Aaron Katsman
IsraelNewsletter.com

The Israeli business daily Globes is reporting that Boeing (BA) has selected a training system made by the Israeli defense contractor Elbit Sysytems (ESLT), to be used in US Navy training.

According to Globes: ” Boeing Co. has selected Elbit Systems Ltd. as the supplier for the US Navy’s T-45 Goshawk Virtual Mission Training System (VMTS)…..The T-45 will replace aging T-39s as a key element in the US Navy’s Undergraduate Military Flight Officer (UMFO) training modernization plan. The T-45 will provide realistic training at a lower cost in a fighter-like environment.”

Elbit Systems has been an IOI favorite for quite some time. The company has continued to sign deal after deal and has a pipeline of almost $5 billion. While the size of the deal wasn’t disclosed, this type of high profile deal is great not only for the company but for shareholders as well. While Elbit has done a phenomenal job of growing the business and creating profits for shareholders, the company still remains under the ‘radar screen’ of many investors. This type of high profile deal involving Boeing and the US Navy, is the kind of deal that can put the spotlight on the company, and create general knowledge to the greater investment community.

This deal could be problematic for those in Seattle (read our post on the issue) that are pushing the city to divest from Israel. A hi-profile Seattle employer that enters into a defense deal with an Israeli company, to help train US Navy fighters. It can’t get worse than that.

Disclosure: Author’s fund has a position in ESLT. He has no position in any other stock mentioned as of 7/02/08.

Please see our Disclaimer HERE.

NEW! Introducing Israel Opportunity Investor, our monthly subscription-only newsletter. Stay ahead of the game and make smart decisions in Israel stocks. Go here to learn more.

Aaron Katsman is Managing Editor of the Israel Opportunity Investor newsletter. He is lead portfolio manager for the Israel Growth Portfolio and Managing Director of America Israel Investment Associates, LLC. For more information, go to www.israelnewsletter.com or call 1-888-327-6179, or email aaron@profile-financial.com.

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Aaron Katsman
IsraelNewsletter.com

In what could be seen as a sad reality, on the heels of today’s terror attack in the heart of Israel’s capital city of Jerusalem, the Israeli Shekel is rallying more than 1.5% against both the Euro and the US Dollar. It used to be that after a terror attack the Shekel would drop. Unfortunately, after years and years of living with terrorism, today’s attack which has left at least 4 innocent people dead and scores injured, has had no effect on the currency market. The shekel continues to be one of the strongest currencies in the world, even in the face of continued terrorism, missile attacks in the south, and the threat of some type of military conflict with Iran.

It’s a pretty sad state of affairs that we have become so anesthetized by terrorism that it makes virtually no impact in our lives.  We just continue on as if nothing has happened. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those that were killed, and we wish a speedy recovery to those injured.

Disclosure: Author’s fund has no position in any stock mentioned as of 7/02/08.

Please see our Disclaimer HERE.

NEW! Introducing Israel Opportunity Investor, our monthly subscription-only newsletter. Stay ahead of the game and make smart decisions in Israel stocks. Go here to learn more.

Aaron Katsman is Managing Editor of the Israel Opportunity Investor newsletter. He is lead portfolio manager for the Israel Growth Portfolio and Managing Director of America Israel Investment Associates, LLC. For more information, go to www.israelnewsletter.com or call 1-888-327-6179, or email aaron@profile-financial.com.

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Aaron Katsman
IsraelNewsletter.com

Shares of technology company Marvell Technology(MRVL), spiked on Friday as rumors swirled about a potential acquisition of the firm at a really sweet premium.

Eric Savitz wrote on the Tech Trader Daily: “Marvell shares are sharply higher this morning on rumors the company might be a takeover target, according to trading sources. The talk is that Texas Instruments (TXN) or private equity firm Silver Point Partners might make an offer; the rumored bid price is $24 a share. That would value the company at $14.4 billion. I repeat: this a rumor, of uncertain validity, so treat it accordingly.”

Not only did the stock price jump but trading in Marvell options also surged. Andrew Wilkinson wrote on SeekingAlpha.com: ” With  80,000 options already in play Marvell ranks early among the most active tickers on our platform, as calls are heavily bought in excess of open interest at the 17.50 strike in the June and July contracts. Premiums are more than 150% higher today at both these strikes.”

We have written about the turnaround taking place at Marvell, and in general we would rather see the turnaround play out, than for the company to accept a buyout offer. But in this case we are taking about a potential premium over 40%. Giddy up! Take the money and run.

Keep in mind that this is only a rumor. Investors should keep an eye on how Marvell options trade over the next few days to try and get an idea if the rumor has any legs. It wouldn’t be the first time that option traders knew something was going on and loaded up the boat for a trade.

Disclosure: Author’s fund has a position in MRVL. He has no position in any other stock mentioned as of 6/15/08.

Please see our Disclaimer HERE.

NEW! Introducing Israel Opportunity Investor, our monthly subscription-only newsletter. Stay ahead of the game and make smart decisions in Israel stocks. Go here to learn more.

Aaron Katsman is Managing Editor of the Israel Opportunity Investor newsletter. He is lead portfolio manager for the Israel Growth Portfolio and Managing Director of America Israel Investment Associates, LLC. For more information, go to www.israelnewsletter.com or call 1-888-327-6179, or email aaron@profile-financial.com.

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Aaron Katsman
www.IsraelNewsletter.com

If “Initiative 97″ makes it on the ballot in the fall, citizens of Seattle will be asked to approve a measure that would prohibit the city from investing its pension funds in corporations that benefit from the Iraq war, or companies that provide material support to the Israeli government within the so-called “occupied territories.” The opposition to the initiative is being led by StandWithUs.org. It strikes me as a bit odd that a measure that seems to be intended to protest the U.S. Iraq policy also includes divestment from Israel.

Why the connection?

(Continue »)

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