinations accounted for in accordance with the "purchase method" and is allocated to reporting units
at acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized but rather tested for impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions
of ASC Topic 350, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other".
We elected to perform the goodwill annual impairment test for its operating units as
follows:
|
A. |
An amount of approximately $35.8 million (as of December 31, 2021) relates to two different reporting units (resulted from the
RT acquisition). we have historically performed an annual goodwill assessment as of June 30 of each year or more often if indicators
of impairment are presented (including June 30, 2021). During the fourth quarter of 2021, following the second closing of the RT acquisition
we decided to change the date of its annual impairment assessment from June 30 to December 31. The change was made because we believe
that the second closing gives a fair value to the goodwill presented in its report. |
|
B. |
An amount of approximately $4.2 million (as of December 31, 2021) relates to two different reporting units (resulted from past
acquisitions) is tested on December 31 of each year, or more often if indicators of impairment are present. |
As required by ASC Topic 350, we choose either to perform a qualitative assessment whether
the quantitative goodwill impairment test is necessary or proceeds directly to the quantitative goodwill impairment test. Such determination
is made for each reporting unit on a stand-alone basis. The qualitative assessment includes various factors such as macroeconomic
conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, earnings multiples, gross margin and cash
flows from operating activities and other relevant factors. When we choose to perform a qualitative assessment and determines that it
is more likely than not (more than 50 percent likelihood) that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then
we proceed to the quantitative goodwill impairment test. If we determine otherwise, no further evaluation is necessary.
With respect to goodwill impairment tests performed before the adoption of ASU 2017-04
(which became effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019), when we
decided or were required to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test, we firstly were required to compare the fair value of the
reporting unit to its carrying value ("step 1"). If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded the carrying value of the reporting
unit net assets (including the goodwill allocated to such reporting unit), goodwill was considered not to be impaired, and no further
testing was required. If the carrying value was determined to exceed the fair value of the reporting unit, then the implied fair value
of goodwill was determined by subtracting the fair value of all the identifiable net assets from the fair value of the reporting unit.
An impairment loss was recorded for the excess, if any, of the carrying value of the goodwill allocated to the reporting unit over its
implied fair value ("step 2").
Commencing the adoption of ASU 2017-04 (which eliminated Step 2 from the goodwill impairment,
when we decide or are required to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test, we compare the fair value of the reporting unit to
its carrying value and an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s
fair value, if any. In the performance of the quantitative analysis we apply assumptions that market participants would consider in determining
the fair value of each reporting unit.
As of December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, we had four reporting units which include goodwill.
Telematics services:
Under the telematics services segment there are two reporting units with goodwill. For
one of which (resulted from past acquisitions) with an allocated amount of approximately US$ 2.0 million of goodwill, we performed a qualitative
assessment as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and concluded that the qualitative assessment did not result in a more likely than not
indication of impairment, and therefore no further impairment testing was required, with respect to such units.
For the second reporting unit (resulted from RT acquisition) with an allocated amount
of approximately US$ 32.2 million of goodwill (as of December 31, 2021), we performed the annual impairment test, as of June 30, 2021
and reached to a conclusion that no impairment should be recorded at that point.
We have historically performed an annual goodwill assessment for such reporting
unit as of June 30 of each year or more often if indicators of impairment are presented. following the second closing of the RT acquisition,
we decided to change the date of its annual impairment assessment from June 30 to December 31.
Accordingly, we performed a qualitative assessment as of December 31, 2021, and
concluded that the qualitative assessment did not result in a more likely than not indication of impairment, and therefore no further
impairment testing was required, with respect to such units.
Telematics products:
Under the telematics products segment there are two reporting units with goodwill, for
one of which (resulted from past acquisitions) with an allocated amount of approximately US$ 2.2 million of goodwill, we performed a qualitative
assessment as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and concluded that the qualitative assessment did not result in a more likely than not
indication of impairment, and therefore no further impairment testing was required, with respect to such units.
For the second reporting unit (resulted from RT acquisition) with an allocated amount
of approximately US$ 3.6 million of goodwill (as of December 31, 2021), we performed the annual impairment test, as of June 30, 2021 and
reached to a conclusion that no impairment should be recorded at that point. The impairment test was performed using the second approach
(quantitative test).
We have historically performed an annual goodwill assessment for such reporting unit
as of June 30 of each year or more often if indicators of impairment are presented. following the second closing of the RT acquisition,
we decided to change the date of its annual impairment assessment from June 30 to December 31. We performed a qualitative assessment
as of December 31, 2021, and concluded that the qualitative assessment did not result in a more likely than not indication of impairment,
and therefore no further impairment testing was required, with respect to such unit.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth for the periods indicated selected items from our consolidated
statements of income as a percentage of our total revenues.
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
% |
|
Consolidated statements of operations data: |
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
2019 |
|
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telematics services |
|
|
70.0 |
|
|
|
74.5 |
|
|
|
73.3 |
|
Telematics product |
|
|
30.0 |
|
|
|
25.5 |
|
|
|
26.7 |
|
Total Revenues |
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
Cost of Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telematics services |
|
|
31.3 |
|
|
|
33.2 |
|
|
|
32.3 |
|
Telematics products |
|
|
22.0 |
|
|
|
19.8 |
|
|
|
21.0 |
|
Total cost of revenues |
|
|
53.3 |
|
|
|
53.0 |
|
|
|
53.3 |
|
Gross profit |
|
|
46.7 |
|
|
|
47.0 |
|
|
|
46.7 |
|
Operating Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development expenses |
|
|
5.2 |
|
|
|
5.2 |
|
|
|
5.0 |
|
Selling and marketing Expenses |
|
|
4.4 |
|
|
|
4.5 |
|
|
|
4.6 |
|
General and administrative expenses, net |
|
|
17.0 |
|
|
|
20.2 |
|
|
|
19.7 |
|
Impairment of goodwill |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
4.3 |
|
|
|
4.4 |
|
Impairment of intangible assets and other expenses (income), net |
|
|
(0.1 |
) |
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
4.9 |
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
26.5 |
|
|
|
35.7 |
|
|
|
38.6 |
|
Operating Income |
|
|
20.2 |
|
|
|
11.3 |
|
|
|
8.1 |
|
Other income expenses, net |
|
|
(0.1 |
) |
|
|
(0.1 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Financing income, net |
|
|
(2.0 |
) |
|
|
0.6 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
Income before income tax |
|
|
18.1 |
|
|
|
11.8 |
|
|
|
8.3 |
|
Income tax |
|
|
(4.4 |
) |
|
|
(4.4 |
) |
|
|
(4.4 |
) |
Share in gains (losses) of affiliated companies, net |
|
|
(0.1 |
) |
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
|
|
(1.1 |
) |
Net income for the year |
|
|
13.6 |
|
|
|
7.1 |
|
|
|
2.8 |
|
Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interests |
|
|
(1.0 |
) |
|
|
(0.5 |
) |
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
Net income attributable to company stockholders |
|
|
12.6 |
|
|
|
6.6 |
|
|
|
2.5 |
|
Analysis of our Operation Results for the Year ended December 31,
2021 as compared to the Year ended December 31, 2020
Revenues
Total revenues increased from $245.6 million in 2020 to $270.9 million in 2021 or 10%.
This increase consisted of an increase of $ 6.7 million from subscription fees from our telematics services and an increase of $ 18.6
million from sales of our telematics products.
Telematics services segment
Revenues in our telematics services segment increased by $ 6.7 million from $ 182.9
million in 2020 to $189.6 million in 2021, or 4 %. Mainly due to the increase in 113,000 subscribers.
Telematics products segment
Revenues in our telematics products segment increased from $ 62.7 million in 2020, to
$81.3 million in 2021 or 30 %. This increase of $18.6 million is primarily due to an increase in sales, mainly in our business in Israel.
This increase was also affected by a positive impact of exchange rate fluctuations of the NIS vs the USD in an amount of approximate $3.6
million.
Cost of revenues
Total cost of revenues increased from $ 130.1 million in 2020, to $144.4 million in
2021 or 11%. This increase consisted of an increase of $3.4 million in the telematics services segment and an increase of $10.9 million
in the telematics product segment. As a percentage of total revenues, cost of revenues remain intact approximately 53%.
Telematics services segment
Cost of revenues for our telematics services segment increased from $81.4 million in
2020, to $84.8 million in 2021 or 4 %. This increase was primarily due to the effect of exchange rate fluctuations in an amount of approximately
$ 1.4 million and an increase in salary expenses of approximately $2.3 million. As a percentage of total revenues for this segment, cost
of revenues slightly increased from 44.5% in 2020 to 44.7% in 2021.
Telematics products segment
Cost of revenues for our telematics products segment increased from $ 48.7 million in
2020, to $ 59.6 million in 2021 or 22%. This increase was mainly due to the increase in our products’ sales. As a percentage of
total revenues for this segment, cost of revenues decreased from 77.8 % in 2020, to 73.4% in 2021.
Operating expenses
Research and development
Our research and development expenses increased from $ 12.8 million in 2020 to $ 14.1
million in 2021. As a percentage of total revenues, research and development expenses did not increase, and remain at 5.2 % in 2020 and
in 2021.
Selling and marketing
Our selling and marketing expenses increased from $ 11.0 million in 2020 to $ 11.9 million
in 2021. As a percentage of total revenues, selling and marketing expenses slightly decreased from 4.5 % in 2020 to 4.4 % in 2021.
General and administrative
General and administrative expenses decreased from $49.7 million
in 2020, to $ 46.1 million in 2021 or 7%. The decrease was mainly due to the effect of allowance for doubtful accounts in amount of $4.2
million, the abovementioned were offset primarily due to an increase in salaries expenses in an amount of $0.8 million. As a percentage
of total revenues, general and administrative expenses decreased from 20.2% in 2020 to 17.0% in 2021.
Impairment of goodwill
During 2021, we did not record any goodwill impairment loss.
On June 30,2020, an impairment of approximately $10.5 million was recorded, primarily
due to increase in the country’s risk indicator, as part of the effects of Covid - 19.
Impairment of intangible assets and other expenses (income), net
During 2021 no intangible assets impairment loss was recorded. During 2020 the company
recorded an intangible assets impairment loss in the amount of approximately US$ 3.7 million, respectively. The impairment was recorded
in the consolidated statement of income under "Impairment of intangible assets and other expenses".
Operating income
Total operating income increased from $ 27.8 million in 2020, to $54.6 million in 2021
or 96 %. This increase of approximately $ 26.8 million was mainly due to the impairment loss in an amount of approximately $ 14.2 million
recorded in 2020. The rest of the increase of approximately $ 12.6 million reflects an increase of $ 8.1 million in the operating income
in the telematics service segment and an increase of $ 4.5 million in the operating income in the telematics products segment.
Telematics services segment
Operating income in our telematics services segment increased from $28.6 million in
2020 to $ 48.1 million in 2021, or 68 %. This increase was mainly attributed to the impairment of goodwill and of impairment of intangible
assets of $11.3 million recorded on 2020, and from the increase of our subscriber’s client base.
As a percentage of our telematics services segment revenues, operating income in our
telematics services segment increased from 15.7 % in 2020 to 25.3 % in 2021.
Telematics products segment
Operating income (loss) in our telematics products segment increased from loss of $0.8
million in 2020 to income of $6.5 million in 2021. This increase in operating income was mainly attributed to the impairment of goodwill
and intangible assets of $2.8 million recorded in 2020 and from the increase of our revenues in our telematics products segment.
As a percentage of our telematics services segment revenues, operating income (loss)
in our telematics services segment increased from (1.3) % in 2020 to 8 % in 2021.
Financing income, net
Financing income, net, were $ 1.5 million in 2020 compared with an expense of $ 5.5
million in 2021.
The increase in the financing expense was mainly due to an increase in losses in respect
of marketable securities from an income amount of $4.3 million in 2020 to an expense in an amount of $2.4 million in 2021.
Income Tax
Income Tax expenses increase from $ 10.9 million in 2020, to $ 11.9 million in 2021
or 9%. As a percentage of income before tax, income tax expenses decreased from 37.4% in 2020 to 24.2% in 2021 primarily due to an (non-
deductible for tax) impairment in goodwill and intangible assets related to RTH transaction in 2020 in an amount of $ 14.2 million, and
no impairment in goodwill and intangible assets related to RTH transaction in 2021. Also, a (non-deductible for tax) gain in 2020 and
losses in 2021 in respect of marketable securities value.
As a percentage from income before tax, exclude the impairment which mentioned above,
income tax expenses decreased from 25.5% in 2020 to 24.2% in 2021.
Analysis of our Operation Results for the Year ended December 31,
2020 as compared to the Year ended December 31, 2019
Revenues
Total revenues decreased from $279.3 million in 2019 to $245.6 million in 2020 or 12%.
This decrease consisted a decrease of $ 21.8 million from subscription fees from our telematics services and a decrease of $ 11.9 million
from sales of our telematics products.
Telematics services segment
Revenues in our telematics services segment decreased by $ 21.8 million from $ 204.7
million in 2019 to $182.9 million in 2020, or 10.6 %. Mainly due to the negative fluctuation of the Brazilian Real vs the USD in an amount
of approximately $17.3 million.
Telematics products segment
Revenues in our telematics products segment decreased from $ 74.6 million in 2019, to
$62.7 million in 2020 or 16 %. This decrease of $11.9 million is primarily due to a decrease in sales, mainly in our business relating
to the OEM market in Brazil. This decrease was offset by a minor positive impact of exchange rate fluctuations of the NIS vs the USD in
an amount of approximate $0.4 million.
Cost of revenues
Total cost of revenues decreased from $ 148.8 million in 2019, to $130.1 million in
2020 or 12.6%. This decrease consisted of a decrease of $8.8 million in the Telematics services segment and a decrease of $9.9 million
in the telematics product segment. As a percentage of total revenues, cost of revenues decreased from 53.3% in 2019 to 53% in 2020.
Telematics services segment
Cost of revenues for our Telematics services segment decreased from $90.2 million in
2019, to $81.4 million in 2020 or 9.8 %. This decrease was primarily due to the effect of exchange rate fluctuations in an amount of approximately
$ 7.9 million and a decrease in salary expenses of approximately $3 million, the abovementioned were offset by increased in some other
expenses items in insignificant amount each. As a percentage of total revenues for this segment, cost of revenues increased from 44.0%
in 2019 to 44.5% in 2020.
Telematics products segment
Cost of revenues for our telematics products segment decreased from $ 58.6 million in
2019, to $ 48.7 million in 2020 or 16.9 %. This decrease was mainly due to the decrease in our products’ sales. As a percentage
of total revenues for this segment, cost of revenues decreased from 78.6 % in 2019, to 77.8% in 2020 mainly due to a change in the mixture
of products sales.
Operating expenses
Research and development
Our research and development expenses decreased from $ 13.9 million in 2019 to $ 12.8
million in 2020. As a percentage of total revenues, research and development expenses increased slightly from 5.0 % in 2019 to 5.2 % in
2020.
Selling and marketing
Our selling and marketing expenses decreased from $ 12.8 million in 2019 to $ 11 million
in 2020. As a percentage of total revenues, selling and marketing expenses decreased slightly from 4.6 % in 2019 to 4.5 % in 2020.
General and administrative
General and administrative expenses decreased from $55.2 million in 2019, to $ 49.7
million in 2020 or 10%. The decrease was mainly due to the effect of exchange rate fluctuations in amount of $5 million and a decrease
in salary expenses of approximately $1.8 million. The abovementioned were offset primarily due to an increase in insurance cost in an
amount of $0.5 million and allowance for doubtful accounts in an amount of $1 million. As a percentage of total revenues, general and
administrative expenses increased from 19.7% in 2019 to 20.2 % in 2020.
Impairment of goodwill
On June 30,2020, an impairment of approximately $10.5 million was recorded, primarily
due to increase in the country’s risk indicator, as part of the effects of Covid - 19. On December 31,2020, based on our qualitative
assessment, no additional negative factors were spotted, therefore another impairment was not indicated.
On December 31, 2019, an impairment on the amount of $12.3 million was recorded primarily
due to the increase in the country’s risk indicator.
Impairment of intangible assets and Other expenses (income), net
During 2020 and 2019 thej company recorded an intangible assets impairment loss in the
amount of approximately US$ 3.7 million and US$ 13.9 million, respectively. The impairment was recorded in the consolidated statement
of income under “Impairment of intangible assets and other expenses”.
Other expenses
Other expenses in amount of $0.3 million in 2020 was mainly due to one-time reduction
of one of our investments in other companies. In 2019 other expenses was in amount of $26 thousand.
Operating income
Total operating income increased from $ 22.7 million in 2019, to $27.8 million in 2020
or 22.5 %. This increase of approximately $ 5.1 million reflects an increase of $ 2.5 million in the operating income in the telematics
service segment and a decrease of $ 2.6 million in the operating loss in the telematics products segment.
Telematics services segment
Operating income in our telematics services segment increased from $26.1 million in
2019 to $ 28.6 million in 2020, or 9.6 %. This increase was mainly attributed to the decrease in the impairment of goodwill and of impairment
of intangible assets from $22 million in 2019 to $11.3 million in 2020 which were offset by effect of the exchange rates fluctuation and
from the decrease of our gross revenues in our telematics services segment.
As a percentage of in our telematics services segment revenues, operating income in
our telematics services segment increased from 12.7 % in 2019 to 15.7 % in 2020.
Telematics products segment
Operating loss in our telematics products segment decreased from $3.4 million in 2019
to $0.8 million in 2020. This decrease in operating loss was mainly attributed to the decrease in the impairment of goodwill and of impairment
of intangible assets from $4.2 million in 2019 to $2.9 million. And from the decrease of our gross revenues in our telematics products
segment.
As a percentage of in our telematics services segment revenues, operating losses in
our telematics services segment increased from (4.6) % in 2019 to (1.3) % in 2020.
Financing income, net
Financing income, net, was $ 0.6 million in 2019 compared with $ 1.5 million in 2020.
The increase in the financing income was mainly due to an increase in gain in respect
of marketable securities and other investments in an amount of $4.6 million. The abovementioned were offset by a decrease in income in
respect of changes in obligation to purchase non-controlling interests in an amount of $2.4 million and an increase in expenses related
to taxes positions in an amount of $0.7 million.
Income Tax
Income Tax expenses decreased from $ 12.2 million in 2019, to $ 10.9 million in 2020
or 10.6 %. As a percentage of income before tax, income tax expenses decreased from 52.7% in 2019 to 37.4 % in 2020 primarily due to recorded
an (non- deductible for tax) impairment in goodwill and intangible assets related to RTH transaction in 2019 in an amount of $ 22.9 million,
and in 2020 in an amount of $13.3 million.
As a percentage from income before tax, exclude the impairment which mentioned above,
income tax expenses decreased from 27.1% in 2019 to 25.5% in 2020.
Impact of Currency Fluctuations on Results of Operations, Liabilities and Assets
Although we report our consolidated financial statements in dollars, in 2019, 2020 and
2021, a portion of our revenues and direct expenses was derived in other currencies. For fiscal years 2019, 2020 and 2021 we derived approximately
29.3%, 30.6% and 26.6% of our revenues in dollars and other currencies, 40.0%, 49.2% and 52.0% in NIS, 30.7%, 20.2% and 21.4% in Brazilian
Reals. In fiscal years 2019, 2020 and 2021, 33.4%, 29.0% and 30.9% of our expenses were incurred in dollars and other currencies, 42.5
%, 50.6% and 52.3% in NIS and 24.1%, 20.4% and 16.8% in Brazilian Reals.
Exchange differences upon translation of our financial statements from the functional
currency (NIS) to US Dollars (presentation currency) are accumulated as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income
under stockholders’ equity. In the years 2021, 2020 and 2019 the effect of the translation that was carried to accumulated other
comprehensive income was ($ 2.9) million, ($ 12.9) million and ($ 4.1) million, respectively.
The fluctuation of the other currencies in which we incur our expenses or generate revenues
against the dollar has had the effect of increasing or decreasing (as applicable) reported revenues, cost of revenues and operating expenses
in such foreign currencies when converted into dollars from period to period. The following table illustrates the effect of the changes
in exchange rates on our revenues, gross profit and operating income for the periods indicated:
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2019 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
2021 |
|
|
|
Actual |
|
|
At 2018 exchange rates (1)
|
|
|
Actual |
|
|
At 2019 exchange rates (1)
|
|
|
Actual |
|
|
At 2020 exchange rates (1)
|
|
|
|
(In thousands of US$) |
|
Revenues |
|
|
279,332 |
|
|
|
289,676 |
|
|
|
245,627 |
|
|
|
262,529 |
|
|
|
270,884 |
|
|
|
264,507 |
|
Gross profit |
|
|
130,518 |
|
|
|
135,730 |
|
|
|
115,515 |
|
|
|
122,708 |
|
|
|
126,482 |
|
|
|
123,734 |
|
Operating income |
|
|
22,654 |
|
|
|
25,419 |
|
|
|
27,831 |
|
|
|
31,229 |
|
|
|
54,615 |
|
|
|
53,595 |
|
(1) Based on average exchange
rates during the period. Those columns are Non GAAP information.
Our policy remains to reduce exposure to exchange rate fluctuations by entering into
foreign currency forward transactions that mainly qualify as hedging transactions under ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives
and Hedging”, the results of which are reflected in our income statements as revenues or cost of revenues. The result of
these transactions, which are affected by fluctuations in exchange rates, could cause our revenues, cost of revenues, gross profit and
operating income to fluctuate.
B. LIQUIDITY
AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We fund our operations primarily from cash and cash equivalents generated from operations.
As of December, 31 2019, 2020 and 2021, we had $ 54.3 million, $78.8 million and $54.7million in cash and marketable securities and $73.1
million, $66.7 million and $58.1million in working capital, respectively. We hold most of our cash and cash equivalents in US dollars
or the local currency of their location.
As of December 31, 2021 we had a long- term loan from an Israeli bank at the amount
of $ 13.2million and a short term loans at the amount of $ 18.3 million. As of December, 2020 we had a long - term loan from an Israeli
bank at the amount of $ 34.1 million and a short term loans at the amount of $ 20.4 million. As of December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, we
also had $ 4.1 million, $ 1.9 million and $1.6 million respectively, available to us under existing lines of credit. As of December 31,
2019, we did not use our credit line, as of December 31, 2020 utilized $0.3 million of our credit line, and as of December 31,2021 we
utilized $ 0.7 million of our credit line.
We believe that our cash flow from operations, availability under our lines of credit
and cash and marketable securities will be adequate to fund our capital expenditures, contractual commitments and other demands and commitments
for the foreseeable future as well as for the long-term. We believe that cash flow generated from operations and cash available to us
from our credit facilities will be sufficient to cover future expansion of our various businesses into new geographical markets or new
products, as currently contemplated and as we describe herein. However, if existing cash and cash generated from operations are insufficient
to satisfy our liquidity requirements, we may seek financing elsewhere by selling additional equity or debt securities or by obtaining
additional credit facilities.
As of December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021 we had long-term liabilities of, $17.0 million,
$19.7 million and $22.5 million respectively, for employee rights upon retirement for certain of our employees that become payable upon
their retirement. Our Israeli employees are entitled to one month’s salary, equal to the applicable monthly salary at the time of
such employee’s retirement, for each year of employment, or a portion thereof, upon retirement. This liability is partially funded
by deposit balances maintained for these employee benefits in the amount of $11.5 million, $13.6 million and $16.2 million as of December
31, 2019, 2020 and 2021 respectively. The deposited funds include profits accumulated up to the balance sheet date and may be withdrawn
upon the fulfillment of the obligation pursuant to Israeli severance pay laws or labor agreements.
In Argentina, new economic policies related to the external sector have been in effect since August 2019,
motivated by the liabilities in dollars and the inability of the Government to deal with it in the initially agreed terms. These measures
were initially taken by the outgoing Government and then deepened by the new elected Government that began on December 10, 2019. The following
regulations currently apply:
1. Currency market:
a. Individuals can only acquire dollars for savings, in the amount of US $ 200 per
month. On this purchase applies 35% taxes. It applies for all abroad and tourism expenses also.
b. Companies are not allowed to acquire dollars.
2. Imports:
a. The Information System called SIMI is maintained. Imports and their payments require
prior authorization from the government.
b. Payment for the importation of services also requires authorization from the government.
c. Both types of imports (goods and services) require compliance with Transfer Pricing
Report and other tax regulations.
3. Income Tax and Dividends:
a. Payment of dividends to shareholders abroad requires prior authorization from the
Central Bank.
b.The following chart shows the new scenario for the Corporate Income Tax rate that
will apply for fiscal years commencing since January 1st,
2021.
The amount will be adjusted by inflation since January 2022.
Accumulated net taxable profit |
will pay a fix amount of |
plus a % over |
the following amount |
More than AR$ |
up to AR$ |
AR$
|
- |
AR$ |
5.000.000,00 |
AR$ |
- |
25% |
AR$ |
- |
AR$ |
5.000.000,00 |
AR$ |
50.000.000,00 |
AR$ |
1.250.000,00 |
30% |
AR$ |
5.000.000,00 |
AR$ |
50.000.000,00 |
en adelante |
AR$ |
14.750.000,00 |
35% |
AR$ |
50.000.000,00 |
c. On dividends originated 7% tax will be withheld as shareholders Income Tax.
In Ecuador, there are two unique Laws which are relevant to our activities:
|
1. |
Remittance tax (Impuesto a la Salida de Divisas) - Remittance tax of 5% is imposed on the transfer of money abroad in cash or through
pay checks, transfers, or courier of any nature carried out with or without the mediation of the Ecuadorian financial system, including
transfer from foreign bank accounts. Dividends are exempt from this tax, under certain considerations. |
|
2. |
Labor profit sharing - Although it is not considered a tax, companies are obligated to pay 15% of their pre-tax earnings to their
employees. This payment is considered a deductible expense for CIT computation purposes. |
In Mexico, All Mexican employers, whether individuals or entities, are required to calculate
and pay mandatory profit- sharing payments to employees within 60 days following the filing of their annual Mexican tax return. The obligation
for employers to make such payments is based on the legal provisions in Section IX of Article 123 of the Political Constitution of the
United Mexican States, which establishes that employees shall have the right to participate in their employer’s profits in the amount
of 10% of such employer’s taxable income. As such, the following types of employees have the right to receive profit sharing payments:
(a) permanent employees hired to carry out normal, long-term work for an employer, without regard to the number of days worked during
the January 1 through December 31, 2019 fiscal year; (b) eventual permanent employees who have worked for an employer fewer than 60 days,
whether continuously or sporadically, during the fiscal year referred to above; (c) former employees who have the right to claim profit
sharing payments, when such rights have not lapsed.
On February 26, 2017 we have revised our dividend policy, which came in force starting
from 2017, that our dividends will be declared and distributed on a quarterly basis in an amount of at least 5 million USD subject to
the provisions of the Israeli laws concerning lawful distribution of dividends.
Dividend we declare in respect to 2019 result:
In May 21, 2019 we declared a quarterly dividend in the amount of $5 million, which
was paid (net of taxes at the rate of 25%) on July 3, 2019, with respect to the first quarter of 2019. On August 28, 2019 we declared
a quarterly dividend in the amount of $5 million, which was paid (net of taxes at the rate of 25%) on October 10, 2019, with respect to
the second quarter of 2019. On November 25, 2019 we declared a quarterly dividend in the amount of $5 million, which was paid (net of
taxes at the rate of 25%) on January 9, 2020, with respect to the third quarter of 2019. On March 4, 2020 we declared a quarterly dividend
in the amount of $5 million, which was paid (net of taxes at the rate of 25%) on April 7, 2020 with respect to the fourth quarter of 2019.
Dividend we declare in respect to 2020 result:
On May 13, 2020, we declared the suspension of the dividend distribution due to the
Covid-19 pandemic. On March 3, 2021, we declared the renewal of the dividend distribution policy of at least $3 million a quarter. On
the same date we also declared a quarterly dividend in an amount of $10 million, which was paid (net of taxes at the rate of 25%) on April
6, 2021 with respect to the fourth quarter of 2020.
Dividend we declare in respect to 2021 result:
On May 25, 2021, we declared a quarterly dividend in the amount of $3 million, which
was paid (net of taxes at the rate of 25%) on July 14, 2021, with respect to the first quarter of 2021. On August 23, 2021,
we declared a quarterly dividend in the amount of $3 million, which was paid (net of taxes at the rate of 25%) on October 13, 2021, with
respect to the second quarter of 2021. On November 16, 2021, we declared a quarterly dividend on the amount of $3 million, which was paid
(net of taxes at the rate of 25%) on January 5, 2022, with respect to the third quarter of 2021. On March 7, 2022, we declared a quarterly
dividend of $3 million, which was paid (net of taxes at the rate of 25%) on April 6, 2022, with respect to the fourth quarter of 2021.
Until the RTH Transaction, we have repurchased 2,507,314 of our shares, out of these
shares (373,489 shares) were resold as part of the consideration in the RTH Transaction. As part of the RTH Transaction price adjustment
300,472 shares were returned to us in April 2019. As part of implementation of our Board of Directors decision of 25 million USD share
repurchase program, Share repurchases were funded by our wholly owned subsidiary with available cash. Repurchases of the Company’s
ordinary shares were based on Rule10b-18 terms. During the years 2019 and 2021 we purchased 227,828 and 228,725 of our
shares for approximately $6 million each year. During the year 2021, we also directly purchased additional 50,995 shares for approximately
$ 1.3 million not through publicly announced plans. During April 2022, until April 15, we purchased additional 21,089 shares.
As of April 15, 2022, the updated quantity of treasury shares is
2,962,934 (including 477,642 shares which are entitled to dividend distributed).
The following table sets forth the components of our historical cash flows for the periods
indicated:
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
2019 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
|
55,790 |
|
|
|
60,068 |
|
|
|
59,679 |
|
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(18,524 |
) |
|
|
(11,479 |
) |
|
|
(18,287 |
) |
Net cash used in financing activities |
|
|
(58,666 |
) |
|
|
(29,449 |
) |
|
|
(38,927 |
) |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
(477 |
) |
|
|
(921 |
) |
|
|
101 |
|
Net increase/decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
(21,877 |
) |
|
|
18,219 |
|
|
|
2,566 |
|
Years ended December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019
Net cash provided by operating activities
Our operating activities provided cash of $59.7 million in 2019, $60.1 million in 2020
and $55.8 million in 2021.
Cash from operating activities in 2021 decreased in an amount of approximately $ 4.3
million, this decreased was mainly due to an increase in inventory.
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities in 2021 in an amount of approximately $ 18.5 million,
included capital expenditure in the amount of $ 16.6 million.
Net cash used in investing activities in 2020 in an amount of approximately $ 11.5 million,
included capital expenditure in the amount of $ 10.2 million.
Net cash used in investing activities in 2019 in an amount of approximately $18.3 million,
included capital expenditure in the amount of $ 18.3 million.
Net cash used in financing activities
Net cash used in financing activities in 2021 in an amount of approximately $ 58.7
million consisted primarily a repayment of short and long term credit from financial institution in an amount of $ 23.6 million, cash
dividend payment in an amount of approximately $ 15.8 million, a cash payment to settle the obligation to purchase non-controlling interest
in an amount of approximately $ 11.3 million and an acquisition of company shares in an amount of approximately $ 7.3 million.
Net cash used in by financing activities in 2020 in an amount of
approximately $ 29.4 million consisted primarily of a repayment of short and long term credit from financial institution in amount of
$ 17 million, cash dividend payment in an amount of approximately $ 10 million and a cash dividend payment in an amount of approximately
$ 1.7 million paid by our subsidiaries to the non - controlling interests.
Net cash used in by financing activities in 2019 in an amount of
approximately $ 38.9 million consisted primarily of a repayment of short and long term credit from financial institution in amount of
$ 11.1 million, cash dividend payment in an amount of approximately $ 19.8 million and a cash dividend payment in an amount of approximately
$ 2.0 million paid by our subsidiary to the non - controlling interests, and acquisition of our shares for $ 6 million.
C. RESEARCH
AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENSES
Most of our research and development activities take place in Israel, Mexico, Colombia
and Ecuador. Our Research and Design department is constantly working on upgrading the service infrastructure and improving our fleet
management applications, including by introducing new services and uses of the system, while utilizing both internal development staff
and outsourcing such activities to third parties, as well as developing new service platforms for cellular/GPS based devices.
Expenditures for research and development activities undertaken by us were approximately
$14.1 million in 2021 $ 12.8 million in 2020, and $ 13.9 million in 2019.
D. TREND
INFORMATION
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as near-term measures, we have transitioned many
of our employees to remote working arrangements. The transition has had little impact on our employee productivity and has not caused
material interruption to our business.
We are unable to accurately predict the impact that COVID-19 will have on our operations
going forward due to uncertainties that will be dictated by the length of time that the pandemic and related disruptions continue, the
impact of governmental regulations that might be imposed in response to the pandemic and overall changes in consumer behavior. Numerous
state and local jurisdictions have imposed, and others in the future may impose, “shelter-in-place” orders, quarantines, executive
orders and similar government orders and restrictions for their residents to control the spread of COVID-19. Governments all over the
world are continuing to impose limitations on gatherings, social distancing measures and restrictions on movement, only allowing essential
businesses to remain open. Such orders or restrictions have and are continuing to result in temporary store closures, work stoppages,
slowdowns and delays, travel restrictions and cancellation of events, among other effects, any of which may negatively impact workforces,
customers, consumer sentiment and the economies in many of our markets, and as a result, may adversely affect our operations.
COVID-19 pandemic may have a negative effect on our business in the forthcoming quarters
in several spheres. In order to mitigate our expenses we reduced the basic monthly payments of some of our senior management by 25% and
deferred payments of part of their bonuses (see Item 6.B hereinafter), reduced salaries of our employees by 10%-40% (especially in 2nd
and 3rd quarters of year 2021) which reduction we lifted
recently. We also halted our dividend distribution until recently (see Item 5B above on page 34) and also either reduced some of the payments
for services rendered by developers as well as reduction of rental payments. The aforementioned should be deemed as a forward-looking
analysis under Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act and Section 27A of the Securities Act, 1933.
Please see Item 4.A. – History and Development of the Company and Item 4.B. –
Business Overview above for trend information.
E. OFF-BALANCE
SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We do not have off-balance sheet arrangements (as such term is defined in Item 5E. of
the Form 20-F) that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial
conditions, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors.
F. TABULAR
DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
Contractual obligations and commercial commitments
The following table summarizes our material contractual obligations as of December 31,
2021:
|
|
Payments due by period |
|
Contractual obligations |
|
Total |
|
|
Less than 1 year |
|
|
1-3 years |
|
|
3-5 years |
|
|
After 5 years |
|
|
|
(In USD thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Operating leases |
|
|
5,174 |
|
|
|
2,768 |
|
|
|
1,567 |
|
|
|
614 |
|
|
|
225 |
|
Purchase Obligations |
|
|
17,843 |
|
|
|
17,843 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Long – term debt obligations |
|
|
31,426 |
|
|
|
18,257 |
|
|
|
13,169 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Total |
|
|
54,443 |
|
|
|
38,868 |
|
|
|
14,736 |
|
|
|
614 |
|
|
|
225 |
|
* Please see consolidated financial statements, Note 7.
G.
SAFE HARBOR
The safe harbor provided in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Sections 21E of the
Exchange Act shall apply, among other things, to forward looking information provided in Item 5. F.
ITEM 6.
DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
|
A. |
DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT |
The following persons are our directors, senior management and employees upon whose
work we are dependent:
Name |
Age |
Position |
|
|
|
Izzy Sheratzky |
75 |
President and director |
Yehuda Kahane |
77 |
Director |
Ze’ev Koren |
77 |
Chairman of the Board of Directors and an independent director |
Efraim Sheratzky |
69 |
Director |
Eyal Sheratzky |
53 |
Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director |
Nir Sheratzky |
50 |
Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director |
Gil Sheratzky |
44 |
CEO of our Subsidiary, International Activity and Business Development Officer and a Director |
Yoav Kahane(1)(2) |
48 |
Director and an independent director |
Yigal Shani |
77 |
Director |
Israel Baron (1)(2)(3)
+ |
68 |
External Director |
Gidon Kotler (1)(2)(3) |
81 |
External Director |
Tal Sheratzky- Jaffa |
44 |
Director and an independent director |
Ami Saranga |
58 |
Deputy Chief Executive Officer |
Eli Kamer |
55 |
Executive Vice President, Finance; Chief Financial Officer |
Guy Aharonov |
56 |
General Counsel |
Udi Mizrahi |
50 |
Deputy Chief Executive Officer International Operation and VP of Finance |
Shahar Sheratzky |
42 |
Vice President, head of our business division |
Notes:
(1)
Member of audit committee
(2)
Member of compensation committee
(3)
External director elected in accordance with the Israeli Companies Law
+ Chairperson
of all committees
Izzy Sheratzky is a co-founder of our company
and its President. He has previously served as the Chairman of our Board of Directors, which in our company constitutes both an officer
and director positions, ever since our company was acquired from Tadiran in 1995. Until 2003, Mr. Sheratzky also served as our Chief Executive
Officer. Mr. Sheratzky also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Moked (1973) Investigations Company Ltd., Moked Services,
Information and Investments Ltd., and Moked Ituran. He also serves as a director in Tikal Document Collection Ltd. Mr. Sheratzky is the
father of Eyal, Nir and Gil Sheratzky, Brother of Efraim Sheratzky and uncle of Tal Sheratzky-Jaffa.
Yehuda Kahane is a co-founder of our company
and has served on our board since 1995. Professor Kahane is an entrepreneur in both the academic and business arenas. He is a Fellow of
the World Academy of Art and Science. He received the 2011 highest international award for his lasting contribution to the theory, practice
and education in insurance and risk management, as well as a lifetime achievements award by the Israeli Insurance industry. He is a co-founder
and chairperson of the YK Center for Preparing for the New Economy. Kahane is a Professor (Emeritus) from the Coller Business, Tel Aviv
University where he headed the Institute for Business and the Environment. He taught at many business schools around the world, including
the Wharton School, the University of Texas (Austin), the University of Toronto and the University of Florida, and has founded and served
as the first Dean of the Israeli Academic School of Insurance. Professor Kahane chairs and is a major owner of Capital Point Ltd., and
is active in the formation, seed investment and management of start-up companies and technological incubators, unrelated to our company.
He chairs the association for the visually impaired people in Herzliya and Sharon district, and a board member of the Center for Blind
People in Israel (The Umbrella organization). He is an honorary member of the Israel-Brazil Chamber of Commerce. Professor Kahane holds
a BA degree in Economics and Statistics, an MA degree in Business Administration and a PhD in Finance from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
and is a Fellow of the Israeli Association of Actuaries. He specializes in insurance, risk management, environmental issues and technological
forecasting. He is the father of Yoav Kahane.
Zeev Koren has served as a director of our company
since 2006 and since 2011 serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company. In 1988 Brigadier Gen. (Res) Koren retired
from the Israel Defense Forces after a career of 25 years, where in his final position he served as the head of human resources planning
for the general staff division. Since then he has served in a senior capacity in companies in the fields of international forwarding and
medical services. During the past ten years he has also served as the general manager of a Provident Management Company. He holds a B.A.
in Political Science and Criminology from Bar Ilan University.
Efraim Sheratzky was appointed to the board
on February 9, 2015 to replace Mr. Amos Kurz, as a Class A Director. Efraim Sheratzky studied insurance in the Israeli Insurance College.
Efraim Sheratzky owns together with Yigal Shani, Tzivtit Insurance Agency (1998) Ltd. Efraim Sheratzky served as our director from 1999
and until 2005. Efraim Sheratzky is the brother of Izzy Sheratzky and the uncle of Eyal, Nir and Gil Sheratzky and father of Ms. Tal Sheratzky-Jaffa.
Eyal Sheratzky has served as a director of our
company since its acquisition from Tadiran in 1995 and currently serves as a Co-Chief Executive Officer since 2003. Prior to 2003, he
served as Vice President of Business Development during the years 1999 through 2002. Mr. Sheratzky also serves as a director of Moked
Ituran and certain of our other subsidiaries, including Ituran Network. From 1994 to 1999, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of
Moked Services, Information and Investments and as legal advisor to several of our affiliated companies. Mr. Sheratzky holds LLB and LLM
degrees from Tel Aviv University School of Law and an Executive MBA degree from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University,
USA. Mr. Sheratzky is the son of Izzy Sheratzky and the brother of Nir and Gil Sheratzky and nephew of Effraim Sheratzky.
Nir Sheratzky has served as a director of our
company since its acquisition from Tadiran in 1995 and currently serves as a Co-Chief Executive Officer since 2003. Prior to 2003, Mr.
Sheratzky served as an Executive Officer in our company from 1995 to 2003. Mr. Sheratzky is also a director in Moked Ituran. He holds
BA and MA degrees in Economics from Tel Aviv University. Nir is the son of Izzy Sheratzky and the brother of Eyal and Gil Sheratzky and
nephew of Effraim Sheratzky.
Gil Sheratzky serves as a director of our company
and since 2013 as our International Activity and Business Development Officer. Mr. Sheratzky has been serving since January 23, 2007 as
the Chief Executive Officer of our subsidiary, E-Com Global Electronic Commerce Ltd. From 2003 and until 2013 Mr. Sheratzky served as
our marketing communication officer. During the years 2000 - 2001 Gil worked in our control center, and during the years 2001 - 2002 he
worked in an advertising agency. Mr. Sheratzky holds a BA in Business Administration from the Herzliya Interdisciplinary Center,
and an MBA degree from the Booth School of Business at Chicago University, USA. Gil serves also as director in Saver One Bringg and chairman
of Mapa GIS (a subsidiary of Ituran). Gil Sheratzky is the son of Izzy Sheratzky and the brother of Eyal Sheratzky and Nir Sheratzky and
nephew of Effraim Sheratzky
Yoav Kahane has served as director of our company
since 1998. Mr. Kahane is serving as Chief Executive Officer of VIZO Specs Ltd, a start up company he co-founded that develop a non-invasive
technology for immediate enhancement of attention and the treatment of ADHD. During 2020 he served as Chief Business Officer of
PrintCB, developer and manufacturer of Advanced Copper Materials for Car Electrification. Since 2015 Mr. Kahane has co-founded and served
as the Chief Executive Officer of Spot-On Therapeutics Ltd., a startup company that develops a non-invasive brain stimulation technology
for the treatment of balance disorders and falls prevention. During 2006-2014, Mr. Kahane has worked for Enzymotec in various managerial
positions including Director of Business Development, VP Sales & Marketing, Infant Nutrition Business Unit Manager, Chief Executive
Officer and Chairman of Advanced Lipids AB, a joint venture of AAK AB and Enzymotec, specializing in nutritional ingredients to the infant
nutrition industry. During the years 2004-2005, Mr. Kahane served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing in Elbit Vision Systems Ltd.
In 2000, Mr. Kahane established Ituran Florida Corp. and served as its Chief Executive Officer until 2001. Mr. Kahane holds a BA degree
in Life Sciences from Tel-Aviv University, a BA degree in Insurance and an MBA degree from the University of Haifa. Yoav Kahane is the
son of Professor Yehuda Kahane.
Yigal Shani has served as a director of our
company since its acquisition from Tadiran in 1995. Mr. Shani is an insurance agent and a partner in the insurance agency Tzivtit Insurance
Agency (1998) Ltd. together with Efraim Sheratzky, which provides insurance services to our
company. Mr. Shani, has resigned on March 13, 2014 in order to allow compliance with the provisions of the Israeli Companies Law, which
require that the board of directors to include at least one female and was reappointed on February 9, 2015 to replace Mr. Avner Kurz,
as a Class B Director.
Israel Baron has been serving as an external
director of our company since 2003 and is the Chairman of our board’s committees. Mr. Baron served as a director in Poalim Trust
Services Ltd., a fully owned subsidiary of Bank Hapoalim Ltd from 2009 until 2017. In addition, Mr. Baron has been serving as Chief Executive
Officer of several public sector employee retirement and saving plans since 2003. Prior to 2003, Mr. Baron managed an organizational consulting
firm, served as an investment manager in the Isaac Tshuva group during the years 1999 to 2001 and as Chief Executive Officer of Gmulot
Investment Company Ltd. Mr. Baron serves as a director of Quality Baron Management Services Ltd. and until 2004 he served as a director
of Brill Shoe Industries Ltd. Mr. Baron is a certified CPA and holds a BA degree in Economics and Accounting from the Bar-Ilan University
in Ramat-Gan, Israel. Israel Baron was reelected on December 10, 2020 for additional 3-year term to serve as external director.
Gidon Kotler is an external director of our
company. He was nominated on April 30, 2014. Prior to his retirement on 2016, Mr. Kotler has been serving as the assets manager of Strauss-Group
Ltd., one of Israel’s largest public companies, since 1997. Prior to that, Mr. Kotler has served for 3 years as the chief executive
officer of the Tel-Aviv New Central Bus Station, and for 14 years as the chief executive officer of the Dizengof Center’s management
company. Mr. Kotler has served as an external director of Elran Real Estate Ltd. from 2007 until 2010. On December 28, 2016, an annual
general shareholders meeting approved the extension of the term of Mr. Gideon Kotler, our external director, for additional three years
(beginning April 30, 2017). On December 12, 2019, an annual general shareholders meeting approved additional extension of the term of
Mr. Gideon Kotler, our external director, for additional three years (beginning April 30, 2020).
Ms. Tal Sheratzky-Jaffa was until recently a
Vice President at Margalit Startup City, a unique Israeli organization focused on building and creating centers of excellence worldwide.
Prior to joining Margalit Startup City, Ms. Sheratzky-Jaffa was a Strategy and Development Manager at Reality Investment Funds, Israeli
value-add real estate fund. Prior to joining Reality Investment Funds, Ms. Sheratzky-Jaffa was a partner at the Israeli law firm Amit,
Pollak, Matalon and Co., specializing in the fields of investment funds, mergers and acquisitions, high-tech and corporate governance,
and an associate at the New York offices of the US law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld. Ms. Sheratzky-Jaffa holds LL.M degree
from Columbia University (New York), LL.B from Haifa University and B.A (economics) from Haifa University, and is a member of the Israeli
Bar Association and the New York State Bar. Ms. Sheratzky-Jaffa is the nephew of Izzy Sheratzky and the cousin of Eyal, Nir and Gil Sheratzky
and the daughter of Efraim Sheratzky. Ms. Sheratzky – Jaffa was elected, on December 12, 2019, in annual general shareholders
meeting, to serve as director in Class A for additional period until third succeeding Annual General meeting, thereafter.
Ami Saranga has been serving as the Deputy Chief
Executive Officer of our company since 2011. Prior to that Mr. Saranga served as our VP Marketing since 2008. Prior to 2008, Mr. Saranga
managed the SME division of Pelephone Communications Ltd., one of Israel’s largest telecommunication network operators. Mr. Saranga
holds a BA degree in Business Administration from Ruppin Academic Center, Israel.
Eli Kamer has served as Executive Vice President,
Finance and Chief Financial Officer of our company since 1999, after serving as its Finance Department Manager since 1997. Prior such
date, Mr. Kamer worked as an accountant in Fahn Kanne & Co., our independent registered public accountant. Mr. Kamer is a CPA and
holds a BA degree in Business Administration from the Israel College of Management and an MBA degree in business administration from Bar
Ilan University.
Guy Aharonov has served as our in-house legal
counsel since 1999. Prior to joining our company, he has worked as an attorney in Cohen Lahat & Co. Mr. Aharonov holds LLB and LLM
degrees from Tel Aviv University.
Udi Mizrahi has served as our VP Finance since
2000. On his current position Mr. Mizrahi serve as a Deputy Chief Executive Officer International Operation and VP of Finance. Mr. Mizrahi
is a CPA and holds a BA degree in accounting and economics from Ruppin Academic Center, Israel.
Shahar Sheratzky has served in different marketing
roles in our company since 2007. In 2022 Mr. Shahar Sheratzky was nominated to Vice president, head of our business division. Among his
responsibilities are the marketing, selling and digital fields. Mr. Sheratzky holds a MBA degree in business administration with a specialization
in global marketing from Reichman University, Israel. Mr. Shahar Sheratzky is the nephew of Izzy Sheratzky and the cousin of Eyal, Nir
and Gil Sheratzky and the son of Efraim Sheratzky.
Our articles of association provide for staggered three-year terms for all of our directors
(except our external directors, who are elected in accordance with the provisions of the Israeli Companies Law). The directors on our
board (excluding the external directors) are divided into three classes, and each class of directors serves for a term of three years,
as follows: Izzy Sheratzky, Gil Sheratzky and Zeev Koren (class C), who were re-elected on December 13, 2021; Nir Sheratzky, Yigal Shani
and Yehuda Kahane (class B), who were re-elected on December 10, 2020; and Eyal Sheratzky, Efraim Sheratzky, Tal Sheratzky-Jaffa
and Yoav Kahane (class A), who were re-elected on December 12, 2019. This classification of the board of directors may delay or prevent
a change of control of our company.
On December 28, 2016, an annual general shareholders meeting approved the extension
of the term of Mr. Gideon Kotler, our external director, for additional three years (beginning April 30, 2017), which was extended to
additional term of three years commencing on April 30, 2020. On December 10, 2020, an annual general and special shareholders meeting
approved the re-election of Mr. Israel Baron, our external director, for additional three years.
Shareholders Agreement and Articles of Association of Moked Ituran Ltd.
Pursuant to Moked Ituran Ltd's articles of association and agreement (as amended) between
its shareholders, there is a mechanism in place with regard to directors to be designated and voted for election by Moked Ituran Ltd in
each of our annual shareholdings meeting for the relevant class of directors (four directors in class A and B and three in class C). The
aforementioned is in effect only for as long as Moked Ituran Ltd holds at least 15% of our issued and outstanding share capital.
B. COMPENSATION
The aggregate direct compensation we paid to our directors who are not officers for
their services as directors as a group for the year ended December 31, 2021 was approximately $ 286,000. Directors are reimbursed for
expenses incurred in connection with their attendance of board or committee meetings. The compensation payable to external directors is
determined in accordance with regulations promulgated under the Israeli Companies Law. See Item 6.C - Board Practices under the caption
“External directors” below. Our audit committee and board of directors approved compensation for Mr. Ze’ev Koren, for
serving as the Chairman of our board of directors, and for Mr. Yoav Kahane, for serving as a member of our board committees, such that
they shall be compensated in the same manner as our external directors are compensated, annually and per meeting, in accordance with the
Companies Regulations (Rules for the Compensation and Expenses of an External Director), 2000-5760. In 2021, we paid the sum of NIS 443,000
(approximately $137,000) to our external directors, NIS 200,000 (approximately $ 62,000) to Mr. Ze’ev Koren, NIS 161,000 (approximately
$50,000) to Mr. Yoav Kahane, NIS 120,000 (approximately $37,000) to Ms. Tal Sheratzky-Jaffa. We do not have any agreements with directors
providing for benefits upon termination of their respective services as such.
Due to the Covid-19 effect, since April 2020 we reduced the monthly compensation of
our President, Co-CEOs and manager of the Business Development by 25%. This was lifted since March, 2021. Due to the Covid-19 effect we
also reduced the monthly salaries of our employees by 10%. This was lifted since January 2021. The aggregate costs to the Company of the
compensation to our Co-Chief Executive Officers in 2021 were $4.5 million (including bonuses). The aggregate compensation paid to all
of our officers as a group during 2021 was approximately $ 13.4 million. In 2021 we paid an aggregate amount of $ 69,000 to one director
who provided us with services. The above compensation amounts include amounts attributable to automobiles made available to our officers
and other fringe benefits commonly reimbursed or paid by companies in Israel. Employee directors do not receive additional fees for their
services as directors.
The following table sets forth the breakdown of the compensation
of our 5 highest paid officers in 2021 according to our 2021 financial reports:
|
|
Management fees |
|
|
Wage |
|
|
Social components |
|
|
Car value |
|
|
Bonus (results based) |
|
|
Bonus (Share yield based) |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
Compensation components (in thousand US Dollars) |
|
Izzy Sheratzky (President)
|
|
|
781 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,228 |
|
|
|
836 |
|
|
|
2,845 |
|
Eyal Sheratzky (Co-Chief Executive Officer) |
|
|
608 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
975 |
|
|
|
650 |
|
|
|
2,233 |
|
Nir Sheratzky (Co-Chief Executive Officer) |
|
|
608 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
975 |
|
|
|
650 |
|
|
|
2,233 |
|
Gil Sheratzky (CEO of our Subsidiary. International Activity
and Business Development Officer) |
|
|
435 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
697 |
|
|
|
464 |
|
|
|
1,596 |
|
Shahar Sheratzky (Vice president, head of our business division)
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
182 |
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
229 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
472 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total of our 5 highest paid officers
|
|
|
2,432 |
|
|
|
182 |
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
4,104 |
|
|
|
2,600 |
|
|
|
9,379 |
|
During 2021, we set aside $535,000for the benefit of our officers for pension, retirement
or similar benefits. We do not set aside any funds for the benefit of our directors who are not employees for any pension, retirement
or similar benefits.
All numbers in this section are rounded to the nearest thousand.
During 2021, Messrs. Izzy Sheratzky, Eyal Sheratzky, Nir Sheratzky
and Gil Sheratzky provided their services as President, Co-Chief Executive Officers and CEO of our Subsidiary & International Activity
and Business Development Officer respectively, as independent contractors pursuant to services agreements, which were adopted by our shareholders
meeting in January 2014, which terms correspond to our compensation policy as described below.
On December 10, 2020 our annual general meeting of shareholders approved the extension
of service agreements as independent contractors, of Messrs. Izzy Sheratzky, Eyal Sheratzky, Nir Sheratzky and Gil Sheratzky for a period
of additional three years.
For further details concerning such terms of service, please see Item 7.B – Related
Parties Transactions under the caption “Transactions with our directors and principal officers.”
In 2006, our compensation committee has devised a bonus scheme pursuant to which some
of our officers and employees received shares of our profit before tax on a consolidated basis, based on their seniority, level of global
and domestic involvement, contribution to our operations and other criteria set by the compensation committee. In 2010, our compensation
committee resolved that additional managers shall be entitled to receive bonuses under this bonus scheme and that some of the grantees
should continue to receive a bonus based on our consolidated results and some should receive a bonus based only on our solo financial
statements. During 2021, we paid a total of $ 842,000to our officers and employees pursuant to the above bonus schemes.
Our compensation policy for office holders
In December 2012, amendment no. 20 to the Israeli Companies Law became effective. Among
other things, this amendment requires Israeli public companies to set forth their policy regarding their office holders’ terms of
office, including fixed compensation, target-based incentives, equity awards, severance and other benefits. The amendments also set forth
the considerations that should be applied when devising a compensation policy for office holders.
The term “office holder” is defined in the Israeli Companies Law, to mean
the chief executive officer, chief business officer, deputy chief executive officer, vice chief executive officer, any other person fulfilling
such position even if his title is different, as well as a director or a manager directly subordinate to the chief executive officer.
The compensation policy must be approved every three years by the board of directors,
after considering the recommendations of the compensation committee; and generally requires the approval of the company’s general
meeting of shareholders by a special majority of shareholders who are not controlling shareholders and who do not have a personal interest
in the approval of the policy; or, alternatively, that the non-controlling shareholders and shareholders who do not have a personal interest
in the matter who are present and vote against the policy hold two percent or less of the voting power of the company.
The compensation policy does not intend to amend any officer’s existing terms
of office; nor to bestow any officer with a right to receive the compensation, or any element thereof set forth therein. However, generally,
once the compensation policy is approved, all future terms of service of office holders should conform to its provisions. The specific
terms of office of each officer shall be separately determined in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Israeli Companies Law
and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
Our general shareholders meeting approved our compensation policy for office holders
on October 31, 2013, and on November 7, 2016 and later on December 12, 2019 approved a renewal and several minor amendments in our compensation
policy (in order to reflect several changes in Israeli Company Law). The policy applies to office holders of the Company (see definition
above), who serve as the Company’s President, Chief Executive Officer(s) and other executives who are deemed office holders
of the Company, as well as office holders of the Company’s Israeli wholly owned subsidiaries, provided they report to the chief
executive officer. The policy also applies to directors of the Company.
Our compensation policy for office holders was formulated in view of our belief that
our business success is the result of the excellence of our human resources and their devotion to the achievement of our company’s
goals. Therefore, it is aimed at offering our officers with a competitive compensation package that will align their incentives with those
of our company and our shareholders, and at motivating them to achieve the goals of our company, while avoiding undue pressure to take
excessive risks. Among other factors, our compensation committee and board of directors have considered, as required by amendment no.
20 to the Israeli Companies Law and as reflected in the policy: (a) the advancement of the company’s goals, its business plan and
its policy with a long-term view; (b) the creation of appropriate incentives for office holders, considering the company’s risk
management policy; (c) the size of the company and the nature of its business; (d) with respect to variable components of the terms of
office – the contribution of the office holders to the achievement of the company’s goals and to the maximization of its profits,
with a long-term view and in accordance with the position of the office holder.
The compensation policy incorporates all matters required to be included in a compensation
policy as mandated by amendment 20 to the Israeli Companies Law, including (without limitation): (a) the requirement to consider the office
holders’ education, skills, professional experience, expertise, position and past compensation agreements; (b) consideration of
the ratios between overall compensation of the officers and the average and median salary of the other employees of the Company; (c) the
board’s right to reduce variable compensation; (d) the determination of a maximum period for advanced and transition periods upon
termination of services; (e) basing variable components of compensation on key performance indicators and on measurable criteria; (f)
determining the ratio between fixed and variable components of compensation and setting forth caps on the amount of variable compensation
payable; and (g) a claw-back provision with respect to restatements of financial statements. For further details, see our full compensation
policy for office holders, which is filed herewith as Exhibit 4.24 under Item 19 – Exhibits.
Board of Directors
Pursuant to our articles of association as presently in effect, our board of directors
generally consists of twelve directors, including at least three independent directors in accordance with the listing rules of Nasdaq
concerning the composition of audit committees, of whom two directors are external directors as required by Israeli law. Our independent
directors, as such term is defined under the Nasdaq listing rules, are Mr. Baron, Mr. Kotler, Mr. Koren, Mr. Yoav Kahane and Ms. Tal Sheratzky
- Jaffa, Pursuant to our articles of association, other than the external directors, for whom special election requirements apply
(see “External directors” below), our directors are elected, by majority of our shareholders and may be removed by special
majority. However, see Item 6.A – Directors and Senior Management for a description of our staggered board and the shareholders
agreement and articles of association of Moked Ituran Ltd. Our board of directors may at any time and from time to time appoint any other
person as a director to fill a vacancy until the general meeting of shareholders in which the term of service of the replaced director
was scheduled to expire.
Pursuant to the Israeli Companies Law, our chairman convenes and presides over the meetings
of the board. In addition, any two directors may convene a meeting of the board of directors, as well as a director who becomes aware
of a company’s matter that allegedly involves a breach of the law or an improper business conduct. A quorum consists of a majority
of the members of the board, and decisions are taken by a vote of the majority of the members present. Our articles of association provide
that such quorum will in no event be less than two directors.
We are incorporated in Israel and are therefore subject to the provisions of the Israeli
Companies Law, including certain corporate governance provisions. Our ordinary shares are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (Our
shares were delisted from the Tel Aviv stock exchange on May 25, 2016, for additional information see Item 9.A – Price History of
Our Shares), and we are therefore subject to certain provisions of the Israeli securities laws, the U.S. securities Laws and the Nasdaq
listing rules. See also Item 16.G. – Corporate Governance below for additional information concerning our compliance with the Nasdaq
listing rules and exemptions therefrom.
According to our Articles of Association, some of our officers and employees (including
the chairman of our board and at least one third member of the Board) should be citizens and residents of Israel and receive clearance
approval from the Israeli General Security Service. All the members of our board comply with these requirements.
On February 26, 2017 our board has adopted an Internal Compliance policy, which following
review of our internal process included a comprehensive update of our internal regulations and codification of our internal regulations,
all pursuant to the applicable Israeli laws.
External directors
Under Israeli law, the board of directors of companies whose shares are publicly traded
are required to include at least two members who qualify as external directors. External directors are to be elected by a majority vote
at a shareholders’ meeting, provided that either:
◾ |
Such majority includes at least the majority of the shares held by all non-controlling shareholders or those having personal interest
in the nomination, except personal interest which is not resulting from connections with controlling shareholders, present and voting
at such meeting; or |
◾ |
The total number of shares voted against the election of the external director and held by shareholders other than controlling shareholders
or those having personal interest in the nomination, except personal interest which is not resulting from connections with controlling
shareholders, must not exceed 2% of the shares whose holders are entitled to vote at any meeting of shareholders. |
External directors are generally elected to serve an initial term of three years and
may be re-elected to serve in that capacity for two additional three-year terms; however, companies whose securities are listed on recognized
foreign exchanges, such as Nasdaq, may extend the service terms of their external directors for additional unlimited terms, each of no
more of than three years , subject to the approval of the audit committee and the board of directors that such extension is for the benefit
of the company in view of the directors’ expertise and special contribution to the operation of the board and its committees and
these reasons together with the term served by the external director were presented to the shareholders prior to their approval (see the
Israeli Companies Regulations (Allowances for Companies with Securities Listed on an Exchange Outside Israel), 2000-5760). The appointment
of an external director for additional terms may be brought for the approval of the shareholders either by the board of directors or by
a shareholder that holds at least 1% of the company’s voting rights, provided that the nominee is not a related or competing shareholder
(as defined below) or a relative thereof, at the time of the appointment, and does not have an affinity to such shareholder (as defined
below) at the time of the appointment or the two years preceding such appointment. The term “related or competing shareholder”
means the shareholder who proposed the appointment or a 5% shareholder of the company if, at the time of the appointment, his controlling
person or a company controlled by either of them, has business relations with the company, or if he, his controlling person or a company
controlled by either of them are competitors of the company. The term “affinity” means the on-going existence of work relationship,
business or professional relationship or control and the service as an officer.
External directors may generally be removed from office by the same majority of shareholders
required for their election or by a court, in each case, only under limited circumstances, including if they cease to meet the statutory
qualification for their appointment or violate the duty of loyalty to the company.
If at the time of the appointment of an external director, all directors who are not
controlling persons or their relatives are of the same gender, then the elected external director must be of the other gender.
Each committee of the board of directors that is vested with an authority of the board
must include at least one external director, except that the audit committee and compensation committee must include all external directors
then serving on the board of directors. The Israeli Companies Law prohibits external directors from receiving, directly or indirectly,
any compensation other than for services as an external director pursuant to the provisions and limitations set forth in the applicable
regulations promulgated under the Israeli Companies Law.
Israeli law provides that a person is not qualified to serve as an external director
if he is a relative (as defined in the Israeli Companies Law) of the company’s controlling person, or if, at the time of his/her
appointment and/or at any time during the two years preceding his or her appointment, that person, a relative, partner or employer of
that person, or any entity under that person’s control, has or has had an affinity (as defined above) to the company, its controlling
person or its relative or to any entity that, as of the date of appointment, or at any time during the two years preceding that date,
is controlled by the company or by its controlling person. In addition, no person may serve as an external director if that person’s
professional activities create, or may create, a conflict of interest with that person’s responsibilities as a director or otherwise
interfere with that person’s ability to serve as a director; and, a person already serving as a director of one company may not
be appointed as an external director of the company if at that time a director of the company is serving as an external director of the
first company. In addition, a company, controlling shareholder and any other entity controlled by the controlling shareholder may not
grant to such external director, its spouse or child, any benefits, directly or indirectly, and the external director, its spouse or child
may not be appointed to serve in any position, may not be employed by and may not, directly or indirectly, render any professional services
to the company, such controlling shareholder or any other entity controlled by the controlling shareholder, during the first two years
following such external director’s termination of tenure of office, and with respect to a relative who is not the external director’s
spouse or child – during the first year following such termination.
Mr. Israel Baron is now serving his seventh term as an external director of the Company,
who was reelected on of December 10, 2020 for a term of 3 years. Mr. Gideon Kotler was appointed on April 30, 2014 by an extraordinary
shareholders meeting as our new external director, following the death of our former external director, Dr. Orna Ophir, in January 2014
and was reelected by our general shareholders meeting on December 28, 2016, for his second term, of additional 3 years term starting from
April 30, 2017, which was later extended for additional term of three years beginning April 30, 2020.
Audit committee
Under Israeli law, the board of directors of a public company must appoint an audit
committee. The audit committee must comprise of at least three directors, including all of the external directors and the chairman of
the audit committee must be an external director. In addition, the majority of the members of the audit committee must be independent
directors. Under the Israeli Companies Law, a director is considered “independent” if he/she is an external director or if
he/she meets the qualifications of an external director, has not served as a director of the company for over 9 consecutive years, and
has been classified as such. Under Israeli regulations a director who serves more than 9 consecutive years as a director may still be
deemed as "independent director" provided the Audit committee and thereafter the board of directors resolved that his-her tenure as a
director for an extend term is for the benefit of the company based on his/her expertise and unique contribution to the board and its
committees. Our Audit committee and board of directors so resolved with regard to Messrs. Israel Baron and Yoav Kahane. The audit committee
may not include the chairman of the board, any director who is employed by the company or regularly provides services to the company (other
than as a board member), a controlling shareholder or any relative of such person. All audit committee decisions must be approved by a
majority of the committee members of which the majority of members present are independent directors. Furthermore, a person who is not
eligible to serve on the audit committee is restricted from participating in its meetings and votes, unless the chairman of the audit
committee determines that such person’s presence is necessary in order to present a certain matter, provided however, that the company
employees who are not controlling shareholders or relatives of such shareholders may be present in the meetings but not in the actual
votes and likewise, company counsel and secretary who are not controlling shareholders or relatives of such shareholders may be present
in meetings and decisions of such present is requested by the audit committee.
Our audit committee must also meet the requirements of the Nasdaq listing rules concerning
audit committees.
Our board of directors has formed an audit committee that is empowered, among other
things, to exercise the powers of the board of directors concerning our accounting, reporting and financial control practices. Our audit
committee operates in accordance with a charter, which complies with the provisions of the Israeli Companies Law and the Nasdaq listing
rules. The members of the audit committee are currently Messrs. Israel Baron, Gidon Kotler and Yoav Kahane, all of whom are independent
as required of members of the audit committee under the Nasdaq listing rules. Mr. Gidon Kotler was appointed on April 30, 2014 to replace
Dr. Orna Ophir who passed away in January 2014. Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Israel Baron possesses financial sophistication
as required by Rule 5605(c)(2) under the Nasdaq listing rules, and that both Mr. Baron and Mr. Kotler possess accounting and financial
expertise as defined by Israeli regulations.
Pursuant to the Israeli Companies Regulations (Provisions and Conditions regarding the
Financial Statements’ Authorization Process), 2010, a reporting entity, except for a reporting entity that is subject to Chapter
E(3) of the Israeli Securities Act, is required to establish a committee of the board of directors for the examination of financial statements.
Since we are a reporting entity under Chapter E(3), we are not obliged to constitute a committee for the examination of financial statements;
and therefore, commencing with the financial statements for the first quarter of 2013, we ceased holding meetings of the examination of
financial statements committee; and instead, our audit committee considers the financial statements prior to their approval by the board.
Pursuant to the 22nd
amendment in the Israeli Company law, which was set to define new rules to approve transaction of the public company with its controlling
shareholders, or the transaction in which the controlling shareholder has interest. The law requires from our Audit committee to set up
rules to define the criteria for classification of transactions, which are neither Insignificant Transactions nor extraordinary transactions,
and their procedures of approval that will be determined per each year in advance. In addition, the law requires from the Audit Committee
to set methods of examining transactions with the controlling shareholders, in order to enable their classification and their comparison
to the conditions in the free market. The Audit Committee resolved on September 29, 2014 as follows:
|
1. |
Transaction that is neither extraordinary, nor insignificant. |
Definition: the relevant criteria that is calculated for the transaction is such transaction
which is higher than 0.25% of the equity of the company according its last combined financial reports, or higher than 1% of average net
revenue of the past 3 years of the company in their absolute value, in the last 2 calendar years prior to the date of the transaction
is being reported according the last financial report of the company.
Methods of approval: approval by the senior management of the company (from vice chief
executive officer and higher) and report to the Board. The following transactions will require also the approval of the Audit Committee:
|
(1) |
Transaction which is higher than 4.5% of the equity of the company according its last combined financial reports which were published
prior to the approval of the transaction. |
|
(2) |
Transaction that involves risks or significant exposure beyond mere monetary liabilities or obligations. |
|
(3) |
Transaction in which the company enters a new activity field or exits from an existing activity field. |
|
2. |
Insignificant transaction: |
Definition: such transaction which is not higher than 0.25% of the equity of the company
according its last combined financial reports or is not higher than 1% of average net revenue of the past 3 years of the company in their
absolute value, in the last 2 calendar years prior to the date of the transaction is being reported according the last financial report
of the company.
Methods of approval: Approval by the management of the company or by the officer in
charge in the company (vice chief executive officer, other officer or other in charged body in the company according the decisions of
the company).
|
(1) |
Any transaction with a controlling shareholder or any transaction that a controlling shareholder has an interest in, will be brought
before the Audit Committee, which will determine its type and decide on case by case basis on defining it as an insignificant transaction
or other kind of transaction, and will decide on its review and on its approval. |
|
(2) |
According the adopted criteria, transactions with Tzivtit Insurance Agency (1998) Ltd. and with Rinat Yogev Nadlan Ltd. shall be
classified as insignificant transactions. If the extent of such transactions will remain similar during the following years, our management
shall be deemed qualified to approve such transactions and to report them to the Audit Committee. |
|
(3) |
Every year the criteria for classifying transactions as set up above shall be brought for re-approval by the Audit Committee.
|
Compensation committee
The Israeli Companies Law mandates the appointment of a compensation committee comprising
of at least three directors. The compensation committee must include all of the external directors, who shall constitute the majority
of the members thereof, and its remaining members shall be directors whose terms of service comply with the provisions promulgated concerning
the remuneration of external directors. The chairman of the committee must be an external director. The members of the Compensation committee
are currently Israel Baron, Gideon Kotler and Yoav Kahane. Mr. Gidon Kotler was appointed on April 30, 2014 to replace Dr. Orna Ophir
who passed away in January 2014. All members of our compensation committee are independent directors as defined by the Nasdaq listing
rules, and all of whom meet the composition requirements under the Israeli Companies Law. Since February 2016, the Israeli Companies Law
permits that Audit Committee can serve also as a Compensation committee, provided that it will comply with requirements of the Compensation
Committee as explained above.
Under the Israeli Companies Law, the compensation committee is responsible for: (i)
making recommendations to the board of directors with respect to the approval of the compensation policy for office holders and any extensions
thereto; (ii) periodically reviewing the implementation of the compensation policy and providing the board of directors with recommendations
with respect to any amendments or updates thereto; (iii) reviewing and resolving whether or not to approve arrangements with respect to
the terms of office of office holders; and (iv) determining whether or not to exempt a transaction with a candidate for chief executive
officer from shareholders' approval.
Furthermore, our compensation committee oversees, on behalf of the Board, the management
of Ituran’s compensation and other human resources-related issues and otherwise carries out on behalf of the Board its responsibilities
relating to these issues. The committee is responsible for establishing annual and long-term performance goals and objectives for our
executive officers. In addition, as required under the Nasdaq listing rules, our compensation committee is responsible for the appointment,
compensation and oversight of the work of any compensation consultant, legal counsel and other adviser retained by the committee; and
may retain such advice only after taking into account the considerations set forth in the Nasdaq listing rules in this respect. Our compensation
committee operates in accordance with a charter, which complies with the provisions of the Israeli Companies Law and the Nasdaq listing
rules.
According to our compensation committee charter, the compensation committee, among its
other duties, is responsible on reviewing the disclosure in this form which concerns the Compensation Policy and the sections describing
the Terms of Service of Officers, controlling persons and their relatives.
Internal auditor
Under the Israeli Companies Law, the board of directors of a public company must appoint
an internal auditor nominated by the audit committee. An internal auditor may not be:
◾ |
a person (or a relative of a person) who holds more than 5% of the company’s shares or voting rights; |
◾ |
a person (or a relative of a person) who has the power to appoint a director or the general manager of the company; |
◾ |
an executive officer, director or other affiliate of the company; or |
◾ |
a member of the company’s independent accounting firm. |
The role of the internal auditor is to examine, among other things, the compliance of
the company’s conduct with applicable law and orderly business procedures. Our internal auditor in 2020 was Shimon Yarel, CPA,
who has served as our internal auditor since January 1999. On March 2, 2021, the audit committee and the board of directors approved
the appointment of Ms. Alexandra Meron Yarel as an internal auditor instead of Mr Shimon Yarel, and that is due to his retirement.
The following table sets forth the total number of our employees at the end of each
of the past three years, and a breakdown of such employees by main category of activity and by geographic location:
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
2019 |
|
By area of activity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Control Center |
|
|
520 |
|
|
|
568 |
|
|
|
552 |
|
Research and Development |
|
|
136 |
|
|
|
137 |
|
|
|
154 |
|
Sales and Marketing |
|
|
84 |
|
|
|
71 |
|
|
|
69 |
|
Technical support and IT |
|
|
489 |
|
|
|
494 |
|
|
|
467 |
|
Finance, Administration and Management |
|
|
375 |
|
|
|
351 |
|
|
|
380 |
|
Private enforcement and operations |
|
|
1,041 |
|
|
|
1,015 |
|
|
|
1,143 |
|
Manufacturing |
|
|
169 |
|
|
|
125 |
|
|
|
143 |
|
Total |
|
|
2,814 |
|
|
|
2,761 |
|
|
|
2,908 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By geographic location (out of total): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Israel |
|
|
864 |
|
|
|
855 |
|
|
|
863 |
|
Brazil |
|
|
782 |
|
|
|
820 |
|
|
|
884 |
|
Others |
|
|
1,168 |
|
|
|
1,086 |
|
|
|
1,161 |
|
Total |
|
|
2,814 |
|
|
|
2,761 |
|
|
|
2,908 |
|
We consider our relations with our employees to be satisfactory and have no ongoing
major labor disputes or material labor-related litigation. Our employees are subject to local labor laws and regulations, which in some
countries are more stringent than others. Some of our senior executives also have employment agreements that may grant them rights in
excess of those provided by the applicable laws.
Israel
Our employees in Israel are subject to Israeli labor laws and regulations and employment
customs. The applicable labor laws and regulations principally concern matters such as paid annual vacation, paid sick days, length of
the workday, payment for overtime and severance pay. Israeli law generally requires severance pay equal to one month’s salary for
each year of employment upon retirement or death of an employee or termination of employment without cause. Furthermore, Israeli employees
and employers are required to pay predetermined sums to the National Insurance Institute, which is similar to the United States Social
Security Administration. Since January 1, 1995, these amounts also include payments for national health insurance.
Israeli labor laws impose on employers increased liability, including monetary sanctions
and criminal liability, in cases of violations of certain labor laws and certain violations by contractors providing maintenance, security
and cleaning services.
Brazil
Our employment agreements in Brazil are subject to Brazilian labor laws and regulations,
to collective labor agreements or bargaining arrangements with unions and contract. The laws and regulations in Brazil govern almost all
aspects of an employment relationship and do not leave much room to be negotiated with the employee. Still, employment contracts create
obligations to the parties if they are in compliance with the law. The Labor Code mainly governs the employees’ right to paid annual
vacation, paid sick days, the maximum length of a workday, minimum payment for overtime and statutory severance pay. Brazilian law generally
requires severance pay equal to 50% of the balance of the employee’s FGTS account (a mandatory fund to guarantee severance and unemployment).
The FGTS can also be withdrawn when the employee retires, dies or his employment is terminated without cause, among others. Brazilian
employers are required to purchase health insurance for employees only in the event it is set forth by the applicable collective labor
agreement, contract or company policy, and are required to cover employees’ food and travel costs whenever a business trip is required,
and to make deposits into a Guarantee Severance Fund (the so-called “FGTS”). Furthermore, Brazilian employees and employers
are required to make contributions to the National Insurance Institute (“INSS”), similar to the United States Social Security
Administration. Our collections to the National Insurance Institute amount to 34.8% to 39.8% of the payrolls, out of which 8% to 11% (limited
to R$5,839.45 of individual salary) corresponds to contributions by the employees deducted from salaries and 26.8% is the fixed part we
pay. Our contribution of 26.8% includes mandatory contribution to the Public Insurance for Labor Accidents and Diseases (SAT). According
to Decree Law 6957/2009 such portion, which varies from 1% to 3% of payroll, should be multiplied by another factor (FAP) from 0.5 to
2 in order to reduce or increase our burden to reflect statistics of occupational accidents and diseases in our business.
All of our employees in Brazil, excluding the chief executive officer, some directors
(VPs) and and some IT providers are represented by a labor union and the employees’ mandatory contributions to their union are paid
by us. The law no. 13.467/2017, which entered into force on November 11, 2017, made the labor union contribution optional (i.e., discounted
only upon the employees’ consent).
Argentina
Our employees in Argentina are subject to Argentine labor laws and regulations and other
special practices and employment customs. The laws and regulations in Argentina control all aspects of labor relations and designate a
general Employment Contract with which all employees and employers must comply. This general Employment Contract adopts by reference the
provisions of the Labor Law which principally concerns matters such as paid annual vacation, paid sick days, the length of the workday,
and payment for overtime and severance pay.
Argentine law generally requires severance pay equal to one month per year of service
upon the termination of employment without a justified cause.
On December 13, 2019, the new Government issued Decree No. 34/2019, which doubles the
amount of compensation for dismissal without just cause, initially governing a period of 180 days, which was later extended, as well as
the extension of the prohibition of dismissals and suspension without just cause until December 31st,
2021. Currently the prohibition of dismissals has been repealed, however regarding aggravated compensation, under DNU 886/2021 published
on 12/23/2021, has been extended until June 30th, 2022,
with a scheme of different and decreasing percentages in 2-month tranches.
Argentine employers are also required to contribute for the following items: (a) Pension
funds 20.70 % (b) health insurance for employees 6% (c) occupational accident insurance 1.36%d for January to November 2021 and 1,74%
since December 2021 on %; and (d) Retirement fund insurance 2.5% (only this item is for Union Employees). All the rates should be
applied on the gross salary.
Our employees in Argentina, excluding the chief executive officer and a number of other
employees, are members of a labor union and the employee member fees are paid by them.
United States
We have no collective bargaining agreements with any of our employees in the United
States and none of our employees are members of a union.
Mexico
The hiring of employees in Mexico is subject to the regulations of the Federal Labor
Law, the Social Security Law, the Infonavit Law, the Income Tax Law, Afore, and Infonacot In these laws both workers and employers have
obligations and rights ; the percentage corresponding to the employer is 40% in Payroll and Employee Tax depending on their level of income.
The working relationship between employer and employee is regulated by the Individual work contract In Mexico we have several modalities
of types of Labor Contract, according to the permanence and type of contract, example: Contract for a Determined Time, Permanent Contract,
and Contract for Determined Work. In these Contracts the conditions of the work are specified. Within our company we also have working
relationships through outsourcing, where our employees have the same rights and obligations and adhere to the same internal and legal
guidelines. Contract terminations without cause by the employer require the payment of 3 months' salary as a concept of damages.
Ecuador
Our employees in Ecuador are subject by the Ecuadorian Labor Code. The Labor Code provides
for a 40-hour work week, 15 calendar days of annual paid vacation, restrictions and sanctions for those who employ child labor, general
protection of worker health and safety, minimum wages and bonuses, maternity and paternity leave, and employer-provided benefits. The
2008 Constitution bans child labor, requires hiring workers with disabilities, and unpaid internships are not permitted in Ecuador. The
law also mandates that employees’ thirteenth and fourteenth month bonuses, which are required by law, be paid in installments throughout
the year instead of in lump sums. Employees have the option to opt out of this change and continue to receive the payments in lump sums.
The law eliminates fixed-term employee contracts and replaced them with indefinite contracts, which shortens the allowable trial period
for employees to 90 days. The Law for Labor Justice and Recognition of Work in the Home, which included several changes related to labor
and social security, took effect in April 2015. Workers in the private sector have the constitutional right to form trade unions and local
law allows for unionization of any company with more than 30 employees. Private employers are required to engage in collective bargaining
with recognized unions. The Labor Code provides for resolution of union´s conflicts through a tripartite arbitration and conciliation
board process. The Code also prohibits discrimination against union members and requires that employers provide space for union activities.
Colombia
Our employees in Colombia are subject to Colombian labor laws and regulations. All employees have an indefinite
term employment contract and the law determines a minimum monthly salary (MMS), which is increased annually by the government and used
to calculate labor obligations. 48 hours are the maximum hours for a week. All employees are affiliated with the Social Security System
(Health, Pension and Occupational Risks), a percentage is paid by the company and the other by the employee, the calculation depends on
the salary. The law determines additional benefits called social benefits payable by the company: Holidays: 15 working days for each year
worked; Premium corresponds to the payment of 15 days of salary per semester worked or fraction; Unemployment corresponds to the payment
of 30 days of salary per year worked or fraction; Unemployment interest corresponds to 12% of severance pay; Employees who earn less than
2 MMS must be given 3 times a year clothing and footwear or equivalent in bonuses. Termination of employment relationship by the company
without a justified reason, is coupled with compensation to the employee. Additionally, for every 20 employees, the company must hire
an apprentice who will receive financial support from 1 MMS, and who will be employed for a period of 6 months. Currently the company
doesn't have any unionized employee. For year 2022, Income Tax raises to 35%, as a result of tax reform approved by Colombia congress
on 2021 (2021 income tax rate was 31%).
The following sets forth, as of April 15, 2022 the share ownership of our directors
and executive officers listed in Item 6.A above. All of the information with respect to beneficial ownership by our directors and executive
officers has been furnished by the respective director or executive officer, as the case may be.
Name of Director/Officer (1) |
|
Number of Ordinary Shares Beneficially Owned
(2) |
|
|
Percentage of beneficial ownership (3)
|
|
Izzy Sheratzky(4)
|
|
|
4,077,317 |
|
|
|
19.87 |
|
Professor Yehuda Kahane (5)
|
|
|
1,451,137 |
|
|
|
7.06 |
|
Zeev Koren |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Efraim Sheratzky (6)
|
|
|
223,008 |
|
|
|
1.09 |
|
Yigal Shani (7)
|
|
|
229,052 |
|
|
|
1.12 |
|
Eyal Sheratzky |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Nir Sheratzky |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Gil Sheratzky |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Yoav Kahane |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Tal Sheratzky- Jaffa |
|
|
2,403 |
* |
|
|
0.0112 |
* |
Israel Baron |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Gidon Kotler |
|
|
105 |
* |
|
|
* |
|
Ami Saranga |
|
|
|