Written by: Aaron Katsman | November 29, 2007
Aaron Katsman
www.IsraelNewsletter.com
G. Willi-Food International Ltd(WILC), one of our favorites here at Israelnewsletter.com, reported a 21% increase in revenues for Q3 ‘07 versus the same quarter ‘06. As expected profit decreased as the company suffered from a drop in margins. The worldwide increase in dairy prices impacted G. Willi’s Q3 gross margins, as they declined to 20% compared to 27% in the same period a year ago.
Mr. Zwi Williger, President and COO of Willi-Food commented, “Third quarter results are in line with our expectations for the period. In this period, nearly all of our shortfalls can be attributed to gross margin decline in our dairy business. As previously stated, Willi Food and the global dairy industry continues to experience cost pressures due to weather related problems, reduced milk production, cessation of EU dairy export subsidies at the same time that consumption and demand for dairy has increased in growing emerging markets. These factors have negatively impacted Willi Food’s near term sales and gross margins on cheeses and other products.”
Mr. Williger continued, “While we believe that this trend shall continue through the remainder of the year, we anticipate that the cost of raw food materials will stabilize by mid-2008. In the interim, we are successfully leveraging our infrastructure, hedging our strategic direction through smart acquisitions and setting the stage for growth in 2008.”
The company continues to grow and we continue to like this for the long-term. With limited volume the stock price is subject to large swings. Long-term investors should keep their eye focused on the long-term regarding this stock. As they continue to execute their business plan, I would expect the stock to continue to move up.
Please see our Disclaimer HERE.
Disclosure: Author has a position in WILC. He holds no position in any other stock mentioned, as of 11/29/07.
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Aaron Katsman is the 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.
Written by: Aaron Katsman | October 22, 2007
Aaron Katsman
www.IsraelNewsletter.com
I was never big on bragging, well maybe I was, just never had much of a chance, but today’s news that G. Willi Food Intl (WILC) signed a binding term sheet with the owners of a Russian dairy distributor was predicted. The distributor is a leading supplier and importer of dairy products in Russia, and together they will form a new joint company. Willi Food would hold a 51% interest in the new company. This reminds me of the Philosopher Kings classic lyrics, “I am the man, that’s what I am. I’m a straight shooter with a master plan.” Okay, to all you jokesters out there (and you know who you are) who are now going to remind me of some of my less-than-stellar analysis, give me a break and let me have my fun.
For ‘07, analysts think this distributor will sell roughly 36,000 tons of cheese products to a base of over 1,000 customers in Russia and generate an estimated $120 million in sales. According to HLB Prime Advice, a Russian appraisal company, the distributor is a leading distributor of all cheese types in Russia and the biggest supplier of hard cheeses such as Gouda and Edam to this market. I love my GOUDA cheese! Nothing like watching football with some Gouda and crackers. This follows on what I have said in the past: that G. Willi is making a big push into the Russian food market. It’s become clear that with growing wealth and more disposable income, Russian consumers have created a large demand for imported, premium products. G. Willi can help satisfy that demand with their broad selection of healthy dairy products and other foodstuff.
Mr. Zwi Williger, President and COO of Willi Food commented, “We are very excited about this transaction, which represents a bold step for Willi Food as we continue to expand our global footprint. According to market data, over 650,000 tons of cheeses are consumed in Russia each year of which roughly 50% is imported. We believe that NewCo will provide a well-developed distribution platform for Willi Food and its subsidiaries to drive market demand for dairy products in all categories including premium branded products, kosher and healthy living styled dairy products, as well as other categories.”
As I write this, my local Dolphins fan (ouch), Zack “Facebook“Miller, asks,” What’s their competitive moat?” First of all, what the heck is a Moat? Anyway, the answer lies in Arkadi Gaydamak. He owns the parent company Willi Food Investments and he is the largest egg distributor in Russia. He himself is a huge distribution channel, and with this new deal, look out. Willi will carve out nice marketshare in the Russian food market.
How is that for some Moat!
If you are looking for a small food company that’s about to explode onto the global scene, have a long look at G. Willi. The stock has taken a hit, and looks attractive as a long-term investment.
Please see our Disclaimer HERE.
Disclosure: Author has a position in WILC as of 10/22/07. Author has no holdings in any other stock mentioned.
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Aaron Katsman is the 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.
Written by: Aaron Katsman | October 7, 2007
By Aaron Katsman
www.IsraelNewsletter.com
I have received many requests by loyal Newsletter readers, to help clarify last week’s announcement of a non-binding memorandum of understanding to buy 51% of the Russian eggs and slaughterhouse company owned by Arcadi Gaydamak(also majority owner of G.Willi) for an estimated $32.6 million.
As it was a holiday week in Israel, there were conflicting reports as to which entity was the potential buyer. G.Willi(WILC) or Willi Food Investments( the parent company which trades on the Tel-Aviv exchange). Thanks to alert reader Amit Chokshi, who was correct to note that it was indeed the Israeli company, who may do to the deal.
The question many have asked me is if there will be any impact for WILC shareholders?
I think the answer is a resounding “Yes”.
G. Willi will now enjoy a huge distribution channel in Russia for all of their food business. G. Willi had no penetration into this market and if their parent company does a deal in Russia, it will certainly help G. Willi gain a foothold there.
I actually think US investors are underestimating this potential and the stock is still trading at very attractive levels.
Please see our Disclaimer HERE.
Disclosure: Author’s fund is long WILC as of 10/07/07.
Like what you see? Sign up to receive daily updates from IsraelNewsletter here
Aaron Katsman is the 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.
