Retalix Ltd. - Ordinary Shares (MM) (RTLX) Quote

Quick Chek Improves Margins and Customer Service With Retalix Self Service Ordering

Monday May 22, 3:00 am ET

Major Convenience Store Chain Converts Customers Wait Time Into Shopping Time

DALLAS, May 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Retalix® USA, (Nasdaq: RTLX - News), a provider of enterprise-wide software solutions to retailers and distributors worldwide, today announced that Quick Chek Corporation, a convenience store chain, with more than 100 locations in the Northeast, and a market leader in foodservice, has deployed Retalix SelfServe(TM), a customer kiosk ordering system.

Through the implementation of Retalix SelfServe and its tight integration with the suite of Retalix StorePoint(TM) solutions, Quick Chek will realize a three year cumulative ROI of more than 150 percent. Food order sizes have increased, customers are spending more time shopping and less time waiting, and employee labor efficiencies have improved.

Retalix SelfServe enables customers to easily place sandwich orders on animated and interactive touch screens throughout the store that are connected to the kitchen prep area and POS. By simplifying the process of ordering sandwiches and other quick service restaurant (QSR) items, the solution frees time for customers to shop and pay at the POS while the order is being filled. Quick Chek found customers have quickly taken to this new technology and seem to feel more comfortable ordering extra items on their sandwiches for an increased price while not having to announce them to the employee.

The Retalix SelfServe solution has helped Quick Chek's stores take out the human error factor as well. Orders are logically laid out for the kitchen team members to build the sandwich in proper sequence and without having to remember or write down all the toppings and portions.

"The Retalix solution has helped us streamline and add more efficiency to our foodservice processes," said Maria Fidelibus, Vice President Information Technologies, Quick Chek. "The new system has increased our margins and best of all, our customers and team members are very happy with the user friendly system."

As Retalix SelfServe is highly personalized, Quick Chek was able to tailor the look and flow to its customer base through branding and display options. The kiosk system is also audio-enabled and multi-lingual, therefore removing language barriers. Retalix SelfServe has been installed at all of Quick Chek's stores.

"Retalix is dedicated to supplying user-friendly technologies that help retailers optimize their customers' shopping experiences," said Victor Hamilton, president and CEO of Retalix USA. "With more than a decade of experience in foodservice retail software, we are able to provide reliable technologies that are customizable and complementary to each store's existing technologies."

About Quick Chek

Quick Chek is a privately-owned, family-operated New Jersey-based company with headquarters in Whitehouse Station, more than 100 retail locations throughout the state, a presence in 15 counties, and over 1,700 team members.

About Retalix Ltd.

Retalix is an independent provider of enterprise-wide software solutions to retailers and distributors worldwide. With more than 34,000 sites installed across 50 countries, Retalix solutions serve the needs of multi national grocery chains, convenience and fuel retailers, foodservice operators, food and consumer goods distributors and independent grocers. The Company offers a full portfolio of software applications that automate and synchronize essential retailing, distribution and supply chain operations, encompassing stores, headquarters and warehouses. Retalix develops and supports its software through more than 1,300 employees in its various subsidiaries and offices worldwide. The company's International headquarters are located in Ra'anana, Israel, and its American headquarters are located in Dallas, Texas. Retalix on the Web: www.retalix.com

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060522/lam020.html?.v=47

Dubi

Save-A-Lot Limits Assortment of In-Store Technology With POS, Software Upgrades from StoreNext

Monday May 8, 3:38 pm ET
New Systems Installed in Company-Owned Stores

PLANO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 8, 2006--Extreme value grocer Save-A-Lot has tapped longtime partner StoreNext Retail Technologies LLC for a technology refresh involving point-of-sale (POS) hardware and software upgrades across 300 company-owned stores.

The new technology platform includes more powerful back office servers; about 1,000 Fujitsu TeamPOS 2000 S terminals with 15-inch flat panel monitors; TPG 776 printers and an upgrade to existing ISS45 POS software.

St. Louis-based Save-A-Lot is one of the nation's leading extreme-value, limited assortment grocery chains. It operates more than 1,150 value-oriented stores in urban, rural and suburban areas. Shoppers typically save up to 40 percent compared to conventional grocery stores.

"StoreNext proposed a new, standard system configuration that allowed us to refresh our older corporate stores with the latest relevant technologies," said Tony Verhaeg, director of information technology at Save-A-Lot. "One of the added benefits is that our shoppers will move quickly and securely through the transaction process, as we're now running on advanced hardware and software platforms. Save-A-Lot believes in offering extreme-value pricing and using new technology to grow their market share and public awareness."

"StoreNext is all about helping grocers enhance the shopping experience for their customers," said Ray Carlin, president and CEO of Plano, Texas-based StoreNext. "This a great win for StoreNext with a highly progressive grocer that recognizes how cutting-edge, cost-effective technology can improve store operations and help keep customers happy."

StoreNext and Save-A-Lot have worked together for more than seven years. RDS of St. Louis, a StoreNext authorized dealer, handles ongoing service and maintenance of the new systems. Save-A-Lot plans to offer the new StoreNext configuration to its more than 850-plus licensed stores.

Save-A-Lot is a wholly owned subsidiary of SUPERVALU, Inc., a leading wholesaler and retailer, and one of the largest companies in the U.S. grocery channel. A Fortune 100 company, SUPERVALU is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SVU.

About StoreNext

StoreNext Retail Technologies LLC is the No. 1 supplier of retail technology to independent grocers and regional chains. Based in Plano, Texas, StoreNext is a joint venture of Retalix Ltd. (Nasdaq:RTLX - News) and Fujitsu Transaction Solutions Inc. and markets Fujitsu POS hardware, Retalix's ISS45 and ScanMaster POS software, Retalix Store and Retalix HQ, as well as Internet Connected Services for managing stores via Web-enabled applications. StoreNext is the IT company that's dedicated to meeting the needs of this wholesaler-served market with packaged solutions that were previously available, affordable or practical only for large chains. Web site: www.storenext.com.

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/060508/20060508006190.html?.v=1

Dubi

Richboro Installs StoreNext's U-Scan Self-Checkout and ScanMaster POS System

Monday May 8, 10:25 am ET

Philadelphia Independent Enhances Customer Service with Self-Checkout

PLANO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 8, 2006--Richboro Shop n' Bag, a Philadelphia-based independent grocer, has chosen StoreNext Retail Technologies LLC to upgrade its in-store technology. The retailer has installed two Fujitsu U-Scan® self-checkout systems and StoreNext's ScanMaster(TM) POS software. The one- and three-bag units went live on April 4th.

Shop n' Bag is the first independent in the country to install ScanMaster's new integration with Fujitsu's U-Scan self-checkout. The technology at the store has seen quick shopper acceptance, according to Richboro president and owner Murray Battleman.

"We had an older, outdated DOS-based system and were considering upgrading by adding self-checkout units. We evaluated systems from several vendors, but StoreNext's cutting-edge technology impressed us tremendously," said Battleman. "We are a very service-oriented store and the immediate customer acceptance of these self-checkout units is extremely encouraging."

Battleman will also implement StoreNext's combined wireless offering which includes Fujitsu iPAD handheld units and Retalix PocketOffice(TM) software. This mobile solution adds high-service wireless features, including mobile self-checkout attendant capabilities as well as full ScanMaster integration.

"StoreNext's products enable service-oriented stores such as Richboro to enhance the shopping experience for their shoppers by providing a convenient choice at the checkout," said Ray Carlin, president and chief executive officer at Plano, Texas-based StoreNext.

StoreNext dealer Retalix Philadelphia worked in tandem with Richboro Shop n' Bag to install the self-checkout units and support the transition to the new ScanMaster POS system. Retalix Philadelphia will provide ongoing support and service to the supermarket.

Battleman said the installation required no cashier training and the transition was quick and smooth. "The user-friendly interface and flawless functioning of the U-Scan/ScanMaster system is prompting us to consider removing another serviced lane in the future and installing self-checkout instead," he said.

Richboro Shop n' Bag was built in 1969, expanded in 1987 and acquired by Murry Battleman in 1994. The 22,000 sq. ft. supermarket is located in Bucks County, an upscale suburban community just north of Philadelphia. The store stocks a variety of domestic and imported goods in its dairy, grocery and frozen aisles. It also features bakery, fresh seafood and meat departments in addition to a hot foods bar and salad bar.

Designed specifically for independents, ScanMaster is a Windows-based POS system that gives grocers an office system with powerful back-office features and a fast, easy-to-learn cashier touch-screen interface. The new version 2.3 is the third major release of ScanMaster from StoreNext, together providing grocers with more than 50 new features and capabilities. ScanMaster is now integrated with all StoreNext's offerings, including U-Scan, Retalix PocketOffice, Retalix Store and HQ, WinEPS, Pricer electronic shelf labels and Retalix Back Office (RBO) to provide complete plug-and-play solutions for independents and regional chains. Fujitsu's modular U-Scan self-checkout system is also integrated with StoreNext's ISS45 as well as many other POS systems.

About StoreNext

StoreNext Retail Technologies LLC is the No. 1 supplier of retail technology to independent grocers and regional chains. Based in Plano, Texas, StoreNext is a joint venture of Retalix Ltd. (Nasdaq:RTLX - News) and Fujitsu Transaction Solutions Inc. and markets Fujitsu POS hardware, Retalix's ISS45 and ScanMaster POS software, Retalix Store and Retalix HQ, as well as Internet Connected Services for managing stores via Web-enabled applications. StoreNext is the IT company that's dedicated to meeting the needs of this wholesaler-served market with packaged solutions that were previously available, affordable or practical only for large chains. Web site: www.storenext.com.

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/060508/20060508005870.html?.v=1

Dubi

StoreNext Israel Delivers Valuable Market Information to Grocery Suppliers

Monday May 1, 3:00 am ET

Demonstration of Online Reporting and Analysis Service to Occur at FMI Show

RA'ANANA, Israel, May 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- StoreNext Israel, a subsidiary of Retalix Ltd. (Nasdaq: RTLX - News), a leading provider of market information to Israel's grocery suppliers, will introduce its Web-based information services to the international supplier audience at the FMI Show in Chicago, on May 7-9, 2006.

In just five years, StoreNext Israel has grown to connect the data from more than 1,000 grocery stores, representing approximately 50 percent of Israel's grocery retail market, to suppliers and manufacturers. On a daily basis, sales data is collected from the stores and processed into market information that is distributed within 24 hours to Israel's leading suppliers of food and other fast moving consumer goods through a Web-based service. Among the dozens of suppliers already using StoreNext's market information are the Israeli subsidiaries and affiliates of Unilever, Nestle, Danone, Coca- Cola, Carlsberg, Wrigley, Kimberly-Clark, Henkel and others.

StoreNext's online information service enables the suppliers to measure market-share performance, analyze market trends, identify growing categories and spot problems areas. The tool's next-day reporting capabilities helps suppliers closely monitor new product launches, determine the effect of promotions on sales and evaluate the performance of advertising campaigns. In addition, the service provides information on product availability, average prices and market-size estimates.

"StoreNext was established to provide valuable services both to grocery retailers as well as their suppliers, and our high penetration rate among retailers and suppliers in Israel proves the value and convenience of our services throughout the grocery supply chain," said Yoram Sagy, CEO of StoreNext Israel. "We are delighted to have the opportunity to demonstrate our services to international suppliers and especially to the parent companies and strategic partners of our local Israeli customers. This demonstration is the first opportunity that U.S. and international suppliers and manufacturers will have to observe the value and operational efficiency the StoreNext platform can deliver for them."

The StoreNext online information service for suppliers will be on display at the StoreNext Retail Technologies booth # 2653 at the FMI Show, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, May 7-9, 2006.

About StoreNext Israel

StoreNext Israel provides information services, retail management and B2B e-commerce services to supermarket chains, independent retailers and suppliers. Established in 2000, StoreNext Israel is owned by Retalix, Coca- Cola Israel (CBC), IsraCard and Discount Investment Corporation Ltd.

StoreNext Israel is connected to most of Israel's largest grocery stores, providing web-based retail management and EDI services to both large supermarket chains as well as to independent grocers. The data collected from these stores is used to improve the suppliers' supply chain efficiency, store- level replenishment and visibility into market trends.

About Retalix

Retalix is an independent provider of enterprise-wide software solutions to retailers and distributors worldwide. With more than 34,000 sites installed across 50 countries, Retalix solutions serve the needs of multi-national grocery chains, convenience and fuel retailers, food service operators, food and consumer goods distributors and independent grocers. The Company offers a full portfolio of software applications that automate and synchronize essential retailing, distribution and supply chain operations, encompassing stores, headquarters and warehouses. Retalix develops and supports its software through more than 1,300 employees in its various subsidiaries and offices worldwide. The company's International headquarters are located in Ra'anana, Israel, and its American headquarters are located in Dallas, Texas.

Retalix on the web: www.retalix.com

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060501/nym078a.html?.v=4

Dubi

Hy-Vee On Target for Full Deployment of Retalix Point of Sale Application

Monday April 3, 3:00 am ET

Major Midwest Food and Drug Store Operator Enters Phase II of Chain-Wide Deployment and Reports Benefits of Retalix Store Platform

DALLAS, April 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Retalix® USA, (Nasdaq: RTLX - News), a provider of enterprise-wide software solutions to retailers and distributors worldwide, today announced that Hy-Vee, Inc., the 15th largest grocery retailer in the U.S. and operator of more than 220 stores throughout the Midwest, is entering Phase II of a planned chain-wide roll-out of the Retalix StoreLine(TM) Point of Sale (POS) and Fuel applications.

In Phase I of the deployment, over 2,500 POS lanes, representing 120 of Hy-Vee's supermarket and drug stores, and over 60 of the company's convenience/fuel stores have installed the Retalix solution. All of the company's "fuel-only" locations have already installed the system. Hy-Vee plans to complete the Phase II company-wide roll-out of its next generation retail platform within the next 12 months.

"Our relationship with Retalix has been outstanding. We had numerous choices when seeking to update our point-of-sale applications, and from the beginning it was clear that Retalix would provide the best solution," said John Briggs, CFO of Hy-Vee. "The system has provided many advantages, starting with hardware independence. In addition, the touch screens at the POS have greatly reduced cashier training time which also goes right to the bottom line savings. With Retalix we're able to have one system to support in both the store and gasoline businesses."

"In the rapidly changing grocery landscape, Retalix StoreLine's functionality and versatility partnered with the proven reliability of IBM hardware enables Hy-Vee to more effectively and efficiently service their customers," said Barry Shaked, President and CEO of Retalix Ltd. "Hy-Vee is a truly outstanding and innovative retailer and one of the largest grocery chains in North America, and we are honored to be working with them in this critical area of their business."

The Retalix StoreLine applications are designed to address grocery industry functionality requirements, including multi-format environments. In addition to POS, Retalix offers world-class fuel center support, foodservice kiosk, customer loyalty and integrated solutions throughout the supply chain, including back office, order optimization, merchandising, ERP and warehouse.

About Hy-Vee

Hy-Vee, Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating 222 stores in seven Midwestern states. In fiscal year 2005 the company recorded total sales in excess of $4.9 billion, ranking it among the top 15 grocery chains according to "Progressive Grocer" magazine and the top 35 private companies in the United States.

Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, Hy-Vee's supermarkets are located throughout Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and Minnesota. Hy-Vee also operates Drug Town drug stores in Iowa and Nebraska. Hy-Vee's combination food and drug centers reflect the changing lifestyles of today's consumers, with emphasis on freshness, variety and one-stop shopping convenience.

About Retalix Ltd.

Retalix is an independent provider of enterprise-wide software solutions to retailers and distributors worldwide. With more than 34,000 sites installed across 50 countries, Retalix solutions serve the needs of multi national grocery chains, convenience and fuel retailers, food service operators, food and consumer goods distributors and independent grocers. The Company offers a full portfolio of software applications that automate and synchronize essential retailing, distribution and supply chain operations, encompassing stores, headquarters and warehouses. Retalix develops and supports its software through more than 1,300 employees in its various subsidiaries and offices worldwide. The company's International headquarters are located in Ra'anana, Israel, and its American headquarters are located in Dallas, Texas. Retalix on the Web: www.retalix.com

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060403/lam087.html?.v=43

Dubi

Retalix leaps past Street forecasts for fourth quarter 2005

27.3.06 | 11:01 By Shirley Yom-Tov

After two postponements, Retalix (Nasdaq: RTLX) has finally dished up its results for 2005 and the last quarter. If anything the company's figures beat the expectations on the Street: sales by a little, earnings per share by a lot.

Retalix, which makes software for retailers and gas station chains, reported fourth-quarter revenues of $54.5 million, and record quarterly profit of $6.3 million or 32 cents per share.

Analysts had expected $54.1 million sales and earnings of 24 cents per share.
Year 2005 revenues were $191.3 million, up 54% from the year before. Retalix netted $15.5 million, or 79 cents per share.

The company repeated its guidance for the year 2006, for sales in the range of $215 of $215 million to $225 million, comprising roughly 12% growth from 2005.
It expects to report earnings of $16-20 million, or roughly 80 cents to $1 per share.

Retalix has also revealed the reason for the two delays, namely, amendments to its financial statements for the second and third quarters, because of changes in the purchase price allocations for the two companies it bought in April 2005 - Omaha, Nebraska-based Integrated Distribution Solutions (IDS) and TCI Solutions.

Retalix's new auditors, Kost Forer & Gabbay (affiliated with Ernst & Young) decided to restate results in a matter that lowered second-quarter 2005 revenues by $147,000, increased cost of sales by $2.5 million and cut net profit by $1.6 million.

"The primary impacts of these restatements on the results of the third quarter were a reduction of revenues by $128,000, an increase of cost of sales by $373,000, and a reduction of net income by $301,000," Retalix wrote.

"I am pleased to report a year of strong growth and achievements for Retalix," said Barry Shaked, President and CEO of Retalix, commenting on today's results. "We achieved record results both at the top- and bottom lines. We strengthened our position as the key technology partner for many of the most successful food retailers and distributors around the world. We won new customers in new territories.

"We acquired subsidiaries that expand our product offering and our market presence. We made tremendous progress in realizing our vision of a fully synchronized set of enterprise software solutions. And we are experiencing excellent customer acceptance of our next generation enterprise software platform - Retalix InSync. These accomplishments position us as the leading provider of integrated software solutions for food retailers and distributors."

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/699160.html

Dubi

Retalix Announces Record Fourth Quarter and 2005 Results

Monday March 27, 2:45 am ET

Fourth Quarter Revenues Reach $54.5 Million with Net Income of $6.3 Million; Full Year Revenues Reach $191.3 Million with Net Income of $15.5 Million

RA'ANANA, Israel, March 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Retalix® Ltd. (Nasdaq: RTLX - News), a global provider of enterprise-wide software solutions for food retailers and distributors, today announced results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. The Company also announced revisions to its previously reported second and third quarter 2005 results due to changes in the purchase price allocations attributed to its acquisitions in April 2005.

Fourth Quarter 2005 Financial Highlights:
* Fourth Quarter revenues reached a record $54.5 million, up 52%
year-over-year.
* Fourth Quarter GAAP net income was up 205% to a record $6.3 million, or
$0.32 per fully diluted share.
* Fourth Quarter non-GAAP net income increased by 241% to a record
$7.3 million, or $0.37 per fully diluted share.

Full Year 2005 Financial Highlights:
* Full year revenues increased to $191.3 million, up 54% from 2004.
* Full year GAAP net income was up by 160% to $15.5 million, or $0.79 per
fully diluted share.
* Full year non-GAAP net income increased by 227% to $19.6 million, or
$0.99 per fully diluted share.

Fourth Quarter Operational Highlights:
* Fuel provider at premier U.S. discount retailer selected the Retalix POS
solution
* Australia's Woolworths deploys Retalix POS in 1,400 stores
* First win in Japan's grocery market with Zen Nippon Shokuhin
supermarkets
* Retalix InSync wins five early adopters within four months of its launch
* Retalix Honored as a "Red Herring Small Cap 100"

"I am pleased to report a year of strong growth and achievements for Retalix," said Barry Shaked, President and CEO of Retalix, commenting on today's results. "We achieved record results both at the top- and bottom lines. We strengthened our position as the key technology partner for many of the most successful food retailers and distributors around the world. We won new customers in new territories. We acquired subsidiaries that expand our product offering and our market presence. We made tremendous progress in realizing our vision of a fully synchronized set of enterprise software solutions. And we are experiencing excellent customer acceptance of our next generation enterprise software platform -- Retalix InSync. These accomplishments position us as the leading provider of integrated software solutions for food retailers and distributors."

Fourth Quarter 2005 Results

Retalix revenues for the fourth quarter of 2005 were $54.5 million, an increase of 52% from $35.9 million reported in the fourth quarter of 2004.

Retalix reported adjusted non-GAAP earnings for fourth quarter 2005 of $7.3 million, or $0.37 per fully diluted share, compared to adjusted non-GAAP earnings of $2.1 million, or $0.12 per share for fourth quarter 2004. Adjusted non-GAAP earnings exclude amortization of intangibles related to acquisitions net of tax of $1.0 million, or $0.05 per share. GAAP net income for the fourth quarter of 2005 was $6.3 million, or $0.32 per fully diluted share, compared to $ 2.1 million, or $0.11 per share for fourth quarter 2004.

Gross profit in the fourth quarter of 2005 increased by 46% to $34.8 million, up from $23.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2004. Gross margin in the fourth quarter of 2005 was 63.9% of sales, as compared to 66.5% in the fourth quarter of 2004.

Sales and marketing expenses were $8.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2005, as compared to $6.7 million in the corresponding quarter in 2004.

Fourth quarter operating margin was 15.8%, up from 6.6% in the prior year's quarter.

Full-Year 2005 Results

For the full year ended December 31, 2005, the Company reported record revenues of $191.3 million, an increase of 54% as compared to revenues of $124.4 million in the prior year.

Retalix reported adjusted non-GAAP earnings for FY 2005 of $19.6 million, or $0.99 per fully diluted share, compared to adjusted non-GAAP earnings of $6.0 million, or $0.36 per share for FY 2004. Adjusted non-GAAP earnings exclude amortization of intangibles related to acquisitions net of tax of $4.1 million, or $0.20 per share. GAAP net income for the FY 2005 was $15.5 million, or $0.79 per fully diluted share, compared to $ 6.0 million, or $0.36 per share for FY 2004.

Gross profit in FY 2005 increased by 48% to $121.9 million, up from $82.2 million in FY 2004. Gross margin in FY 2005 was 63.7% of sales, as compared to 66.1% in the prior year.

Sales and marketing expenses were $33.4 million in FY 2005, as compared to $24.8 million in FY 2004.

FY 2005 operating margin was 11.0%, compared to 6.0% in the prior year.

In 2005, Retalix generated over $12.4 million in cash flow from operations. As of December 31, 2005 the Company had cash and equivalents and marketable securities of $66.6 million, $1.1 million in long-term debt and shareholders' equity of $206.2 million.

Revisions to Q2 and Q3 2005

Retalix also today announced a revision to its results for the second and third quarters of fiscal 2005, initially published on August 8, 2005 and November 9, 2005, respectively, and for certain historical and pro forma information for the six months ended June 30, 2005 published on November 8, 2005. These restatements are due to changes in the allocations of the purchase price paid pursuant to the acquisitions in April 2005 of Integrated Distribution Solutions, L.L.C. (IDS) and TCI Solutions, Inc. (TCI).

During the year-end audit, Retalix's new auditor took the position under accounting rule FAS 141 that certain items such as open contracts and deferred revenues should have been recorded at fair value and thus amortized and recognized over their estimated life in conjunction with the attributed fair value. The primary impacts of these restatements on the results of the second quarter were a reduction of revenues by $147,000, an increase of cost of sales by $2.5 million and a reduction of net income by $1.6 million. The primary impacts of these restatements on the results of the third quarter were a reduction of revenues by $128,000, an increase of cost of sales by $373,000, and a reduction of net income by $301,000. The revisions made will be detailed in amendments the Company plans to file in connection with the previously filed Forms 6-K discussing the results of the second and third quarters as well as pro forma information in connection with the above acquisitions.

"These changes do not impact our operations, strong cash position or cash flows," said Shaked. "Our business remains strong and so does our outlook for 2006."

Business Outlook

"Retalix enters 2006 uniquely positioned as the only end-to-end solution provider focused on the needs of food retailers and distributors," said Barry Shaked. "With our excellent reputation as the Point of Sale software provider for huge multi-national food retailers, we are well positioned to be the vendor of choice for most of America's leading grocery retailers."

"We are also excited by the strong interest generated for our next generation enterprise platform, Retalix InSync, and for Retalix DemandAnalytX, our demand forecasting and order optimization solution. We believe each of these systems will create opportunities for continued growth in 2006 and beyond."

Shaked concluded, "We look forward to another strong year for Retalix in 2006 with revenues between $215 million and $225 million, and GAAP net income between $16 million to $20 million."

Non-GAAP operating income is expected to be between $30.5 million and $36.0 million in 2006. Non-GAAP net income is expected to be between $21.7 million and $25.7 million (between $1.08 per share to $1.28 per share). The non-GAAP earnings do not include $4.7 million ($2.8 after tax effects) of amortization of intangibles related to acquisitions, including those of IDS and TCI in 2005, and $2.9 million due to allocation of employee stock option expenses under FAS 123R.

To supplement the guidance presented in accordance with GAAP, Retalix is presenting its net income and earnings before the amortization of intangibles related to acquisitions and the allocation of employee option expenses under FAS 123R. FAS 123R requires Retalix to expense the fair value of grants made under stock option programs over the vesting period of the options beginning on January 1, 2006. Retalix has adopted the transition method that does not result in the restatement of previously issued financial statements to give effect to the changes caused by FAS 123R. This non-GAAP presentation of net income and earnings per share is provided to enhance the understanding of the Company's historical financial performance and comparability between periods. The Company believes this presentation provides useful information, particularly during the transition period when many companies have not yet adopted the provisions of FAS 123R. Retalix will report its net income and earnings per share during 2006 on both a GAAP basis, and on a non-GAAP basis that excludes the amortization of intangibles related to acquisitions and share-based payment charges resulting from FAS 123R in order to facilitate analysis of the business and meaningful period to period comparisons.

Conference Call

The Company will be holding a conference call to discuss results for the fourth quarter and of FY 2005 on Monday, March 27, 2006 at 10:30 AM Eastern Time (7:30 AM Pacific Time and 17:30 Israeli Time). Participating in the call will be Retalix Ltd. CEO Barry Shaked, CFO Danny Moshaioff and Retalix USA CEO Victor Hamilton. This conference call will be broadcast live over the Internet and can be accessed by all interested parties at www.retalix.com. To listen to the live call, please go to the Web site at least fifteen minutes prior to the start of the call to register, download, and install any necessary audio software. For those unable to participate during the live broadcast, a replay will be available shortly after the call on the Retalix site.

About Retalix Ltd.

Retalix is a global provider of enterprise-wide software solutions to retailers and distributors. With more than 34,000 sites installed across 50 countries, Retalix solutions serve the needs of multi-national grocery chains, convenience and fuel retailers, food service operators, food and consumer goods distributors and independent grocers. The Company offers a full portfolio of software applications that automate and synchronize essential retailing, distribution and supply chain operations, encompassing stores, headquarters and warehouses. Retalix develops and supports its software through more than 1,300 employees in its various subsidiaries and offices worldwide. The company's International headquarters are located in Ra'anana, Israel, and its American headquarters are located in Dallas, Texas.

Retalix on the web: www.retalix.com

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060327/lam029.html?.v=42

Dubi

ssociated Grocers Inc. of Baton Rouge Selects Retalix InSync to Synchronize Item Data

Monday March 20, 3:00 am ET

Retalix and Ontuet to Connect Southeast U.S. Wholesale Grocer to 1SYNC Data Pool

DALLAS, March 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Retalix® (Nasdaq: RTLX - News), a global provider of enterprise-wide software solutions to retailers and distributors, announced today that Associated Grocers, Inc. of Baton Rouge, LA, (AGBR) will connect their existing Retalix systems to the 1SYNC data pool using the Retalix InSync(TM) Data Staging solution.

Using the Retalix InSync Data Staging solution, AGBR will be able to easily integrate supplier data from the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) via 1SYNC, the leader in synchronizing data across the global supply and demand chains. Through Ontuet's flexible XML-based File Sync product, AGBR will also be able to eliminate manual catalog processing steps, reduce administration time, ensure timely and accurate data from suppliers, reduce errors dramatically, eliminate disparate data between applications and bring products to market more quickly.

"We are delighted to partner with Retalix and Ontuet in the implementation and integration of our Data Synchronization effort with 1SYNC," said Steven Miller, Sr. VP of Strategic Planning, Projects, & Information Services, Associated Grocers, Inc., Baton Rouge. "Data Synchronization is a priority for us in 2006 and the heart of the system is the Retalix InSync Data Staging solution. The benefits of the initiative are reduced manual intervention for item maintenance, a reliable method for receiving information about new and discontinued items, and accurate dimensional information for more efficient cubing of shipments into and out of the distribution center."

"AGBR is demonstrating their understanding of the value of data synchronization through the implementation of the Retalix InSync Data Staging solution," said Victor Hamilton, President and CEO of Retalix USA. "Data synchronization using Retalix InSync will deliver significant ROI to AGBR within a short period of time."

"Our relationship with Retalix allows retailers, distributors and operators in the food industry the ability to leverage current infrastructure and investments while benefiting from all of the advantages that global data synchronization has to offer," stated John Jackovin, Director of Ontuet.

The GS1 GDSN is a standards-based environment that enables automated, secure and continuous synchronization between the information systems used by retailers and suppliers, allowing all partners to have consistent item data in their systems at the same time.

About AGBR

Associated Grocers, Inc. of Baton Rouge serves more than 300 independent retailers in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Alabama, and Arkansas. Through association buying power, member-retailers decrease the cost of goods by purchasing directly from food manufacturers. AGBR is on the leading edge of technology, offering its retailers a full line of IT services including retail technology, accounting, advertising, equipment & design services, marketing, and procurement & merchandising.

AGBR on the web: http://www.agbr.com

About Retalix

Retalix is an independent provider of enterprise-wide software solutions to retailers and distributors worldwide. With more than 34,000 sites installed across 50 countries, Retalix solutions serve the needs of multi-national grocery chains, convenience and fuel retailers, food service operators, food and consumer goods distributors and independent grocers. The Company offers a full portfolio of software applications that automate and synchronize essential retailing, distribution and supply chain operations, encompassing stores, headquarters and warehouses. Retalix develops and supports its software through more than 1,300 employees in its various subsidiaries and offices worldwide. The company's International headquarters are located in Ra'anana, Israel, and its American headquarters are located in Dallas, Texas.

Retalix on the web: http://www.retalix.com

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060320/nym056.html?.v=33

Dubi

Retalix resets Q4 results release, gives '06 forecast

Sun Mar 12, 2006 3:35 AM ET

TEL AVIV, March 12 (Reuters) - Israeli software company Retalix Ltd. (RTLX.O: Quote, Profile, Research) (RTLX.TA: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Sunday it has rescheduled the release date for its fourth quarter results to March 27 to allow its new auditors additional time to complete the audit.

"Our U.S. operations expanded considerably during 2005 with significant acquisitions, which in turn has required more time than originally anticipated to complete the audit," said Barry Shaked, president and chief executive of Retalix.
Retalix resets Q4 results release, gives '06 forecast
Retalix reschedules earning release, affirms fcast
Last month Retalix rescheduled its fourth quarter earnings release date to March 13.

Retalix, which makes software for food retailers, also said it expects revenues for fiscal year 2006 to be between $215 million and $225 million.

It forecast GAAP net income of $16 million to $20 million, or earnings per diluted share of 80 cents to $1.00. Non-GAAP net income is expected to be between $23 million and $27 million, or non-GAAP earnings per diluted share between $1.16 and $1.36.

The non-GAAP net income does not include $4.4 million or 22 cents per diluted share of amortisation of intangibles related to acquisitions, and $2.9 million or 14 cents per diluted share due to allocation of employee stock option expenses.

http://yahoo.reuters.com/stocks/QuoteCompanyNewsArticle.aspx?storyID=urn:newsml:reuters.com:20060312...

Retalix Ltd. Reschedules Reporting Date for Fourth Quarter and FY 2005 Results and Conference Call and Announces 2006 Guidance

Sunday March 12, 3:00 am ET

RA'ANANA, Israel, March 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/-- Retalix® Ltd. (Nasdaq: RTLX - News) announced today that it has rescheduled the release date for its fourth quarter and FY 2005 results to Monday, March 27, 2006, in order to permit its new auditors additional time to complete the year-end audit.

"2005 was a year of tremendous growth and operational achievements for Retalix," said Barry Shaked, President and CEO of Retalix Ltd. "Our US operations expanded considerably during 2005 with significant acquisitions, which in turn has required more time than originally anticipated to complete the audit. The audit of our Israeli and international companies has now been completed in all material respects and the audit of our US operations is now nearing completion. While we expect to complete this process within the next two weeks, we also wanted to update our investors with our guidance for 2006. Retalix enters 2006 uniquely positioned as the only end-to-end software provider focused on the needs of food retailers and distributors and we see strong growth opportunities in our markets."

Retalix expects revenues for the fiscal year 2006 to be between $215 million and $225 million. Guidance for GAAP net income is between $16 million to $20 million, or earnings per diluted share of $0.80 to $1.00 and non-GAAP net income is expected to be between $23 million and $27 million, or non-GAAP earnings per diluted share between $1.16 and $1.36. The non-GAAP net income does not include $4.4 million ($0.22 per diluted share) of amortization of intangibles related to acquisitions, including those of IDS and TCI in 2005, and $2.9 million ($0.14 per diluted share) due to allocation of employee stock option expenses under FAS 123R.

To supplement the guidance presented in accordance with GAAP, Retalix is presenting its net income and earnings per diluted share, before the amortization of intangibles related to acquisitions and the allocation of employee option expenses under FAS 123R. FAS 123R requires Retalix to expense the fair value of grants made under stock option programs over the vesting period of the options beginning on January 1, 2006. Retalix has adopted the transition method that does not result in the restatement of previously issued financial statements to give effect to the changes caused by FAS 123R. This non-GAAP presentation of net income and earnings per share is provided to enhance the understanding of the Company's historical financial performance and comparability between periods. The Company believes this presentation provides useful information, particularly during the transition period when many companies have not yet adopted the provisions of FAS 123R. Retalix will report its net income and earnings per share during 2006 on both a GAAP basis, and on a non-GAAP basis that excludes the amortization of intangibles related to acquisitions and share-based payment charges resulting from FAS 123R in order to facilitate analysis of the business and meaningful period to period comparisons.

Conference Call

Retalix will release its 2005 results on Monday, March 27, 2006 at 3:00 AM EST (10:00 Israeli Time). Management will also hold a conference call to discuss results for the fourth quarter and FY 2005 and the outlook for 2006 at 10:30 AM EST (17:30 Israeli Time) on March 27, 2006. Participating in the call will be Retalix Ltd. CEO Barry Shaked, CFO Danny Moshaioff and Retalix USA CEO, Victor Hamilton.

This conference call will be broadcast live over the Internet and can be accessed by all interested parties at http://www.retalix.com . To listen to the live call, please go to the Web site at least fifteen minutes prior to the start of the call to register, download, and install any necessary audio software. For those unable to participate during the live broadcast, a replay will be available shortly after the call on the Retalix site.

About Retalix

Retalix is an independent provider of enterprise-wide software solutions to retailers and distributors worldwide. With more than 34,000 sites installed across 50 countries, Retalix solutions serve the needs of multi-national grocery chains, convenience and fuel retailers, food service operators, food and consumer goods distributors and independent grocers. The Company offers a full portfolio of software applications that automate and synchronize essential retailing, distribution and supply chain operations, encompassing stores, headquarters and warehouses. Retalix develops and supports its software through more than 1,300 employees in its various subsidiaries and offices worldwide. The Company's International headquarters are located in Ra'anana, Israel, and its American headquarters are located in Plano, Texas.

Retalix on the web: http://www.retalix.com

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060312/nysu005.html?.v=35

Dubi

Japan's Zen Nippon Shokuhin Supermarkets to Deploy Retalix Solutions From Headquarters to Checkout

Wednesday February 8, 3:00 am ET

RA'ANANA, Israel, Feb. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Retalix® Ltd. (Nasdaq: RTLX - News) announced today that Zen Nippon Shokuhin, one of Japan's largest supermarket chains, selected the Retalix store, headquarters and loyalty solutions for 1,000 of its stores across Japan. This is the first grocery market win for Retalix in Japan.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Zen Nippon Shokuhin is a grocery retailer operating throughout Japan. Zen Nippon Shokuhin ranks No. 2 in the voluntary chain sector in Japan.

The Retalix solution for Zen Nippon Shokuhin includes the market-leading Retalix StoreLine(TM) POS and store operations applications, the Retalix StoreLine HQ(TM) hosting system and the Retalix Loyalty(TM) system. This fully synchronized solution provides Zen Nippon Shokuhin a technological advantage, tightly integrating multiple applications on a single platform.

Mr. Mitsuhiro Saito, President and CEO of Zen Nippon Shokuhin, said: "We selected Retalix as our technology partner, because Retalix solutions have flexible and easily configurable features and functionality that are well suited for our member store's environment. We believe that by implementing this world-renowned software solution from Retalix, we will significantly enhance our growth potential."

Mr. Barry Shaked, President and CEO of Retalix, said: "Becoming a leading player in the Japanese retail market is a significant part of our global strategy. Following our success in the Japanese health and beauty segment, we are delighted with this important move into the Japanese grocery segment with the deployment of Retalix solutions throughout the Zen Nippon Shokuhin chain across Japan."

About Zen Nippon Shokuhin

Zen Nippon Shokuhin is a voluntary grocery chain operating throughout Japan with Headquarters in Tokyo. It ranks No. 2 in the voluntary chain sector in Japan. Founded in 1962, Zen Nippon Shokuhin now has approximately 1,000 voluntary member stores, 800 franchisee stores, and 28 warehouses and distribution centers.

Zen Nippon Shokuhin on the web: www.zchain.co.jp

About Retalix

Retalix is an independent provider of enterprise-wide software solutions to retailers and distributors worldwide. With more than 34,000 sites installed across 50 countries, Retalix solutions serve the needs of multi-national grocery chains, convenience and fuel retailers, food service operators, food and consumer goods distributors and independent grocers. The Company offers a full portfolio of software applications that automate and synchronize essential retailing, distribution and supply chain operations, encompassing stores, headquarters and warehouses. Retalix develops and supports its software through more than 1,300 employees in its various subsidiaries and offices worldwide. The company's International headquarters are located in Ra'anana, Israel, and its American headquarters are located in Plano, Texas.

Retailx on the web: www.retalix.com

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060208/law005.html?.v=38

Dubi

UBS distributes NIS 51m worth of Retalix shares

The shares sold amount to 2.5% of Retalix, and were part of the consideration for the acquisition of TCI.

Yuval Mendelson 22 Jan 06 11:16

This morning, investment bank UBS distributed 430 million Retalix (Nasdaq: RTLX ; TASE: RTLX) shares, at a price of NIS 118 per share. The total distribution, amounting to some 2.5% of the shares in the company, was worth about NIS 51 million.
The shares sold were held by funds that owned TCI, which retailing software company Retalix bought last April. As part of the consideration, the funds received about 430,000 Retalix shares. UBS sold the shares on their behalf, chiefly to institutions.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on January 22, 2006

Dubi

Retalix Integrates QlikView to Provide Retailers and Distributors With World-Class Business Analytics
Monday January 2, 3:00 am ET

LUND, Sweden & RA'ANANA, Israel--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 2, 2006--Retalix® Ltd. (NASDAQ: RTLX - News), a leading provider of integrated enterprise-wide software solutions for food retailers and distributors, and QlikTech today jointly announced their formation of an OEM partnership. Retalix will power its Retalix InSync Analyzer(TM) Business Intelligence application with QlikTech's QlikView engine.

The combination of Retalix's expertise in retailing and distribution with the innovative analytics technology from QlikTech creates a world-class analytics applications suite for retailers and distributors, improving their ability to gather, store, analyze, and access important data for making better business decisions.

Retalix InSync is a state-of-the-art, web-based portfolio of synchronized software applications, especially designed and developed to meet the requirements of retailers and distributors in the grocery and foodservice industries. These applications automate essential retailing, distribution, and supply chain operations, which enable users to increase operating efficiencies, while improving customer acquisition, retention, and profitability.

QlikTech's flagship product, QlikView, is a complete software suite for business analysis. It is quick-to-deploy, easy-to-learn, and easy-to-use. QlikView utilizes a single architecture that covers all types of analysis and reporting needs for all organizations. QlikView's patented technology never restricts the end user in the pursuit of knowledge hidden in operational system data. QlikView easily scales to meet the needs of any organization. QlikView is revolutionary and introduces new rules in business analysis.

"We chose QlikView as Retalix InSync Analyzer's analytic engine to leverage QlikView's tremendous flexibility and ease of implementation and use to satisfy our customers' Business Intelligence needs. This collaboration brings us one step closer to realizing fully our vision of Synchronized Retail and Distribution, which employs a highly flexible and customizable architecture, so that customers can capture the full benefits of their investments in modernizing IT systems," says Gil Roth, Vice President, Analytics and Optimization Solutions, at Retalix Ltd.

"With this deal we are taking yet another step in our Strategic OEM Program to embed our QlikView platform in best of breed products and companies. QlikTech looks forward to working closely with Retalix, given its in-depth industry knowledge and excellent market reputation," says Peter Sherman, Vice President Business Development at QlikTech International AB. "This partnership is a testament to QlikTech's success in working closely with software vendors globally to open up new channels for the QlikView analytics platform."

QlikTech and Retalix are both confident that Retalix customers will soon see the benefits of this new relationship in the form of a powerful analytics tool to run and optimize their business.

About QlikTech

QlikTech is dedicated to simplifying analysis for everyone. QlikTech's game-changing QlikView application is dramatically easier to deploy and use, inspiring fervent user adoption by business professionals who require it to run their organizations. QlikTech's patented technology allows instant, in memory, manipulation of massive datasets on low-cost hardware, allowing affordable widespread deployment of highly sophisticated analytic applications in days. QlikView's click-driven, visually interactive interface allows users to discover unanticipated insights hidden in operational systems with virtually no end user training. QlikView has over 126,500 users at 2,486 customers in 58 countries. In addition to hundreds of small and midsized companies, QlikTech's customers include large corporations such as AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Top Flite, 3M, Stanley and The Campbell Soup Company. QlikTech is privately held and venture backed by Accel Partners, Jerusalem Venture Partners, and Industrifonden. Founded in Sweden, QlikTech has subsidiaries in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and Scandinavia, and over 100 partners across the world.

For more information on QlikView, please call +1-888-828-9768 or visit www.qliktech.com.

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/060102/20060102005033.html?.v=1

Dubi

Retalix Partners with Belltech to Provide Retalix Solutions in Argentina, Chile and Peru
Tuesday December 20, 3:01 am ET
Partnership with Chile-Based IT Provider Delivers POS, Store Operations and Replenishment Solutions to South Cone Retailers


RA'ANANA, Israel--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 20, 2005--Retalix® Ltd. (NASDAQ:RTLX - News) announced today that it has entered into a partnership with Belltech, a technology and services company based in Chile, to market and support Retalix POS, store operations and replenishment solutions in Argentina, Chile and Peru.
As part of the agreement, Belltech formed a retail team that will focus on sales and support of Retalix solutions in Argentina, Chile and Peru. Retalix and Belltech have a number of early prospects in those countries that are currently evaluating Retalix's solutions.

Belltech is a prominent provider of advanced IT and communications solutions in South America with more than 500 customers. To address high customer demand in the retail industry, Belltech partnered with Retalix to deliver market leading enterprise software applications that will satisfy the requirements of Latin American retail chains for world-class, integrated software solutions.

Retalix StoreLine(TM) is an advanced in-store solution that addresses grocery industry requirements by offering hardware-independent POS, back office and mobile functionality, ease of use, system robustness and the ability to process critical data in real time across multiple sales channels and formats.
Retalix StorePoint(TM) is a comprehensive family of applications, which provide operators of convenience stores, fueling stations and quick service restaurants with the flexibility to support their multi-concept sites, combining various food service, fuel and retail formats, with one integrated solution.
Retalix PocketOffice(TM) is a suite of integrated mobile applications, which allow operators to perform many back-office operations without leaving their floor locations.
Retalix DemandAnalytX(TM) is a Demand Forecasting and Replenishment solution that enables retailers to improve product availability, inventory management and overall supply chain efficiency. DemandAnalytX utilizes unique algorithms to interpret POS sales and inventory data, and forecast store-level demand and optimize replenishment orders, while taking into account the full complexity of the retail environment.
"Belltech's long and successful experience in large and complex projects in high technology solutions, combined with our deep knowledge of the Retail Business, will complement Retalix's advanced technology and world class solutions to deliver a powerful alliance in the South Cone," commented Rodney Everard, CEO of Belltech. "We are confident that our alliance with Retalix will turn into a highly successful introduction of Retalix's unique portfolio of synchronized retail solutions into Argentina, Chile and Peru."

"We view Latin America as a strategic part of our long-term growth plans," said Barry Shaked, CEO of Retalix Ltd. "Belltech, with its many years of experience delivering advanced enterprise software systems to corporate customers in Argentina, Chile and Peru, is an excellent choice as a partner to market and support our products in this region. Belltech's retail division has already identified some excellent customer prospects, and we are excited about this relationship's potential to contribute to Retalix's future growth in these key Latin American markets."

About Belltech

Belltech is a prominent provider of advanced IT and communications solutions in South America. With presence in Argentina, Chile and Peru, Belltech has 500 customers in the region and annual revenues of US$ 14.5 million. Belltech's Retail division is focused on design, implementation and support of advanced IT and communications and store automation solutions. Belltech is a Platinum Business Partner of Avaya and is also a representative of Nice, Aspect, 3Com, Telesoft, Fujitsu, Aloha/Radiant and British Telecom.

About Retalix Ltd.

Retalix is an independent provider of enterprise-wide software solutions to retailers and distributors worldwide. With more than 34,000 sites installed across 50 countries, Retalix solutions serve the needs of multi-national grocery chains, convenience and fuel retailers, food service operators, food and consumer goods distributors and independent grocers. The Company offers a full portfolio of software applications that automate and synchronize essential retailing, distribution and supply chain management operations, encompassing stores, headquarters and warehouses. Retalix develops and supports its software through more than 1,300 employees in its various subsidiaries and offices worldwide. The company's International headquarters are located in Ra'anana, Israel, and its American headquarters are located in Plano, Texas.

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/051220/20051220005073.html?.v=1

Dubi

Size is a relative matter

Retalix (Nasdaq: RTLX; TASE: RTLX), one of those shares of the future that I like so much, has received a push forward from “Red Herring”, one of Wall Street’s important weeklies. The magazine named Retalix to its Red Herring Small Cap 100 index of companies that both present a correct business model and have uniquely innovative technology.

I learned two things from this story. The first is that the rumor about Retalix’s uniqueness is spreading, and Retalix, one of the larger Israeli companies on Nasdaq, is actually considered a small company in American terms. In my book, Retalix is one of the best investments among Israeli companies, and it has been in my book since economic recovery began in late 2001. By the way, at the Red Herring conference for small cap companies, held to give exposure to small and interesting companies worthy of note, there were 200 candidates, of which 100 were chosen for the list. The 200 companies included quite a few Israeli companies: Elbit Systems, Given Imaging (Nasdaq: GIVN; TASE: GIVN), Orbotech (Nasdaq: ORBK), Lipman Electronic Engineering (Nasdaq: LPMA; TASE: LPMA), Retalix, and NICE Systems (Nasdaq: NICE; TASE: NICE). Orbotech was the only one of these not included among the 100 winners, and that mostly because Maxim Group downgraded its recommendation for the share. In my opinion, this downgrade is not at at all significant.

My opinion is also based on the thought that 2006 will be an excellent year for Orbotech, as part of a good year forecast for all semiconductor companies.

Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on December 15, 2005

http://www.globes.co.il/serveEN/globes/nodeView.asp?fid=1052

Dubi

Retalix's mission POS-sible

CEO Barry Shaked: Public companies must be ready for buyout offers - I'd like to be the buyer.

Ofer Levi 12 Dec 05 13:59

2005 was the year of acquisitions for Retalix Ltd. (Nasdaq:RTLX; TASE:RTLX). The supplier of software solutions for supermarket chains and gas stations made back-to-back acquisitions in April, buying Integrated Distribution Solutions (IDS) and TCI Solutions for $80 million altogether. These acquisitions boosted Retalix’s revenue by $50 million and expanded its basket of pricing and storage products.
This year was also one of retail software systems acquisitions. In 2004, Germany’s SAP (NYSE; LSE: SAP; XETRA:SAPG) acquired Triversity Inc., a provider of applications for stores; and last week SAP acquired Khimetrics Inc., a developer of retail pricing software. SAP also fought to acquire Retek, a developer of retail pricing applications, mostly for clothing. SAP lost this battle to Oracle (Nasdaq:ORCL), which paid $631 million for Retek. Oracle also acquired ProfitLogic and G-Logic.

The decision by enterprise software giants to put their weight behind retail software is the best evidence of the positive momentum projected for this market in the coming years. The main reason why the retail software market is likely to grow lies in a desire on the part of major retailers to replace their hardware and software infrastructures. Many retail chains are about to replace their legacy systems with more open and flexible systems that will allow them to maximize their business activities.

AMR Research analyst Scott Langdoc predicts that the retail software market will grow from $6 billion in 2004 to $6.6 billion in 2005, including $2.2 billion from the sale of licenses. He says that systems replacement will boost the market to $9 billion by 2009. Acquisitions by the giant enterprise software companies turns the spotlight onto Retalix as a likely acquisition target. The question is whether it will be the first company in SAP or Oracle’s sights, or if they will focus on its competitor JDA Software Group Inc. (Nasdaq:JDAS). It seems that JDA, a developer of supply chain management solutions, will probably be the preferred target over Retalix, simply because JDA’s products target the retail market as a whole, whereas Retalix focuses on the food and gas station niche markets.

It should nevertheless be borne in mind that Retalix is the only company providing end-to-end solutions for the retail food market, from solutions for individual stores, through solutions for retail chain headquarters (a kind of enterprise resource planning (ERP) for chain management), to storage solutions.

When Retalix CEO Barry Shaked is asked whether the company received any buy-out offers from one of the large companies, he replies with a laugh, "Do you want to hear my answer? Because [executive VP and CFO] Danny Moshaioff's standard answer is that he opens his mailbox every day expecting to find a check".

“Globes”: I’d prefer hearing your answer.

Shaked: “Our field is very hot now, and the big companies want to be players. We believe that there’s much more room before the market becomes saturated. As a public company, you’re always prepared for a buyout offer, and you have to act according to procedure when someone tries to acquire you. But I want to be the buyer; I want to become the gorilla of the retail food market.”

What if you were offered a 25% premium on Retalix’s market share price?

“I must weigh everything. Obviously, a company must be sold if it’s very successful, and if someone offers a suitable premium. I am the founder and builder of the company, but I don’t consider it sacred and hang onto it just because I built it. Retalix is a business that is available for buying and selling every day.”

Nonetheless, entrepreneurs are very emotional about the businesses they built.

“An entrepreneur who brings a company to the stock exchange plays the game like everyone else. He uses his power to raise capital on the public market, develop the company and make acquisitions. At the same time, he also faces the possibility of being bought, and he cannot decide on his own whether to accept an acquisition offer in same way he could decide whether to accept an offer if he ran a private company.”

Retail is detail

Whether or not Retalix is acquired, the company continues to benefit from the growth in information technology, even as it has to cope with an increasingly competitive environment that promotes consolidation.

Retalix published an excellent financial report for the second quarter of 2005, beating analysts’ forecasts. It subsequently published a good financial report for the third quarter, albeit a slightly poorer one than predicted. Retalix posted a profit of $4.7 million for the third quarter, and revenue rose 55% to $52.5 million. The company’s revenue included $29.2 million from the sale of products, and $23.3 million (44.4% of total revenue) from services and projects, compared with $21.7 million from the sale of products, and $12.2 million (35.9% of total revenue) from services and projects for the corresponding quarter of 2004.

Retalix posted a profit of more than $15.5 million on $190 million in revenue in 2004. Analysts were more optimistic about the company’s revenue guidance, and overestimated its revenue by several million dollars above the company’s guidance.

Retalix’s share has risen 26% since June to $25, reflecting a market cap of $480 million.

Is there any chance that you’ll expand your applications to other fields besides retail food and gas stations?

“There’s always a chance. Our vision is to become the leading global vendor of solutions for the retail industry. We started out as a vendor of computer solutions for stores, and we’re now making progress on enterprise solutions (retail chain management, warehouse management, and so on). In the coming years, I want to continue to focus on food, and provide end-to-end solutions.

“We acquired IDS, OMI International, and TCI in order to succeed in the enterprise sector. Their systems are very good in terms of knowing what has to be done, but are obsolescent in terms of technology. We undertook to rebuild the applications using Java technology. It will take several years to complete development of these systems, even though some systems have already been rolled out. We’re focusing on completing development before we go out.”

What do you mean when you say ‘go out’?

“I’m referring to entering new sectors such as general goods or clothing. I assume that if we go there, it will be through an acquisition.”

Where do you feel do you have a technology gap that has to be closed?

“We lack all kinds of things, such as Khimetric’s technology, and solutions to prevent the theft of food. Food sales in the US total $400 billion a year, and theft amounts to 1%, or a huge $4 billion a year. By the way, the breakdown of theft is as follows: 50% occurs between the vendor and the store, 25% is by stores’ employees, and only 25% by customers.”

How can IT identify theft?

“By detecting different patterns in a cashier’s behavior. For example, if there’s a persistent surplus in a cash register, it’s a sign that the cashier is stealing. A cashier doesn’t know exactly how much he or she is stealing, so psychologically, he or she prefers leaving money in the till.”

Does expenditure on IT frighten retailers who have low profit margins?

“Retailers expenditures on IT amounts to 0.5% to 2% of turnover. A giant retailer like Britain’s Tesco (LSE:TCSO) spends $1 billion out of an annual turnover of $60 billion. It gets back analytical tools that optimize systems. We’ve been able to show Tesco that our systems make it possible to decrease inventory by over 15%, while simultaneously increasing orders by 80%, thereby improving the bottom line by 4%. In other words, IT boosted Tesco’s profit by $2.2 billion. Retail is detail, and in retail, where you have so many details, there’s always room to use technology to improve efficiency.”

The mix of services as a proportion of your revenue has grown substantially over the past quarters. Why?

“As we win more and more large customers, the demand for services expands. In addition, the service element of the companies we acquired, IDS and TCI, was fairly high.”

Growth from large retail chains

It seems that most of Retalix’s growth in the coming years will come from tier-1 retail chains (over $2 billion in turnover), and tier-2 chains (turnover of $500 million-$2 billion), as they upgrade their systems. “Retalix’s products are mainly suited for large companies, and tier-2 and tier-4 retailers are marginal for Retalix,” says Bank Hapoalim analyst Nir Amikam. “Retalix does not provide figures, but it’s estimated that 90% of sales are to tier-1 and tier-2 retailers.”

Retalix’s most important contract was signed in November with Woolworths Ltd. (ASX:WOW), Australia’s largest retailer. Retalix did not disclose the size of the contract, but tier-1 contracts are usually around $4-7 million a year over seven to ten years. The contract was probably toward the upper limit of forecasts, suggesting that Retalix will earn tens of millions of dollars over the coming years. Retalix says Woolworths is Austrialia’s largest retailer, with a 28% share of the household products market, and over $20 billion in sales a year.

How long is the average sales process to a retailer buying your products?

“A large contract like the one with Australia’s Woolworths took three years. The sales process can take between six months and a year, since the customer first publishes a tender, and doesn’t yet know what it wants to buy. Large chains also begin with pilot stores. With smaller chains, a deal takes three months, and they install all the systems simultaneously.”

“We’re already part of the game in China”

How important is China as a growth engine for you?

“The entire Far East is a key growth engine. In 2005, our in-house growth was in markets outside the US and Israel. The Chinese market is huge, and is growing. Everyone wants to market and sell in China, but to succeed, it’s necessary to be in the game. We’re already part of the game, we have systems translated into Chinese, and adapted to the local market. We’re working with a domestic retail chain called Lotus, which has 200 stores. We’re also seeing that our large European customers will be major players, and we’ll sign substantial contracts with them.

“India, for example, is privatizing a great many businesses. These private companies have begun selling gas, and we have a very large customer in the sector. It asked to buy systems for five gas stations, and when refused, explaining that our systems were only effective for large chains, they said, ‘That’s OK. By the end of the year, we’ll have 5,000 stores.’”

How much does the Chinese market want software solutions for the food sector?

“China yearns for systems like ours. Customers understand that they’re not buying technology, but solutions that teach them how retail chains manage themselves, how to optimize prices, manage inventory, and so on. They learn all this from our applications.”

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on December 12, 2005

Dubi

Retalix sees bright future in Asia
12.12.05 | 12:21 By Yoram Gavison
The probability that Retalix (Nasdaq: RTLX) will sustain its rapid growth in 2006 is high, going by Barry Shaked, the software company's chairman and CEO.

Retalix, founded in 1982, develops software to run retail chains, from mighty supermarkets to gas stations and convenience stores.
Its growth is based on global software trends and its own business strategy, says Shaked. He noted a report from AMR, which noted that chains are shifting from designated software made by hardware vendors such as IBM and NCR, to open software programs that do not depend on the hardware that runs them.

Retalix wins 80% of the software contracts for stores, Shaked claims, and is well positioned to take the lead in its market.

Citing figures from IBM and Retalix's own estimates, Shaked projected that the market share of open software among food retailers would grow from 20% in 2003, to 75% in 2008.

Retalix, which controls 45% of that market (open software systems for food retailers), should grow prettily if that projection proves true, Shaked suggested.

Installed at 15 of the 50 biggest retailers

The Israeli company has installed its software systems in 15 of the world's 50 biggest food retail chains. Also, 63% of the world's marketing chains are planning to replace legacy systems with point of sale based programs in the coming two years.

Retalix's contract win rate among chain and supply management is lower, about 30%, but here too Retalix projects growth to come. Some 57% of the retailers are expected to replace their management software in the coming two years.

He noted that Retalix won the Publix tender, wresting away the southern U.S. company's custom away from IBM.

Another factor playing in Retalix's favor is the war of the marketing chains against the goliath, Wal-Mart, which has annual turnover of $290 billion. The world's second-biggest retail chain is Carrefour of France, which has annual turnover of $90 billion.

The retailers concluded that one way to erode Wal-Mart's domination is to improve their computerization. Shaked believes Retalix's offerings are better than what Wal-Mart developed in-house, and that they can save a company as much as 1% to 4% of its turnover. When the company's turnover is $60 billion a year, that adds up to more than a chunk of change.

Retalix is presently the only company that provides retailers with comprehensive systems capable of handling all aspects of the business, from inventory management to predicting demand to pricing, even management of customer clubs, special deals, and cash registers.
That is the Israeli company's main power against the competition. Other companies sell software systems that can handle specific areas of business, but not the whole enchilada.

Retalix recently launched the Insync product, a comprehensive system for retail chains. It has already scored five contracts for Insync, one from a tier-1 company that translates into $2.5 million to $7 million income a year, through seven years.

Some 80% of Retalix's revenue derives from existing customers, Shaked says. He foresees big contracts in India, China, Japan and France, including one with an Indian chain of gas stations.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/656883.html

Dubi

Red Herring Announces Inaugural Red Herring Small Cap 100 List
Monday December 12, 12:02 am ET

RTLX INCLUDED
Winners Will Be Honored at the Red Herring Fall 2005 Conference


SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(MARKET WIRE)--Dec 12, 2005 -- Red Herring announced today its first Red Herring Small Cap 100 list. The editors of the Red Herring evaluated over 2,500 publicly traded technology companies with market capitalizations of between US$300 million and US$1 billion from North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

"Small-cap technology companies are what most tech startups become after they go public," said Joel Dreyfuss, Editor-in-Chief of Red Herring. "Red Herring's first list of small-cap companies allows us to track the evolution of these companies. We find that small-cap tech companies continue to be innovative even as they fulfill the demands of a competitive public market."

The Red Herring Small Cap 100 is based on more than simply financial performance and growth. These public companies possess innovative technology and smart business models that can take them to the next level of competition. Red Herring's global perspective, provocative outlook on the technology landscape and Red Herring Innovation Index will make this list and conference unique and invaluable to technology and financial executives.

"The winners on this list are the most competitive, the most innovative and the most promising technology companies in the small-cap segment. We hope that the Red Herring Small Cap 100 list will shine the light on them that they deserve," said Dreyfuss.

The award ceremony for the Small Cap 100 will be held during the Red Herring Fall 2005 conference, December 13th-15th in San Francisco, California. All award winners will be profiled in issue #47 of Red Herring magazine, on sale December 12th, which also contains Red Herring's Top 10 Trends for 2006. The full list can also be viewed at http://www.herringevents.com.

Red Herring Fall 2005, dedicated to celebrating the world's most exciting publicly traded, small-cap technology companies, will feature keynote speeches, lively dialogue and presentations by the leaders of the Red Herring Small Cap 100.

The Red Herring Fall 2005 conference is an invitation-only gathering for CEOs, select senior executives, and the investment and media communities. To request an invitation, contact Michael Felber at 650.428.2900 or mfelber@redherring.com.

About Red Herring Events

Red Herring events have long delivered clear and intelligent insight into the critical trends shaping the future of technology. We bring together industry leaders, venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and our own business intelligence team to share ideas and present our research-based discoveries. Participants explore the strategic shifts and disruptive impact that new technologies will have in key US and international markets. Along the way, they will get a glimpse of the future. Additional information is available at http://www.redherring.com/events.

The Red Herring Small Cap 100 companies are listed below in alphabetical order:

Company Ticker Country
------- ------ -------
Aastra Technologies (Toronto:AAH.TO - News) Canada
ADE (NasdaqNM:ADEX - News) USA
Advanced Digital Information (NasdaqNM:ADIC - News) USA
Aeroflex (NasdaqNM:ARXX - News) USA
Albany Molecular Research (NasdaqNM:AMRI - News) USA
Allscripts Healthcare Solutions (NasdaqNM:MDRX - News) USA
Altiris Inc. (NasdaqNM:ATRS - News) USA
American Science & Engineering (NasdaqNM:ASEI - News) USA
American Vanguard (AMEX:AVD - News) USA
Ansoft (NasdaqNM:ANST - News) USA
Aspect Medical Systems (NasdaqNM:ASPM - News) USA
Aveva Group (London:AVV.L - News) United Kingdom
Blackbaud (NasdaqNM:BLKB - News) USA
Blackboard (NasdaqNM:BBBB - News) USA
Cabcharge Australia (Australia:CAB.AX - News) Australia
Ceradyne (NasdaqNM:CRDN - News) USA
China Medical Technologies (NasdaqNM:CMED - News) China
Cohu (NasdaqNM:COHU - News) USA
Computer Programs & Systems (NasdaqNM:CPSI - News) USA
Concur Technologies (NasdaqNM:CNQR - News) USA
Core Laboratories (NYSE:CLB - News) Netherlands, The
Dendrite International (NasdaqNM:DRTE - News) USA
Detica Group (London:DCA.L - News) United Kingdom
Dot Hill Systems (NasdaqNM:HILL - News) USA
eCollege.com (NasdaqNM:ECLG - News) USA
EDO (NYSE:EDO - News) USA
Elbit Systems (NasdaqNM:ESLT - News) Israel
Elcoteq (HLSE: ELQAV) Finland
EnerSys (NYSE:ENS - News) USA
Epicor Software (NasdaqNM:EPIC - News) USA
EPIQ Systems (NasdaqNM:EPIQ - News) USA
eResearchTechnology (NasdaqNM:ERES - News) USA
Escala Group (NasdaqNM:ESCL - News) USA
Esterline Technologies (NYSE:ESL - News) USA
Fast Search & Transfer (OB: FAST) USA
Geodesic Information Systems (Boston:503699 - News) India
GES International (SGX: G01) Singapore
Given Imaging (NasdaqNM:GIVN - News) Israel
Guangzhou Pharmaceutical (SEHK: 874) China
Hanmi Pharmaceutical (KOSE: A008930) Korea (South)
Hyflux (SGX: 600) Singapore
ILOG (NasdaqNM:ILOG - News) USA
Intermagnetics General (NasdaqNM:IMGC - News) USA
IRESS Market Technology (Australia:IRE.AX - News) Australia
IRIS International (NasdaqNM:IRIS - News) USA
IXYS (NasdaqNM:SYXI - News) USA
J2 Global Communications (NasdaqNM:JCOM - News) USA
Kinsus Interconnect Technology (TSEC: 3189) Taiwan
La Cie Group (ENXTPA: LAC) France
Laserscope (NasdaqNM:LSCP - News) USA
LifeCell (NasdaqNM:LIFC - News) USA
LoJack (NasdaqNM:LOJN - News) USA
Macrovision (NasdaqNM:MVSN - News) USA
ManTech (NasdaqNM:MANT - News) USA
Meridian Bioscience (NasdaqNM:VIVO - News) USA
Merry Electronics (TSEC: 2439) Taiwan
Metrologic Instruments (NasdaqNM:MTLG - News) USA
Micronic Laser Systems (OM: MICR) Sweden
MicroStrategy (NasdaqNM:MSTR - News) USA
MKS Instruments (NasdaqNM:MKSI - News) USA
Molecular Devices (NasdaqNM:MDCC - News) USA
MorphoSys (DB: MOR) Germany
Motech Industries (6244) Taiwan
Multi-Fineline Electronix (NasdaqNM:MFLX - News) USA
NICE-Systems (NasdaqNM:NICE - News) USA
Nordic Semiconductor (OB: NOD) Norway
Novatel Wireless (NasdaqNM:NVTL - News) USA
OmniVision Technologies (NasdaqNM:OVTI - News) USA
Open Solutions (NasdaqNM:OPEN - News) USA
Open Text (NasdaqNM:OTEX - News) Canada
Option (ENXTBR: OPTI) Belgium
Orbotech (NasdaqNM:ORBK - News) Israel
Packeteer (NasdaqNM:PKTR - News) USA
Palomar Medical Technologies (NasdaqNM:PMTI - News) USA
PDF Solutions (NasdaqNM:PDFS - News) USA
Per-Se Technologies (NasdaqNM:PSTI - News) USA
Q-Med (OM: QMED) Sweden
Quality Systems (NasdaqNM:QSII - News) USA
Retalix (NasdaqNM:RTLX - News) Israel
Rofin-Sinar Technologies (NasdaqNM:RSTI - News) Germany
Salix Pharmaceuticals (NasdaqNM:SLXP - News) USA
Secure Computing (NasdaqNM:SCUR - News) USA
Serologicals (NasdaqNM:SERO - News) USA
Sigmatel (NasdaqNM:SGTL - News) USA
Sino Biopharmaceutical (SEHK: 1177) China
Sohu.com (NasdaqNM:SOHU - News) China
Solomon Systech (SEHK: 2878) Hong Kong
Somanetics (NasdaqSC:SMTS - News) USA
Sonic Solutions (NasdaqNM:SNIC - News) USA
SonoSite (NasdaqNM:SONO - News) USA
Sunplus Technology (TSEC: 2401) Taiwan
Symyx Technologies (NasdaqNM:SMMX - News) USA
Synaptics (NasdaqNM:SYNA - News) USA
TALX (NasdaqNM:TALX - News) USA
TOM Online (NasdaqNM:TOMO - News) China
Ulticom (NasdaqNM:ULCM - News) USA
VASCO Data Security (NasdaqSC:VDSI - News) USA
ViaSat (NasdaqNM:VSAT - News) USA
Vital Signs (NasdaqNM:VITL - News) USA
WebSideStory (NasdaqNM:WSSI - News) USA

http://biz.yahoo.com/iw/051212/0103659.html

Dubi

EKN: Retalix’s profits could grow 15% a year

Ehrenkrantz King Nussbaum: We believe that Retalix is becoming the leader in its market segment.

Ofer Levi 7 Dec 05 14:55

US investment boutique Ehrenkrantz King Nussbaum (EKN) began its coverage of the Retalix (Nasdaq: RTLX; TASE: RTLX) share yesterday with a “Market outperform” recommendation and a target price of $26, 23% higher than the current market price on Nasdaq.
EKN analyst Jim Yin believes that Retalix’s profit could grow by 15% a year in the next three-to-five years, through a combination of acquisitions and internal growth. He wrote, “We believe that Retalix is becoming the leader in its market segment. In our opinion, Retalix provides the most comprehensive solutions, which meet the needs of the food and fuel industries.”

Yin predicts that Retalix’s profit margin will rise from an expected 11.8% this year to 13.2% in 2006. He also expects profit per share of $0.83 this year, compared with an analysts’ consensus of $0.81, rising to $1.07 per share next year. Yin forecasts $54.8 million in revenue in the fourth quarter, including $31 million from sales of products.

”We believe that demand for the company’s products stems to a great extent from worldwide economic improvement. We also believe that demand was a result of technological innovation, which enabled retailers to collect information about their customers. We expect Retalix’s sales to grow, as the company presents additional modules, and improves its current product line. We also expect the company’s acquisitions to generate additional revenue from crossover sales,” Yin wrote.

Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on December 7, 2005

Dubi

AWG and StoreNext Form Strategic Relationship to Serve AWG Members; Firms to Cooperate on POS and Internet Software, Mobile Computing
11/28/2005 9:00:09 AM

PLANO, Texas & Kansas City, Mo., Nov 28, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- StoreNext Retail Technologies of Plano, Texas and Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) of Kansas City, Mo., have signed a strategic agreement to jointly market and promote StoreNext's products to the AWG membership. AWG serves more than 1,500 independent grocers and regional chains throughout the Midwest and in the Southeast.
The agreement covers StoreNext's Connected Services(TM) Internet-based suite of store management software, ISS45 point-of-sale (POS) systems, and wireless mobile hardware and software, which will be offered as part of AWG's Paragon program. The Retalix HQ and Store software applications continue to be endorsed under the Paragon Program.

"Our relationship with StoreNext and its dealer community is one way we can assure that our members have access to the proper selection, successful implementation and complete utilization of automated retail systems," said Keith Martin, CIO of AWG. "These systems should help them enhance the shopper experience while improving store systems; the ultimate goal is a better bottom line."

The program consists of marketing strategies to promote the StoreNext technology offerings to the AWG membership, as well as coordinating IT system integration between AWG systems and applications and StoreNext-hosted products.

"This agreement is further proof of StoreNext's commitment to wholesaler-served independent grocers and regional chains," said Ray Carlin, president and CEO of StoreNext. "We expect AWG retailers to benefit greatly by making these powerful yet cost-effective technology solutions available through AWG's program.

The program focuses on users of ISS45 V7 and V8, Retalix PocketOffice mobile applications and Connected Services Sales Analysis, Electronic Journal and ShrinkTrax for loss prevention. The Retalix PocketOffice application will be offered in conjunction with Fujitsu's iPAD handheld device.

About AWG

Associated Wholesale Grocers is the second-largest retailer-owned grocery wholesaler in the United States, serving more than 1600 stores in a 21-state area. The company supplies customers from seven modern and efficient distribution centers totaling more than 5 million square feet. AWG projects sales of about $5.1 billion in 2005.

About StoreNext

StoreNext Retail Technologies LLC is the No. 1 supplier of retail technology to independent grocers and regional chains. Based in Plano, Texas, StoreNext is a joint venture of Retalix Ltd. (RTLX) and Fujitsu Transaction Solutions Inc. and markets Fujitsu POS hardware, Retalix's ISS45 and ScanMaster POS software, Retalix Store and Retalix HQ, as well as Internet Connected Services for managing stores via Web-enabled applications. StoreNext is the IT company that's dedicated to meeting the needs of this wholesaler-served market with packaged solutions that were previously available, affordable or practical only for large chains. Web site: www.storenext.com.

For sales and product information call 972-265-4800.

SOURCE: StoreNext Retail Technologies LLC

>>Retalix (Nasdaq:RTLX) crept up 0.2% after reporting its first deal with a tier-1 Asian corporation – actually, Woolworths of Australia, which is rolling out the Israeli company's software in 730 Woolworths outlets and another 120 BIG-W household appliance stores. The deal could generate up to $70 million revenues over ten years. <<

(#msg-8578218)

Dubi

Retalix closes contract with Woolworths Australia
more of the same

The first phase of the project involves 850 stores and 14,500 point-of-sale terminals.

Globes correspondent 21 Nov 05 11:42

Retalix (Nasdaq: RTLX; TASE: RTLX) announced today that Australia’s leading retailer Woolworths Limited (ASX: WOW) has signed a contract for the rollout of the Retalix StoreLine in-store solution across the group’s chains. The value of the contract was not disclosed.
Woolworths Ltd. (ASX: WOW). is an Australian retail company operating supermarkets, general merchandise, liquor, petrol, hotel and consumer electronics stores in Australia and New Zealand. Woolworths operates more than 1,600 stores under the brands Woolworths, Safeway, BIG-W, Dick Smith Electronics, Powerhouse, Tandy, Dan Murphy's, and BWS. Woolworths has a food, liquor and grocery market share of 28% and annual sales of over $20 billion. The company employs around 145,000 people and is traded on the Australian Stock Exchange.

The agreement covers the Asia Pacific region and allows for the deployment of Retalix StoreLine as a consistent platform throughout all Woolworths stores, commencing with 730 Woolworths Supermarkets and 120 BIG-W general merchandise stores.

In total, the first phase of the project involves 850 stores and 14,500 point-of-sale terminals.

Retalix StoreLine is an advanced, Windows-based in-store solution that offers retailers hardware-independent point-of-sale and front office applications. Retalix has StoreLine installations in over 25,000 sites worldwide.

Following an extensive pilot program, the initial deployment of Retalix StoreLine in Woolworths and BIG-W stores has already begun. Full-scale rollout is scheduled for next year.

Retalix will also provide enhanced support and development facilities with the establishment of a software support and development competence center in Sydney, Australia.

Retalix noted that, in line with its global reach business strategy, the center will give it a "follow-the sun" advantage.

Retalix EVP international business division Yoni Stutzen said, ‘We are thrilled with this partnership, our first Tier-1 retail group customer in Asia. Woolworths is an exciting, innovative, and fast-moving company, and we are delighted to work closely with Woolworths. Looking ahead, we are confident the relationship will continue to grow and develop, especially as we are establishing our new Software Competence Centre in Sydney, Australia.’

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on Monday, November 21, 2005

Dubi

Australia's Woolworths Meets Store Service Strategy with Retalix StoreLine
Monday November 21, 3:01 am ET
Retalix Provides Australian Retailer Local Support and Development Through Its New Software Competence Center in Sydney


SYDNEY, Australia & RA'ANANA, Israel--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 21, 2005--Retalix® Ltd. (NASDAQ:RTLX - News) announced today that Australia's leading retailer Woolworths Limited (ASX:WOW - News) has signed a contract for the rollout of the Retalix StoreLine(TM) in-store solution across the group's chains.

Woolworths is Australia's leading retailer with a food, liquor and grocery market share of 28% and annual sales of over USD 20 billion. The agreement covers the Asia Pacific region and allows for the deployment of Retalix StoreLine as a consistent platform throughout all Woolworths stores, commencing with 730 Woolworths Supermarkets and 120 BIG-W general merchandise stores. In total, the first phase of the project involves 850 stores and 14,500 point-of-sale terminals.

With installations in more than 25,000 sites worldwide, Retalix StoreLine is an advanced, Windows(TM)-based in-store solution that offers retailers hardware-independent world-class point-of-sale and front office applications, ease of use, system robustness and the ability to address extensive in-store functionality requirements.

Following an extensive pilot program, the initial deployment of Retalix StoreLine in Woolworths and BIG-W stores has already begun. Full-scale rollout is scheduled for next year. Retalix will also provide enhanced support and development facilities with the establishment of a Software Support & Development Competence Center in Sydney, Australia. In line with Retalix's global reach business strategy, the Center will close the gap for a 'follow-the sun' advantage.

Steve Bradley, Woolworths' Chief Logistics and Information Officer, said: "The Retalix StoreLine solution enables the Woolworths group to leverage synergy with competitive and consistent business strategies across all our retail divisions. This platform helps us consolidate our recent acquisitions with our existing divisions and support growth. For our customers this means better service and a better shopping experience. Retalix StoreLine's hardware-independent architecture is a cost-effective combination for the rapid deployment of innovative technologies and innovative marketing programs."

Yoni Stutzen, EVP International Business Division, Retalix Ltd, said: "We are thrilled with this partnership, our first Tier-1 retail group customer in Asia. Woolworths is an exciting, innovative, and fast-moving company, and we are delighted to work closely with Woolworths. Looking ahead, we are confident the relationship will continue to grow and develop, especially as we are establishing our new Software Competence Center in Sydney, Australia."

About Woolworth's Ltd.

Woolworths Limited is an Australian retail company operating supermarkets, general merchandise, liquor, petrol, hotel and consumer electronics stores in Australia and New Zealand. Woolworths Limited operates more than 1,600 stores under the brands Woolworths, Safeway, BIG-W, Dick Smith Electronics, Powerhouse, Tandy, Dan Murphy's, and BWS. Woolworths has annual sales of more than USD 20 billion, with a food, liquor and grocery market share of 28% (2003). The Company employs around 145,000 people and is traded on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX:WOW - News).

Woolworths Limited on the web: www.woolworthslimited.com.au

About Retalix Ltd.

Retalix is an independent provider of enterprise-wide software solutions to retailers and distributors. With more than 34,000 installations across 50 countries, Retalix solutions serve the needs of multi-national grocery chains, convenience and fuel retailers, food service operators, food and consumer goods distributors and independent grocers. The Company offers a full portfolio of software applications that automate and synchronize essential retailing, distribution and supply chain management operations, encompassing stores, headquarters and warehouses. Retalix develops and supports its software through more than 1,300 employees in its various subsidiaries and offices worldwide. The company's International headquarters are located in Ra'anana, Israel, and its American headquarters are located in Plano, Texas.

Retalix on the web: www.retalix.com

http://biz.yahoo.com/bwml/051121/215072.html?.v=1

Dubi

Dress Barn and Fujitsu Collaborate to Cut POS Service Costs; Reduced Help Desk and Field Service Technician Calls Ring in Savings
11/17/2005 9:00:14 AM

FRISCO, Texas, Nov 17, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Following completion of a next-generation, point-of-sale (POS) rollout, The Dress Barn, Inc. (DBRN) and Fujitsu Transaction Solutions Inc. have revealed first-year metrics and process improvements that have significantly reduced managed services costs through a collaborative retailer-vendor approach.


The POS rollout, which included more than 1,500 TeamPoS 2000 M terminals that replaced Dress Barn's older-generation systems in 800 stores across 45 states, was completed in August 2004. As part of the original agreement, Dress Barn also awarded a five-year contract to Fujitsu to provide a range of managed services, including project management, integration, staging, installation and maintenance of Fujitsu and third-party hardware.

"This has been the single largest IT project and expenditure in the history of our company, so it's been vitally important that we have a partner we can trust completely for years to come," said David R. Jaffe, Dress Barn president and CEO. "The results we have achieved through collaboration with Fujitsu are proving that we made the right decision. We were also impressed with how quickly the Fujitsu team deployed the POS systems across our chain -- 800 stores in eight weeks."

A reduction in call center volumes and field service technician deployments are key performance indicators (KPIs) for the managed services agreement. By reducing calls to the help desk and "break-fix" activity, both organizations realize cost savings. The companies have worked together to reduce calls to the help desk by about 40 percent during the first year, while more than 90 percent of problems in the field have been resolved without sending a technician. With the new Fujitsu maintenance agreement, Dress Barn has significantly reduced its annual POS maintenance expense.

"Fujitsu's 'relentless cost reduction' philosophy is based on the premise of driving out costs and inefficiencies from both organizations," said Austen Mulinder, president and CEO of Fujitsu Transaction Solutions. "We are committed to developing collaborative partnerships that create savings that flow directly to our customers' bottom line."

About The Dress Barn, Inc.

The Dress Barn, Inc. (DBRN), is a leading national specialty apparel retailer offering quality career and casual fashion apparel through its dressbarn and maurices brands. As of October 29, 2005, the Company operated 796 dressbarn stores in 45 states and 507 maurices stores in 39 states. For more information, please visit www.dressbarn.com and www.maurices.com.

About Fujitsu Transaction Solutions

Fujitsu Transaction Solutions Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) and the IT "lifecycle solutions" provider for consumer transaction environments. The company collaborates with customers to relentlessly reduce their costs and improve their profitability. Fujitsu's offerings include multi-vendor infrastructure management services, point-of-sale hardware and software, mobile devices and self service systems including U-Scan. Customers include Canadian Tire, Chevron Corporation, Hannaford Bros., H.E.B., Kroger, Loblaws, Nordstrom, Payless ShoeSource, Regal Cinema, Ross Dress for Less, Staples, Stop & Shop and The TJX Companies, among others. The company also has a 50/50 joint venture with Retalix Ltd. (RTLX) in StoreNext Retail Technologies LLC, a leading supplier of retail technology to independent grocers and regional chains. Web site: www.ftxs.fujitsu.com.

Dubi

Modelo Continente Selects Fujitsu's U-Scan; First Portuguese Retailer to Use Self-Checkout; Rapid Integration Cuts Normal Implementation Time by Half
11/15/2005 12:00:02 PM
{The relevant point is in the bottom of the PR}

FRISCO, Texas, Nov 15, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Modelo Continente SGPS, the leading Portuguese retail arm of the Sonae Group, is the first retailer in Portugal to implement a self-checkout system, from Frisco, Texas-based Fujitsu Transaction Solutions Inc.

Modelo Continente operates a total of 480 stores, including hypermarkets, supermarkets and specialty retail stores in Portugal and Brazil with consolidated gross sales of about 4 billion euros ($4.8 billion USD) as of Dec. 31, 2004.

"Self-checkout will help further differentiate our stores and offer our customers new shopping services and options," said Paulo Magalhaes, chief information officer of Modelo Continente. "We selected Fujitsu's U Scan system because it was the solution that best fit our criteria: functionality, usability, cost and implementation deadline."

In fact, the initial store implementation time was reduced by more than half, due in part to a virtual point-of-sale (VPOS) messaging framework that had previously been created by Fujitsu's U-Scan engineers. The VPOS is a piece of software code that enhances communications between the front-end cash registers and the self-checkout systems, speeding up the integration process. Once the Sonae in-house IT team had embedded the interface into the POS, Fujitsu modified the self-checkout software and the first system was live in the store just 57 days from the point of decision.

"Self-checkout has arrived in Portugal and we expect to see continued growth throughout Europe, Asia and the rest of the world," said Austen Mulinder, president and chief executive officer at Fujitsu Transaction Solutions. "As self-checkout systems continue to grow in global popularity, leading retailers are selecting Fujitsu for its quality U-Scan technology and smooth implementation services."

Magalhaes says the self-checkout systems are currently limited to Modelo Continente's Hypermarkets, but the company is considering expanding to other food and non-food chains under the Modelo Continente umbrella.

About Modelo Continente

Modelo Continente is a subsidiary of the Sonae Group in the retail sector and has a wide range of food and non-food retail chains in Portugal and Brazil. Based in Matosinhos, Portugal, the company is the leading operator in the retail market in Portugal and the fourth largest in the Brazilian retail market with 480 stores and consolidated gross sales of about 4 billion euros ($4.8 billion USD). The company's Portuguese portfolio includes Continente hypermarkets; Modelo mini-hypermarkets; Modelo Bonjour supermarkets; Worten electronics chain; Modalfa clothing and apparel; Maxmat DIY and construction; Sportzone sport equipment and accessories; Vobis computer equipment; Zippy kid stores and Worten Mobile cell phone and mobile computing. Modelo Continente's Brazilian portfolio includes hypermarkets under the brand name BIG; supermarkets under the brand names Nacional and Mercadorama; and non-food retail chains under the names Big Electroelectronico and Hello.

About Fujitsu Transaction Solutions

Fujitsu Transaction Solutions Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited (TSE: 6702) and the IT "lifecycle solutions" provider for consumer transaction environments. The company creates and manages high availability store environments and collaborates with customers to reduce their costs and improve their profitability. Fujitsu's offerings include multi-vendor lifecycle services, point-of-sale hardware and software, mobile devices, networking solutions and self service systems including U-Scan. Customers include Canadian Tire, Chevron Corporation, Loblaws, Nordstrom, Payless ShoeSource, Regal Cinema, Ross Dress for Less, REI, Staples, Stop & Shop and The TJX Companies, among others. The company also has a 50/50 joint venture with Retalix Ltd. (RTLX) in StoreNext Retail Technologies LLC, the No. 1 supplier of retail technology to independent grocers and regional chains. Web site: www.ftxs.fujitsu.com

Dubi

Wesco on the Go picks Retalix demand forecasting solution

Wesco operates self-distribution to its 51 convenience stores in Michigan.

Globes correspondent 14 Nov 05 16:53

Retalix USA, subsidiary of Retalix (Nasdaq: RTLX; TASE: RTLX), announced today that Wesco Convenience Stores' self-distributed operator, Wesco on the Go, has selected the Retalix DemandAnalytX (DAX) demand forecasting and replenishment solution for a company-wide implementation. No value was disclosed.
DAX utilizes unique algorithms to interpret point of sale (POS) sales data and inventory data, forecast store-level demand and optimize replenishment orders.

Wesco operates self-distribution to its 51 convenience stores in the state of Michigan. The company has been using the Power Enterprise software suite, which was developed by IDS and acquired by Retalix in 2005. Retalix noted that Wesco is the first customer to integrate DAX with Power Enterprise.

Project work is already under way and the first stores will go live in the first quarter of 2006. The roll-out to the full chain will be completed in the first half of 2006.

Wesco began in 1952 as Westgate Refinery Outlet. In 1978 the first convenience store was opened in Michigan, and is now known as Wesco Convenience Stores. Wesco has over 900 employees with annual revenue of $25 million.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on Monday, November 14, 2005

Dubi

Wesco Integrates Retalix DemandAnalytX with Retalix Power Enterprise to Achieve Demand-Driven Distribution to Its Convenience Stores
Monday November 14, 3:00 am ET
First Integration of the Retalix Demand Forecasting and Replenishment Solution with the Retalix Power Enterprise Suite Demonstrates Value for Customers


PLANO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 14, 2005--Retalix USA (Nasdaq:RTLX - News), announced today that Wesco on the Go, a self-distributed operator of over 50 convenience stores, has selected the Retalix DemandAnalytX (DAX) demand forecasting and replenishment solution for a company-wide implementation.

Retalix DemandAnalytX (DAX) is a Demand Forecasting and Replenishment solution that enables retailers, manufacturers and distributors to improve product availability, inventory management and overall supply chain efficiency. DemandAnalytX utilizes unique algorithms to interpret POS sales data and inventory data, forecast store-level demand and optimize replenishment orders, while taking into account the full complexity of the C-store retail environment.

Wesco operates self-distribution to its 51 convenience stores in the state of Michigan. The company has been using the Power Enterprise software suite, which was developed by IDS and acquired by Retalix in 2005. Wesco is the first customer to integrate DAX with Power Enterprise.

Rachelle Osborn, Director of Information Technology of Wesco, said: "Our commitment to service is key to our success, and Retalix DemandAnalytX will help us provide fast, friendly service by reducing out-of-stocks and improving the ordering process. Store orders and on-hand information will feed directly to our current Retalix Power Enterprise system in our warehouse to ensure the same goal. The investment in DAX will help us to continue growing into one of the premier companies in the convenience store industry."

Victor Hamilton, CEO of Retalix USA, said: "We are very excited with the opportunity to provide an integrated end-to-end solution combining Wesco's existing Power Enterprise suite with DAX. This is a tangible demonstration of the Synchronized Retail and Distribution approach that Retalix is uniquely positioned to deliver to our customers, and illustrates the great synergy of our combined product offering spanning the warehouse to checkout."

Project work is already under way and the first stores will go live in Q1 2006. The rollout to the full chain will be completed in the first half of 2006.

About Wesco

Wesco began in 1952 as Westgate Refinery Outlet. In 1978 the first convenience store was opened in Michigan. Now with over 50 locations this Michigan chain is known as Wesco Convenience Stores. The company has over 900 employees with annual revenue of $25 million. Web site: www.gowesco.com.

About Retalix Ltd.

Retalix Ltd. is an independent provider of integrated enterprise-wide software solutions to global food and fuel retailers and U.S. grocery and convenience store distributors. Retalix solutions serve the needs of the entire range of food and fuel retailers and U.S. grocery and convenience store distributors, from multi-national supermarket chains, major food distributors and major fuel retailers to local independent grocers. With more than 34,000 installations across 50 countries, Retalix develops and supports its software through more than 1,300 employees in its various subsidiaries and offices worldwide.

Web Site: www.Retalix.com

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/051114/20051114005423.html?.v=1

Dubi

Retalix StorePoint Offered in Simple and Easy-to-Implement Fashion for Small & Medium-Sized Convenience Retailers
Monday November 14, 3:00 am ET
Retalix Offers SMR Version of Its Successful Convenience Store Software Solution

PLANO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 14, 2005--Retalix® USA (NASDAQ:RTLX - News) announced today that the highly successful Retalix StorePoint(TM) suite of applications, a leading automation solution for large-size Convenience Store chains, is now offered in a simpler and easier-to-implement fashion for small and medium-sized retail (SMR) chains.

Retalix StorePoint, with 11,000 installations in 25 countries, is an integrated software solution for operators of convenience stores, fueling stations and quick service restaurants worldwide. Retalix StorePoint bundles Point-of-sale (POS), Back Office, Host Processing, Fuel interfaces, Credit Authorization, and more into a single, end-to-end, synchronized solution. As a part of the SMR initiative, Retalix also announced that it would bundle hardware for prospective customers, including point of sale and server hardware.

In conjunction with the new SMR offering, Retalix is also developing an affordable implementation methodology designed to speed up and simplify the successful deployment of Retalix StorePoint for SMR organizations. With this new capability, full chain-wide implementations for SMR organizations will be possible within 90 days, allowing these organizations to benefit from the Retalix StorePoint applications more quickly.

"No longer will small and medium-sized chains have to settle for technology that is inferior to that of larger, national chains," said Todd P. Michaud, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Product Management, Retalix USA. "We intend to offer SMR organizations the most comprehensive headquarters and store operations suite available in the marketplace."

An important feature of the SMR StorePoint release involves supply chain management. Since most SMR organizations in the North American convenience industry are wholesale supplied, the SMR version of Retalix StorePoint will support supply chain integration and synchronization capabilities with the Retalix Power Enterprise software portfolio. Retalix Power Enterprise is the leading enterprise software solution in the North American convenience products distribution industry today.

"Our ongoing strategy consists of leveraging the Company's industry leading position in the retail and distribution segments to enable our customers to communicate and work more efficiently and productively with each other," emphasized Mr. Michaud. "With this newest release of Retalix StorePoint, inventory information, orders, and pricing will flow seamlessly between Retalix StorePoint retail customers and Retalix Power Enterprise distribution customers."

About Retalix Ltd.

Retalix Ltd. is an independent provider of integrated enterprise-wide software solutions to global food and fuel retailers and U.S. grocery and convenience store distributors. Retalix solutions serve the needs of the entire range of food and fuel retailers and U.S. grocery and convenience store distributors, from multi-national supermarket chains, major food distributors and major fuel retailers to local independent grocers. With more than 34,000 installations across 50 countries, Retalix develops and supports its software through more than 1,300 employees in its various subsidiaries and offices worldwide.

Retalix and Retalix StorePoint are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Retalix Ltd. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/051114/20051114005466.html?.v=1

Dubi

Some older articles/info,

*Tue: How to assemble an Israeli portfolio
I make my portfolio up out of 60-70% leading companies, 15-20% almost leading companies, 5-10% companies with potential, and at most 5% dream companies.
Shlomo Greenberg

I think it’s worthwhile saying a word or two about companies that underwent considerable upheaval last week, including Eltek (Nasdaq: ELTK), Healthcare Technologies (Nasdaq: HCTL), G. Willi-Food International (Nasdaq: WILCF; TASE: WLFD), and certainly Mind CTI (Nasdaq: MNDO; TASE: MNDO), but also companies like Radware (Nasdaq: RDWR; TASE: RDWR), and even Irish pharmaceutical company Elan Corporation (NYSE: ELN), whose share price has collapsed twice because of a drug that was supposed to beat Copaxone.
Eltek made a profit after thirteen losing quarters, and the share has gone into orbit. Why? Does making a profit guarantee investors that the company’s management will treat them better than in the past? Does the profit constitute economic justification for such a large jump in the share price? Obviously not, but Eltek rose 326.6% between the beginning of March and the last week of the month. It has since dropped by 39.7%. If you ask me, a market cap of $21 million for this company is certainly economical and attractive, but what about the economic value? Did anyone take that into account when the share was rising sky-high?

In general, stock market investors fall into distinct categories. I’m not sure this applies to the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, but it is certainly true of US stock exchanges, and what is true there is usually also true here. A conservative and serious investor usually invests in shares with a proven record of success.

Conservative investors will never touch a share like Elan. In the medical field, they’ll take Pfizer (NYSE: PFE; LSE: PFZ), Johnson and Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), or Amgen )Nasdaq: AMGN), and perhaps a little Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Nasdaq: TEVA; TASE: TEVA) as a speculative investment in their portfolio. Note that Eltek and Healthcare skyrocketed without a single word of explanation or comment from management, or from anyone else in the market.

In the case of Elan, the experts and analysts can be blamed for creating the Frankenstein monster of multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri and worshipping it, until it turned on them, then returned to being a lifeless corpse. In all the other shares I mentioned, the ups and downs were a result of greed, not economic logic.

It is hard to explain what happens with these shares, and a thousand others like them, and hard to predict, too. Furthermore, it is also very difficult to affect these fluctuations, because they are totally unpredictable.

When I wrote more than six months ago that an $11 billion value for Elan was insane, with or without Tysabri, I received many complaints. Now that the company’s market cap is $1.4 billion, is the share expensive or cheap? It’s extremely expensive. Elan loses $390 million on $490 million in sales. A year ago, however, when the company’s situation was the same as now, but the Tysabri dream still existed, Elan was valued differently.

In order to prevent misunderstandings, I want to clarify my method of selecting shares. There is a leading group of companies with a clear record of proven long-term success. These companies have a history of sales, profits, growth, and, of course, and most important of all, proven management ability. This group includes Teva, Elbit Systems (Nasdaq: ESLT; TASE: ESLT), Marvell Technology Group (Nasdaq: MRVL), Check Point (Nasdaq: CHKP), Amdocs (NYSE: DOX), Mercury Interactive Corporation (Nasdaq: MERQ), NDS Group (Nasdaq: NNDS), Elron Electronic Industries (Nasdaq: ELRN; TASE: ELRN), and even ECI Telecom (Nasdaq: ECIL). From these companies, it’s possible to construct a long-term investment portfolio, and they will constitute 60-70% of an Israeli investment portfolio.

Next in line is a group of companies that I call the middle group. These are companies in which the business indications and management ability are not far behind those of companies in the first group. What they lack is another two or three years of proven track record. This group includes companies like Retalix (Nasdaq: RTLX; TASE: RTLX), M-Systems Flash Disk Pioneers (Nasdaq: FLSH), Harmonic (Nasdaq: HLIT), AudioCodes (Nasdaq: AUDC; TASE: AUDC), Alvarion (Nasdaq: ALVR; TASE: ALVR), and perhaps one or two companies like Given Imaging (Nasdaq: GIVN; TASE: GIVN) and Syneron Medical Ltd. (Nasdaq: ELOS). This group makes up 15-20% of the portfolio.

The third group is the group of potential, with companies ranging from Mind CTI to Top Image Systems (TiS) (Nasdaq: TISA), Orckit Communications (Nasdaq: ORCT; TASE: ORCT), and G. Willi-Food. I choose companies in this category according to the uniqueness of their business niches and their management ability. If their management is capable of maneuvering, they will gradually move into the second group, on their way to the first. I make 5-10% of my investment portfolio from these companies.

There is a fourth category the speculative one, ranging from Pharmos (Nasdaq: PARS) to Pluristem Life Systems (OTCBB: PLRS). The companies in this group are a gamble with a dream. No more than 5% of my portfolio is made up of such companies. That’s my way.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on April 5, 2005


**Wed: Don’t be caught Retalix-less
This share has everything the long-term investor needs.
Shlomo Greenberg

Retalix (Nasdaq: RTLX; TASE: RTLX) thinks that 2005 will be a good year, with $185 million in sales and a net profit of $15 million. CE Unterberg Towbin and Oscar Gruss & Son have published revised reports on the company. Oscar Gruss give Retalix a "Buy" recommendation, and Unterberg gives a "Hold" recommendation, and both recommendations are right. If you are a cautious and stolid investor, wait, but if you think that Retalix will continue to perform as it has performed so far, then buy.
In any event, don't sell the share, and don’t find yourself without this share in your portfolio. I believe that Retalix CEO Barry Shaked is creating an important company in field of retail modernization. Shaked is a true industrialist, and, who knows? Maybe in a few years, we'll look back at Retalix as we now look at Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Nasdaq: TEVA; TASE: TEVA), Amdocs (NYSE: DOX) and other companies. In any case, this share has everything the long-term investor needs.

Shamir Optical Industries Ltd. (Nasdaq:SHMR) has published its financial reports for the fourth quarter of 2004 and the year, and they're impressive. I won't express an opinion about this company's future, because I don’t yet know it, but this is definitely one of the more interesting solutions around for the kibbutzim industries. After the century-long Socialism-Capitalism struggle, as always, justice turns out to be somewhere in the middle. If every kibbutz (collective community) and moshav (cooperative agricultural village) had its own Shamir Optical, it could well happen that Israel will be a light unto the gentiles.

After years of stubborn but successful struggle, Aladdin Knowledge Systems (Nasdaq: ALDN; TASE: ALDN) (especially as it lies in the shadow of the second large Israeli company in the sector, Check Point (Nasdaq: CHKP)) has taken its first steps in entering the Wall Street Premier League. All right, so I'm exaggerating a little, since a tough road still lies ahead to the upper echelon and the hearts of the top analysts, but it seems to me that Aladdin president Yanki Margalit, whose abilities as a manager I questioned long ago, is definitely one of the leading managers among the Israeli companies on Wall Street. I say this not only because of his achievements, but because some very serious people over there are beginning to think this. After Aladdin's secondary issue, which, as expected, provided an opportunity to buy the share at a slightly lower price, I'm seeing a recovery, which is also supported by the company's business circumstances and guidance for this year, as well as initial interest shown in the share by investment institutions. Trading volume in Aladdin's is also up sharply.

CIBC World Markets published a very positive recommendation for Aladdin on Monday. It thinks that Aladdin is at the point where it will reap the fruits of prior investments in development. The company's current products are also selling well. CIBC analysts predict that Aladdin will post earnings per share of $0.87 for 2005 and $1.07 for 2006, which is quite impressive. Piper Jaffray gave Aladdin a "Hold" recommendation on Monday. I tend to agree with CIBC, solely because of Aladdin's managerial capabilities, because even if we take the upper limit of the analysts' consensus of earnings per share of $1.12 for 2006, I think that $24 per share is pricey, except that the share's management premium will grow.

On second thought, Margalit ought to ponder whether he wants to reach Check Point's status on Wall Street, because on Wall Street, too much love can kill you. So move carefully.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on April 6, 2005


***Retalix, Pay By Touch to provide finger scan payment system

Retalix will integrate Pay By Touch's biometric authentication payment system into its point of sale (POS) solutions.

Globes correspondent 25 Sep 05 15:37

Retalix (Nasdaq: RTLX; TASE: RTLX) and Pay By Touch last week announced an alliance to integrate Pay By Touch's biometric authentication payment system with Retalix's point of sale solutions for grocery retailers.
Retalix provides integrated enterprise-wide software solutions for the food and consumer goods retail and distribution industries worldwide. Retalix's StoreLine solution is installed in over 25,000 sites around the world.

Pay By Touch has patented a consumer biometric authentication payment system that allows shoppers to pay for purchases with a simple finger scan linked to their financial accounts.

The partnership between Retalix and Pay By Touch expands the biometric payment service offering into new vertical markets. Through this partnership, grocery retailers will be able to integrate the Retalix StoreLine software with the Pay By Touch consumer biometric payment service, providing shoppers the option of paying for goods with the touch of a finger.

Pay By Touch Solutions is the only company that has more than two-dozen US issued patents covering biometric transactions.

In addition to improving the efficiency of the payment process, Retalix's integration with Pay By Touch will provide retailers with a faster, more convenient method of linking to loyalty programs and validating a consumer's age for restricted products such as lottery tickets and alcohol, all of which will help to reduce the amount of time spent at checkout.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on Sunday, September 25, 2005

http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/docview.asp?did=1000015667&fid=942

Dubi