10-Q

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008

OR

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

For the transition period from _______________________ to_______________

Commission file number 0-538

AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

New York 13-0435685


(State or Other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer)
Incorporation of Organization) Identification Number

111 Arlozorov Street, Tel Aviv, Israel 62098


(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip code)

Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code (866) 447-8636


Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, If Changed Since Last Report.

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) , and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes x No o

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):

Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer x Non-accelerated filer o

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o No x

        The number of shares outstanding of the issuer's Class A Stock, its only authorized common stock, is 57,702,532 (as of April 29, 2008).



AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Index to Form 10-Q

Page
 
Part I Financial Information  
 
        Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited)  
 
          Consolidated Balance Sheets 1-2
 
          Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007
 
          Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 4-5
 
          Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity 6-7
 
          Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 8-13
 
        Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 13-18
 
        Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 18-19
 
        Item 4. Controls and Procedures 19 
 
Part II. Other Information 20 
 
          Item 1. Legal Proceedings 20 
 
          Item 1A. Risk Factors 20 
 
          Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 20 
 
          Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities 20 
 
          Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 20 
 
          Item 5. Other Information 20 
 
          Item 6. Exhibits 21 



ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

ASSETS AS OF
March 31,
2008

December 31,
2007

(U.S. Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited) (Audited)
 
Current assets:            
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 30,090   $ 44,267  
Marketable securities    22,516    22,459  
Account receivable    118,211    106,665  
Deposits, notes and loans receivable    14,046    13,737  
Inventories    44,762    28,928  
Other assets    26,556    23,164  


       Total current assets    256,181    239,220  


Non-current assets:  
Investments    373,399    371,791  
Fixed assets, less accumulated depreciation of $5,493 and $3,697    89,615    73,007  
Deposits, notes and loans receivable    4,046    3,738  
Deferred tax    15,283    11,637  
Other assets    17,271    15,557  
Goodwill    54,526    50,406  
Intangible assets    9,735    9,433  


       Total Non-current assets    563,875    535,569  


   
TOTAL ASSETS   $ 820,056   $ 774,789  


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

1



AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AS OF
March 31,
2008

December 31,
2007

(U.S. Dollars in thousands, except share amounts) (Unaudited) (Audited)
 
                                         LIABILITIES            
Current liabilities:   
Notes and loans payable and current maturities   $ 149,135   $ 136,612  
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and others    95,234    73,769  


       Total current liabilities    244,369    210,381  


Long term liabilities:   
Notes and loans payable    198,816    187,405  
Debentures    85,791    79,350  
Deferred tax    3,068    3,275  
Other long term liabilities    14,507    12,760  


       Total long term liabilities    302,182    282,790  


   Total liabilities    546,551    493,171  


Minority interests, net    17,631    23,206  


   
                                     SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY   
Class A Stock $1 par value; authorized 100,000,000 and 100,000,000 shares; issued 63,277,321  
and 63,277,321 shares; outstanding 57,702,532 and 57,702,532 shares    63,277    63,277  
   
Additional paid-in capital    190,113    189,899  
   
Retained earnings    37,656    47,931  
   
Accumulated other comprehensive loss    (7,298 )  (14,821 )
   
Treasury stock, at cost    (27,874 )  (27,874 )


   
Total shareholders' equity    255,874    258,412  


   
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY   $ 820,056   $ 774,789  



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

2



AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
2008
2007
(U.S. Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
 
REVENUES:            
Chemical income   $ 125,612   $-  
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates    585    (17 )
Realized gains on investments    412    37  
Realized and unrealized gains on marketable securities    100    1  
Interest income    648    446  
Leisure-time income    726    622  
Gain from change in ownership interest at a subsidiary    490    -  
Other income    156    -  


     Total revenues    128,729    1,089  
   
EXPENSES:   
Chemical expense    119,098    -  
Loss from impairment of investments         484  
Interest expense    4,425    1,844  
Translation loss    13,223    1,006  
Marketing expense    3,097    -  
Other (mainly general and administrative)    7,946    2,052  


     Total expenses    147,789    5,386  


Loss before income taxes    (19,060 )  (4,297 )
Provision for income taxes (tax benefits)    (827 )  23  


Loss after income taxes (tax benefits)    (18,233 )  (4,320 )
Minority interests in profits (losses) of subsidiaries, net    (7,958 )  47  


Loss from continuing operations    (10,275 )  (4,367 )
   
Discontinued operation:  
 Loss from operation of discontinued, net of tax    -    (682 )


   
Net Loss for the period    (10,275 )  (5,049 )


   
Basic and diluted EPS:  
   Loss from continuing operations    (0.18 )  (0.10 )
   Discontinued operations    -    (0.01 )


    $ (0.18 ) $ (0.11 )


   
   Shares used in calculation (in thousands)    57,703    45,772  



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

3



AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
2008
2007
(U.S. Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
 
Cash flows from operating activities:            
   Net loss for the period   $ (10,275 ) $ (5,049 )
   Adjustments to reconcile net (income)loss for the period to net cash from operating  
     activities:  
   Equity in loss (earnings) of affiliates    (585 )  17  
   Realized and unrealized gains on investments, net    (511 )  (39 )
   Depreciation expense    959    479  
   Amortization    556    (389 )
   Non cash stock based compensation    214    183  
   Gain from change in ownership interest at a subsidiary    (490 )  -  
   Loss from impairment of investment    -    484  
   Translation loss    13,223    1,237  
   Minority interests    (7,958 )  (34 )
   Increase in Inventories    (13,076 )  -  
   Increase in accounts receivable    (4,894 )  -  
   Increase in other assets    (1,465 )  (1,046 )
   Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses and others    15,616  (314 )
   Investments made in trading securities    (79 )  -  
   Proceeds from sale of trading securities    1,284    371  
   Dividends received from affiliates    510    59  


   
   Net cash used in operating activities    (6,971 )  (4,041 )


   
Cash flows from investing activities:  
   
   Investments made in affiliates    (1,714 )  (552 )
   Proceeds from sale of investments    419    37  
   Proceeds from sale of fixed asset    79    -  
   Capital improvements    (14,022 )  (486 )


   
   Net cash used in investing activities    (15,238 )  (1,001 )



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

4



AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
2008
2007
(U.S. Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
 
Cash flows from financing activities:            
   Notes and loans payable received   $ 7,874   $ 27,164  
   Notes and loans payable repaid    (47 )  (26,522 )
   Contribution to partnership by minority    -    78  


   Net cash provided by financing activities    7,827    720  


   
   Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents    205    (191 )


   
   Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents    (14,177 )  (4,513 )
   Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of Period    44,267    36,733  


   
   Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 30,090   $ 32,220  


Supplement Disclosure of Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities:  
Conversion of a convertible debenture in subsidiary    1,446       


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

5



AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(U.S. Dollars in thousands)

Unaudited

Class A stock
Number
of
shares*

Amount
Additional
paid in
capital

Retained
earnings

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)

Treasury
stock

Total
shareholders'
equity

 
BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 2008      63,277    63,277    189,899    47,931    (14,821 )  (27,874 )  258,412  
CHANGES DURING 2008:  
Net Loss for the period                   (10,275 )            (10,275 )
Other comprehensive income (loss):  
Foreign currency translation  
adjustments                        7,673         7,673  
Unrealized gain on marketable  
securities                        (150 )       (150 )

Total comprehensive loss                                  (2,752 )
Compensation expense recognized under  
SFAS 123R              214                   214  







BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 2008    63,277    63,277    190,113    37,656    (7,298 )  (27,874 )  255,874  








*In thousands

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

6



AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(U.S. Dollars in thousands)

Unaudited

Class A stock
Number
of
shares*

Amount
Receipt on
account of
unallocated
shares

Additional
paid in
capital

Warrants
Retained
earnings

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)

Treasury
stock

Total
shareholders'
equity

 
BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 2007      46,328    46,328    40,000    126,945    308    40,165    (17,059 )  (27,874 )  208,813  
CHANGES DURING 2007:  
Net income for the period                             (5,049 )            (5,049 )
Foreign currency  
translation adjustments                                  298         298  
Sale of foreign currency  
translation adjustment                                               

Total comprehensive loss                                            (4,751 )
Adjustment upon adoption of  
   FIN 48                             (2,000 )            (2,000 )
Change in deferred tax  
asset relating to adoption  
of FIN 48                             2,000              2,000  
Shares issued for  
investment made    8,603    8,603    (40,000 )  31,397                        -  
Shares issued upon  
conversion of convertible  
note  
Compensation expense  
recognized under SFAS 123R                   183                        183  
Issuance of shares for  
exercise of Warrants                                               









BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 2007    54,931    54,931    -    158,525    308    35,116    (16,761 )  (27,874 )  204,245  










*In thousands

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

7



AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. As used in these financial statements, the term the “Company” refers to Ampal-American Israel Corporation (“Ampal”) and its consolidated subsidiaries.

2. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), in the United States of America, for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. You should read these interim condensed consolidated financial statements in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

  Reference should be made to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007 for a description of the critical accounting policies. Also, reference should be made to the notes to the Company’s December 31, 2007 consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

3. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

  SFAS No. 141R – Business Combinations

          In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141R”), which replaces SFAS No. 141, “Business Combination”. SFAS 141R establishes the principles and requirements for how an acquirer: (1) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree; (2) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and (3) discloses the business combination. This Statement applies to all transactions in which an entity obtains control of one or more businesses, including transactions that occur without the transfer of any type of consideration. SFAS 141R will be effective on a prospective basis for all business combinations on or after January 1, 2009, with the exception of the accounting for valuation allowances on deferred taxes and acquired tax contingencies. Early adoption is not allowed. The Company is in process of evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of SFAS 141R will have on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial position.

  SFAS No. 160 – Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements

          In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160 “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements–an amendment of ARB No. 51" (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 amends ARB No. 51 and establishes accounting and reporting standards that require noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interest) to be reported as a component of equity, changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling interest be accounted for as equity transactions, and upon a loss of control, retained ownership interest will be remeasured at fair value, with any gain or loss recognized in earnings. SFAS 160 will be effective for the Company commencing January 1, 2009, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements, which will be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is not allowed. The Company is in process of evaluating the impact, if any, that the adoption of SFAS 160 will have on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial position.

  SFAS No. 161

          In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161 “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS 161”). This Standard requires enhanced disclosures regarding derivatives and hedging activities, including: (a) the manner in which an entity uses derivative instruments; (b) the manner in which derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities;” and (c) the effect of derivative instruments and related hedged items on an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company is in process of evaluating the impact, if any, that the adoption of SFAS 161 will have on its financial statements.

8



4. Cash and cash equivalents

  Cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments that have original maturity dates of three months or less and are readily convertible into cash.

  Cash equal to $12.0 million has been placed as a compensating balance for various loans provided to the Company.

5. East Mediterranean Gas Company

  Through December 31, 2006, the Company, through Merhav Ampal Energy, Ltd. (“MAE”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, purchased from Merhav M.N.F. Ltd. (“Merhav”) in series of transactions a total of 12.5% beneficial interest in East Mediterranean Gas Co. S.A.E., an Egyptian joint stock company (“EMG”), for total considerations of $259.9 million..

  Yosef A. Maiman, the Chairman, President and CEO of the Company and a member of the controlling shareholder group of the Company, is the sole owner of Merhav. Because of the foregoing relationships, a special committee of the Board of Directors composed of the Company’s independent directors, who also constitute all of the members of the Company’s Audit Committee, negotiated and approved the transaction. Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin Financial Advisors, Inc., which was retained as financial advisor to the special committee, advised the special committee on these transactions.

  On June 4, 2007, EMG called for additional capital from all of its shareholders. As a result, the Company paid an additional $5.8 million in order to maintain its pro rata beneficial interest in EMG.

  In connection with the Company’s investment in EMG, the Company issued to Merhav a convertible promissory note (the “Convertible Promissory Note”) in the principal amount of $20 million, which at the option of Merhav, was payable in cash, additional shares of Ampal Class A Stock (based on a price per share of $4.65 per share), or a combination thereof. The Convertible Promissory Note bore interest at 6 months LIBOR (5.375%) and matured on the earlier of September 20, 2007, or upon demand by Merhav On September 20, 2007, Merhav exercised its option to convert the outstanding balance of $20.8 million (which includes accrued interest of $0.8 million) on the Convertible Promissory Note into 4,476,389 shares of Class A Stock of the Company.

  On November 29, 2007, Ampal and the Israeli Infrastructure Fund (“IIF”), leading a group of institutional investors, purchased a 4.3% interest in EMG, through Merhav Ampal Energy Holdings, LP, an Israeli limited partnership (the “Joint Venture”), from Merhav for a purchase price of approximately $95.4 million, using funds provided by the Investors. In addition to the Joint Venture’s purchase from Merhav, Ampal contributed into the Joint Venture an additional 4.3% interest in EMG already held by Ampal. The Joint Venture now holds a total of 8.6% of the outstanding shares of EMG. Ampal’s contribution was valued at the same price per EMG share as the Joint Venture’s purchase. This amount is equivalent to the purchase price (on a per share basis) paid by Ampal for its December 2006 purchase of EMG shares from Merhav, which was accounted for as a transfer of assets between entities under common control, which resulted in Merhav transferring the investment in EMG to Ampal at carrying value. Due to the nature of Merhav‘s operations, Merhav would be treated as an investment company under US GAAP, and as such, the carrying value of the investment in EMG would equal fair value. On this basis, the said investment in EMG was transferred to Ampal at carrying value, which also equals fair value. Based on the terms stipulated in the shareholders agreement of the general partner of the Joint Venture, Ampal and Israel Infrastructure G.P. Ltd. have equal rights in governing the affairs of the Joint Venture. However, in certain events and under certain conditions, matters relating to decisions on how to vote the EMG shares held by the Joint Venture shall be decided by the directors of the general partner of the Joint Venture appointed by Ampal or by IIF. As such, Ampal has consolidated the results of the Joint Venture in its financial statements.

  The Company’s Financial Statements reflect a 16.8% interest in shares of EMG, with 8.2% held directly and 8.6% held through the Joint Venture (of which Ampal owns 50%).

6. Acquisition of Gadot

  On December 3, 2007, Ampal completed its acquisition of 65.5% of the control and ownership (63.66% on a fully diluted basis) of Gadot Chemical Tankers and Terminals Ltd. (“Gadot”). The total consideration including direct transaction expenses was $91.2 million. The cash consideration was financed with Ampal’s own resources and with borrowings in the amount of $60.7 million.

  Gadot and its group of companies is an Israeli chemical distribution organization. Gadot ships, stores, and distributes liquid chemicals, oils, and a large variety of materials to the local industry.

  The acquisition was accounted for by the purchase method. The results of operations of Gadot were included in the consolidated financial statements of Ampal commencing November 30, 2007. The consideration for the acquisition was attributed to net assets on the basis of fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on an appraisal performed by management, which included a number of factors, including the assistance of independent appraisers. The following table summarizes the final fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with reference to Gadot balance sheet data as of November 30, 2007:

9



U.S. dollars in millions
 
Current assets     $ 166,365  
Investments and other non-current assets    31,145  
Fixed assets    74,430  
Identifiable intangible assets    9,503  
Goodwill    50,406  

Total assets acquired    331,849  

Current liabilities    (94,703 )
Long-term liabilities, including deferred taxes    (124,523 )
Minority interest    (21,422 )

Total liabilities assumed    (240,648 )

Net assets acquired   $ 91,201  


  Under the purchase method of accounting, the total consideration of $91.2 million allocated to Gadot’s identifiable tangible and intangible assets and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values as of the date of the completion of the transaction.

7. Fair value measurement

  In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157 which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair-value measurements. The Company adopted SFAS 157 effective January 1, 2008 for all financial assets and liabilities and any other assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis. Although the adoption of SFAS 157 did not materially impact the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, the company is required to provide additional disclosures within its condensed consolidated financial statements.

  SFAS 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer the liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants and also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The fair value hierarchy within SFAS 157 distinguishes between three levels of inputs that may be utilized when measuring fair value including level 1 inputs (using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities), level 2 inputs (using inputs other than level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability) and level 3 inputs (unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity based on the company’s own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities). A financial asset’s or liability’s classification within the above hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

  The Company also adopted FAS 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS 159”). This standard permits entities to choose to measure many financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years after November 15, 2007. The Company did not elect to apply the fair value option available under SFAS 159 for any of its eligible instruments.

10



  Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as at March 31, 2008 consisted of the following (in thousands):

Fair Value Measurements as at March 31, 2008 Using:

Level 1
Level 2
Total
 
Trading securities     $ 5,905   $ 650   $ 6,555  
Available for sale securities    15,961         15,961  
Derivative Assets    551         551  

  Marketable securities that are classified in level 1 consist of available-for-sale and trading securities for which market prices are readily available, marketable securities that are classified in level 2 consist of trading securities for which quoted prices in active broker’s market. The fair value of derivative assets are determined based on inputs that can be derived from information available in publicly quoted markets. Unrealized gains or losses from available-for-sale securities are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income.

8. Segment information presented below, results primarily from operations in Israel.

  SFAS 131 “Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information”establishes annual and interim reporting standards for an enterprise’s operating segments and related disclosures about its products, services, geographic areas and major customers. Segment information presented below results primarily from operations in Israel.

  The chemical segment consists of the investment in Gadot, a 65.5% owned subsidiary of Ampal which operates in the distribution and marketing of liquid chemicals for raw materials used in the chemical industry.

  The energy segment consists of the investment in EMG, an Egyptian joint stock company, which holds the right to supply natural gas to Israel through a pipeline to be constructed from Egypt to Israel.

  The real estate rental segment previously consisted of operations of Am-Hal Ltd. (“Am-Hal”), a wholly-owned subsidiary which owns and operates a chain of senior citizen facilities located in Israel. On August 5, 2007, the Company sold all of its interest in Am-Hal .

  The leisure-time segment consists of an affiliate Country Club Hod Hasharon Sport Center and Kfar Saba, the Company’s 51%-owned subsidiary, all located in Israel.

  The finance segment consists of all other activities which are not part of the above segments.

11



THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
2008
2007
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Revenues:            
Chemicals   $ 126,103   $-  
Finance    1,315    501  
Leisure-time    726    622  
Intercompany adjustments    -    (17 )


     128,144    1,106  
Equity    585    (17 )


Total consolidated revenues   $ 128,729   $ 1,089  


   
Pretax Operating Gain (loss):   
Chemicals   $ (2,217 ) $-  
Finance    (17,576 )  (4,391 )
Leisure-time    148    111  


     (19,645 )  (4,280 )
Equity    585    (17 )


Total consolidated pretax gain (loss)   $ (19,060 ) $ (4,297 )


   
Total Assets:   
Chemicals   $ 381,582   $-  
Finance    430,396    333,588  
Energy    361,323    259,860  
Real Estate    -    75,873  
Leisure-Time    3,475    3,282  
Intercompany adjustments    (356,720 )  (272,630 )


Total consolidated assets   $ 820,056   $ 399,973  



  Corporate office expense is principally applicable to the financing operations and has been charged to that segment above. Revenues and pretax operating gain above exclude equity in earnings of affiliates.

9. The following table summarizes securities that were not included in the calculations of diluted earnings per Class A share for the periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 because such shares are anti-dilutive.

(Shares in thousands)
Three Months ended
March 31,

2008
2007
 
Options and Rights      2,435    2,164  

10. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS:

  On January 1, 2002, Galha (1960) Ltd. (“Galha”) filed a suit against the Company and other parties, including directors of Paradise Industries Ltd. (“Paradise”) appointed by the Company, in the Tel Aviv District Court, in the amount of NIS 11,560,000 ($3 million). Galha claimed that the Company, which was a shareholder of Paradise, and another shareholder of Paradise, misused funds that were received by Paradise from an insurance company for the purpose of reconstructing an industrial building owned by Galha and used by Paradise which burnt down. Paradise is currently involved in liquidation proceedings. Ampal issued a guarantee in favor of Galha for the payment of an amount of up to NIS 4,172,000 ($1,085,000) if a final judgment against the Company will be given.

  On May 26, 2003, the Company and the directors of Paradise appointed by the Company filed a third party claim against Arieh Israeli Insurance Company Ltd. (“Arieh”) in the Tel Aviv District Court claiming that, to the extent the court decides that the directors of Paradise appointed by the Company will have to pay any amounts to Galha, Arieh will pay such amounts on behalf of the directors in accordance with the Directors and Officers insurance policy that the Company had at that time with Arieh. Arieh filed a statement of defense and stated that the policy does not cover the claim. At this stage, the Company cannot estimate the impact this claim will have on it. In March 2008, the dispute was submitted to mediation by order of the court, with the consent of the parties.

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11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

  On April 29, 2008, the Company completed its Series B debenture offering in Israel. Ampal accepted subscriptions in the amount of NIS 577.8 million (approximately $165.7 million) for its Series B debentures. The debentures are linked to the Israeli consumer price index and will carry an annual interest rate of 6.6%.

  On April 29, 2008 Gadot, a subsidiary of Ampal, signed an agreement with its partner to liquidate Chem-Tankers C.V., a partnership which provides shipping service of chemicals. The agreement divides the shipping lines, the ships and other fixed assets between the partners. According to the agreement the Company will continue to operate the shipping lines which were operated by it prior to the formation of the partnership in 2005.

Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the term “Company” refers to Ampal – American Israel Corporation (“Ampal”) and its consolidated subsidiaries.

The preparation of Ampal’s consolidated financial statements is in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”)which requires management to make estimates and assumptions in certain circumstances that affect amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related footnotes. Actual results may differ from these estimates. To facilitate the understanding of Ampal’s business activities, described below are certain Ampal accounting policies that are relatively more important to the portrayal of its financial condition and results of operations and that require management’s subjective judgments. Ampal bases its judgments on its experience and various other assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Please refer to Note 1 to Ampal’s consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 for a summary of all of Ampal’s significant accounting policies.

No significant updates were occurred since our last annual report on forn 10-K, except of revenue recognition policy results from recent acquisition of 65.5% of the control and ownership (63.66% on a fully diluted basis) of Gadot Chemical Tankers and Terminals Ltd., an Israeli Company (“Gadot”).

Revenue Recognition

Chemical income is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or the consideration that the Company is entitled to receive, taking into account trade discounts and/or bulk discounts granted by the Company.

Revenue from sale of goods is recognized when all the following conditions have been satisfied: (a) the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have been transferred to the buyer; (b) the Company retains neither continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership nor effective control over the goods sold; (c) the amount of revenue can be measured reliably; (d) it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the Company and (e) the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.

Revenue from the provision of services is recognized by reference to the stage of completion of the transaction at the balance sheet date, and only when the stage of completion of the transaction at the balance sheet date can be measured reliably.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

        SFAS No. 141R – Business Combinations

        In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141R”), which replaces SFAS No. 141, “Business Combination”. SFAS 141R establishes the principles and requirements for how an acquirer: (1) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree; (2) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and (3) discloses the business combination. This Statement applies to all transactions in which an entity obtains control of one or more businesses, including transactions that occur without the transfer of any type of consideration. SFAS 141R will be effective on a prospective basis for all business combinations on or after January 1, 2009, with the exception of the accounting for valuation allowances on deferred taxes and acquired tax contingencies. Early adoption is not allowed. The Company is in process of evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of SFAS 141R will have on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial position.

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        SFAS No. 160 – Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements

        In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160 “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements–an amendment of ARB No. 51" (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 amends ARB No. 51 and establishes accounting and reporting standards that require noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interest) to be reported as a component of equity, changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling interest be accounted for as equity transactions, and upon a loss of control, retained ownership interest will be remeasured at fair value, with any gain or loss recognized in earnings. SFAS 160 will be effective for the Company commencing January 1, 2009, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements, which will be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is not allowed. The Company is in process of evaluating the impact, if any, that the adoption of SFAS 160 will have on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial position.

        SFAS No. 161

        In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS 161”). This Standard requires enhanced disclosures regarding derivatives and hedging activities, including: (a) the manner in which an entity uses derivative instruments; (b) the manner in which derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”; and (c) the effect of derivative instruments and related hedged items on an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company is in process of evaluating the impact, if any, that the adoption of SFAS 161 will have on its financial statements.

Results of Operations

Three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to Three months ended March 31, 2007

The Company recorded a consolidated net loss of $10.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to a net loss of $5.0 million for the same period in 2007. The increase in loss is primarily attributable to an increase in interest expense, translation loss and loss from operations of Gadot for the three months ended March 31, 2008 as compared to the same period in 2007. This increase in loss was partially offset by increase in gain from affiliates, other income and increase in realized gain from investments.

In the three months ended March 31, 2008 the company includes the results of operations from Gadot, which was purchased on December 3, 2007. Below are data from Gadot results of operations (in millions of dollar):

Chemical income     -      126.1  
   
Chemical Expense   -    119.1  
   
 Marketing Expense   -    3.1  
   
 Other expense   -    4.9  
   
  Interest expense   -    1.3
   
  Net loss   -    (0.6 )


Gadot experienced certain increase in its Chemical activity in the first quarter. Part of the increase was attributed to the impact of revenues from Gadot recent purchase in Europe, Finlog. Finlog provides logistic service throughout Western Europe.

In the marine shipping activity Gadot in the first quarter of 2008 continued to invest in building additional ships in an amount of approximately $14 million. On April 29, 2008 Gadot, signed an agreement with its partner to liquidate Chem-Tankers C.V., a partnership which provides shipping service of chemicals. The agreement divides the shipping lines, the ships and other fixed assets between the partners. According to the agreement the Company will continue to operate the shipping lines which were operated by it prior to the formation of the partnership in 2005. The management of Gadot believes that there will be no material impact on the results of operations of Gadot.

During the first quarter of 2008 the US dollar continued to devalue against the New Israeli Shekel. This devaluation had certain adverse effect on the result of Gadot.

In the three months ended March 31, 2008, the Company recorded a $4.4 million interest expense, as compared to a $1.8 million interest expense for the same period in 2007. The increase in interest expense relates to the increase in notes payable which the Company received to finance the purchase of Gadot in December 2007, and the interest expense of Gadot which the Company included for the first time in 2008.

In the three months ended March 31, 2008, the Company recorded a $13.2 million translation loss, as compared to a $1.0 million translation loss for the same period in 2007. The increase in translation loss is related to a change in the valuation of the New Israeli Shekel as compared to the U.S. dollar.

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Equity in earnings of affiliates increased to a net gain of $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to a net loss of $17 thousand for the same period in 2007. The increase is primarily attributable to the earnings from Gadot’s affiliates which were included for the first time in three months ended March 31, 2008.

In the three month period ended March 31, 2008, the Company recorded $0.6 million of other income. The income is mostly attributable to diluted gain from issuance of shares by Gadot. In 2007 the Company did not record any other income

In the three month period ended March 31, 2008, the Company recorded $0.4 million of net realized gain on investments, compared to $37 thousand of net realized gain in the same period in 2007. The net gain recorded in 2008 was primarily attributable to the sale of certain assets by PSINet Europe, one of the holdings of one of Ampal’s investee companies, Telecom Partners (“TP”) ($0.3 million gain) and the sale of certain assets by FIMI Opportunity Fund L.P (“FIMI”) ($0.1 million gain).

On August 5, 2007, the Company completed the sale of Am-Hal Ltd (“Am-Hal”). Am-Hal was a wholly owned subsidiary which owned and operated a chain of senior citizens facilities located in Israel. Accordingly, Am-Hal has been reported as a discontinued operation for the three months ended March 31, 2007.

Results of operations analyzed by segments for three months ended March 31:

2008
2007
(U.S. Dollars in thousands)
 
Revenues:            
   
Chemicals   $ 126,103   $-  
Energy    -    -  
Finance    1,315    501  
Leisure-time    726    622  
Intercompany adjustments    -    (17 )


     128,144    1,106  
Equity in earning of affiliates    585    (17 )


   
Total   $ 128,729   $ 1,089  



In the three months ended March 31, 2008, the Company recorded $128.7 million in revenue which was comprised of $126.1 million in the Chemicals segment, due to the acquisition of Gadot in December 2007, $1.3 million in the Finance segment, $0.7 million in the Leisure-Time segment and a $0.6 million gain in Equity in earnings of affiliates, as compared to $1.1 million for the same period in 2007 which was comprised of $0.5 million in the Finance segment, $0.6 million in the Leisure-Time segment and a $17 thousand loss in Equity in earnings of affiliates. The increase in the Finance segment revenue is primarily related to the increase in realized and unrealized gains on marketable securities.

2008
2007
(U.S. Dollars in thousands)
 
Expenses:            
   
Chemicals   $ 128,320   $-  
Energy   $-    -  
Finance    18,891    4,875  
Leisure-time    578    511  


   
Total   $ 147,789   $ 5,386  



In the three months ended March 31, 2008, the Company recorded $147.8 million in expenses which was comprised of $128.3 million in the Chemicals segment, due to the acquisition of Gadot in December 2007, $18.9 million in the Finance segment and $0.6 million in the Leisure-Time segment, as compared to $5.4 million expense for the same period in 2007 which was comprised of $4.9 million in the Finance segment and $0.5 million in the Leisure-Time segment. The increase in expenses in the Finance segment is primarily attributable to the $13.2 million translation loss which was recorded due to the change in the valuation of the New Israeli Shekel as compared to the U.S. dollar and to the increase in interest expense relate to the notes payable which the company received to finance the purchase of Gadot in December 2007.

15



Liquidity and Capital Resources

        Cash Flows

On March 31, 2008, cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $52.6 million, as compared with $66.7 million at December 31, 2007. The decrease is primarily attributable to the purchase of a ship by Gadot.

As of March 31, 2008, the Company had $22.5 million of marketable securities as compared to $22.5 million in 2007.

The Company may also receive cash from operations and investing activities and amounts available under credit facilities, as described below. The Company believes that these sources are sufficient to fund the current requirements of operations, capital expenditures, investing activities and other financial commitments of the Company for the next 12 months. However, to the extent that contingencies and payment obligations described below and in other parts of this Report require the Company to make unanticipated payments, the Company would need to further utilize these sources of cash. The Company may need to draw upon its other sources of cash, which may include additional borrowing, refinancing of its existing indebtedness or liquidating other assets, the value of which may also decline.

In addition, Ampal’s interest in Gadot has been pledged and cash equal to $12.0 million has been placed as a compensating balance for various loans provided to the Company.

        Cash flows from operating activities

Net cash used in operating activities totaled approximately $7.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to approximately $4.0 million used in operating activities for the same period in 2007. The increase in cash used is primarily attributable to the increase in operation loss due to the increase in interest expense and the loss attributable to Gadot operations.

        Cash flows from investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities totaled approximately $15.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to approximately $1.0 million used in investing activities for the same period in 2007. The increase in cash used in is primarily attributable to the payment for ships purchased by Gadot and investment in Bay Heart Ltd. (“Bay Heart”) ($1.0 million).

        Cash flows from financing activities

Net cash provided by financing activities was approximately $7.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to approximately $0.7 million of net cash provided by financing activities for the same period in 2007.

In the three months ended March 31, 2008, the Company received $7.9 million notes payable, while in 2007 the Company paid down its existing notes payable to Bank Hapoalim Ltd. (“Bank Hapoalim”) in the amount of $26.5 million while borrowing an additional $27.2 million under a loan facility with Bank Hapoalim.

Investments

In the three months ended March 31 2008, the Company made an additional investment in the form of a $1.0 million loan to Bay Heart.

In the three months ended March 31, 2008, the Company disposed of the following investments:

During March 2008 the company received $0.3 million from the sale of certain assets by PSINet Europe, one of the holdings of TP.

On February 29, 2008, the Company sold certain assets of FIMI for $0.1 million.

Debt

Notes issued to institutional investors in Israel, the convertible note issued to Merhav and other loans payable pursuant to bank borrowings are either in U.S. dollars, linked to the Consumer Price Index in Israel or in unlinked New Israel Shekels, with interest rates varying depending upon their linkage provision and mature between 2008-2019.

The Company finances its general operations and other financial commitments through bank loans from Bank Hapoalim, Union Bank of Israel Ltd. (“UBI”) and Israel Discount Bank Ltd (“IDB”). As of March 31, 2008, the outstanding indebtedness under these bank loans totaled $103.7 million and the loans mature through 2008-2019.

16



As of March 31, 2008, the Company has a $17 million loan with UBI, a $10 million loan with UBI that bears interest at the rate of LIBOR plus 2% to be repaid in six annual installments commencing on April 2, 2008 and various other loans with UBI in the aggregate amount of $7 million bearing interest at rates between 4.3% and 4.8% to be repaid until 2009.

As of March 31, 2008 the Company has a $22.5 million loan with Bank Hapoalim as part of a $27 million dollar loan facility. The funds borrowed under the loan facility are due in six annual installments commencing on December 31, 2007 and bear interest at an annual rate of LIBOR plus 2%. The related loan agreement contains financial and other covenants including an acceleration of payment upon the occurrence of certain changes in the ownership of the Company’s Class A Stock. As of March 31, 2008, the Company is in compliance with its debt covenants.

As of March 31, 2008 the Company has a $103.2 million loan from institutional investors to Merhav Ampal Energy Holdings, LP. (the “Partnership”). In connection with the Partnership’s purchase of an interest in East Mediterranean Gas Co. S.A.E., an Egyptian joint stock company, the investors own 50% of the Partnership. The loan is not linked to the Consumer Price Index in Israel, bears no interest and is repayable upon agreement by both parties, but with a minimum term of one year.

A short term loan from Bank Hapoalim in the amount of $3.5 million bears interest of 7.1% and is to be repaid by March 31, 2009.

On November 20, 2006, the Company entered into a trust agreement with Hermetic Trust (1975) Ltd. pursuant to which the Company issued notes to institutional investors in Israel in the principal aggregate amount of NIS 250 million (approximately $58 million) with an interest rate of 5.75%, which is linked to the Israeli consumer price index. The notes shall rank pari passu with our unsecured indebtedness. The notes will be repaid in five equal annual installments commencing on November 20, 2011, and the interest will be paid semi-annually. As of March 31, 2008, the outstanding debt under the notes amounts to $72.4 million, due to the change in valuation of the New Israeli Shekel as compared to the U.S. dollar. The Company deposited an amount of $10,207,000 with Hermetic Trust (1975) Ltd. to secure the first three years worth of payments of interest on the debentures. As of March 31, 2008, the outstanding amount of the deposit was $8.1 million. Prior to the issuance of the debentures, Midroog Ltd., an affiliate of Moody’s Investors Service, rated the debentures as A3, which rating was raised to A2 in March 2008.

        Ampal funded the Gadot transaction with a combination of available cash and the proceeds of a new credit facility, dated November 29, 2007 (the “Credit Facility”), between Merhav Ampal Energy, Ltd. (“MAE”) and IDB, for approximately $60.7 million. The Credit Facility is divided into two equal loans of approximately $30.35 million. The first loan is a revolving loan that has no principal payments and may be repaid in full or in part on December 31 of each year until 2019, when a single balloon payment will become due. The second loan also matures in 2019, has no principal payments for the first two years, and shall thereafter be paid in equal installments over the remaining ten years of the term. Interest on both loans accrues at a floating rate equal to LIBOR plus a percentage spread and is payable on a current basis. Ampal has guaranteed all the obligations of MAE under the Credit Facility and Ampal’s interest in Gadot has also been pledged to IDB as a security for the Credit Facility.  Yosef Maiman has agreed to maintain ownership of a certain amount of the Company’s Class A Common Stock. The Credit Facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants for credit facilities of this type.

        On April 29, 2008 the company completed its Series B debenture offering in Israel. Ampal accepted subscriptions in the amount of NIS 577.8 million (approximately $165.7 million) for its Series B debentures. The debentures are linked to the Israeli consumer price index and will carry an annual interest rate of 6.6%.

        Other long term borrowings in the amount of $0.3 million are linked to the Consumer Price Index in Israel, mature between 2008 and 2010 and bear annual interest of 5.7%.

        As of March 31, 2008, Gadot had $0.7 million outstanding under its convertible debentures. Gadot’s debentures were listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (“TASE”) in December 2003, are linked to the Consumer Price Index in Israel, bear annual interest at the rate of 6.5%, and are repayable in two equal annual installments on December 5, 2008 and 2009. The debentures are convertible into ordinary shares of Gadot, commencing from the date they were listed on the TASE until December 5, 2009.

        As of March 31, 2008, Gadot had $12.7 million outstanding under its other debentures. These debentures are not convertible into shares and are repayable in five equal annual installments on September 15 of each of the years 2008 through 2012. The unsettled balance of the principal of the debentures bears annual interest at the rate of 5.3%. The principal and interest of the debentures are linked to the Consumer Price Index in Israel and the interest is payable in semi-annual installments on March 15 and September 15 of each of the years 2006 through 2012.

        As of March 31, 2008, Gadot has short term loans payable in the amount of $107.5 million and long term loans payable in the amount of $33.3 million. The various short term loans payable are either unlinked or linked to the Euro and bear interest at rates between 5.73% to 6.09%. The various long term loans payable are either unlinked, linked to the Consumer Price Index in Israel or linked to the Euro and bear interest at rates between 4.82% to 6.90%.

        The weighted average interest rates and the balances of these short-term borrowings at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 were 6.04% on $149.1 million and 6.3% on $136.6 million, respectively.

17



As of March 31, 2008, the Company had issued guarantees on certain outstanding loans to its investees and subsidiaries in the aggregate principal amount of $22.7 million. These include:

1. A $5.7 million guarantee on indebtedness incurred by Bay Heart in connection with the development of the property. Bay Heart recorded losses in 2008 as a result of decreased rental revenues. There can be no guarantee that Bay Heart will become profitable or that it will generate sufficient cash to repay its outstanding indebtedness without relying on the Company’s guarantee.

2. A $1.1 million guarantee to Galha (1960) Ltd. (“Galha”) if a final judgment is entered against the Company in the Tel Aviv District Court. (See Part II – Item 1 “Legal Proceedings”)

3. A $15.9 million guarantee of Gadot for outstanding loans.

         Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Other than the foreign currency contracts specified below, the Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements.

FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS

        The Company’s derivative financial instruments consist of foreign currency forward exchange contracts to purchase or sell U.S. dollars. These contracts are utilized by the Company, from time to time, to manage risk exposure to movements in foreign exchange rates. None of these contracts have been designated as hedging instruments. These contracts are recognized as assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at their fair value, which is the estimated amount at which they could be settled, based on market prices or dealer quotes, where available, or based on pricing models. Changes in fair value are recognized currently in earnings.

        As of March 31, 2008, the Company had open foreign currency forward exchange contracts to purchase U.S. dollars and sell Euros in the amount of $17.7 million and contracts to sell U.S. dollars and buy Euros in the amount of $12.7 million.

         FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This Quarterly Report (including but not limited to factors discussed above, in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” as well as those discussed elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q) includes forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1993 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) and information relating to the Company that are based on the beliefs of management of the Company as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the management of the Company. When used in this Quarterly Report, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or the management of the Company, identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events or future financial performance of the Company, the outcome of which is subject to certain risks and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements, including among others, the economic and political conditions in Israel and the Middle East and the global business and economic conditions in the different sectors and markets where the Company’s portfolio companies operate.

        Should any of those risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results or outcome may vary from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended or planned. These risks and uncertainties may include, but are not limited to, those described in this report, in Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors and elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, and those described from time to time in our future reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

MARKET RISKS AND SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS

        The Company is exposed to various market risks, including changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and equity price changes. The following analysis presents the hypothetical loss in earnings, cash flows and fair values of the financial instruments which were held by the Company at March 31, 2008, and are sensitive to the above market risks.

During the three months ended March 31, 2008, there have been no material changes in the market risk exposures facing the Company as compared to those the Company faced in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.

18



Interest Rate Risks

        As of March 31, 2008, the Company had financial assets totaling $42.1 million and financial liabilities totaling $433.7 million. For fixed rate financial instruments, interest rate changes affect the fair market value but do not impact earnings or cash flows. Conversely, for variable rate financial instruments, interest rate changes generally do not affect the fair market value but do impact future earnings and cash flows, assuming other factors are held constant.

        As March 31, 2008, the Company did not have fixed rate financial assets and had variable rate financial assets of $42.1 million. A ten percent decrease in interest rates would not increase the unrealized fair value of the fixed rate assets.

        As of March 31, 2008, the Company had fixed rate debt of $207.2 million and variable rate debt of $226.5 million. A ten percent decrease in interest rates would increase the unrealized fair value of the financial debts in the form of the fixed rate debt by approximately $1.7 million.

        The net decrease in earnings and cash flows for the next year resulting from a ten percent interest rate increase would be approximately $1.4 million, holding other variables constant.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Sensitivity Analysis

        The Company’s exchange rate exposure on its financial instruments results from its investments and ongoing operations. As of March 31, 2008, the Company had open foreign exchange forward contracts to purchase U.S. dollars and sell Euros in the amount of $17.7 million and contracts to sell U.S. dollars and buy Euros in the amount of $12.7 million. Holding other variables constant, if there were a ten percent devaluation of the foreign currency, the Company’s cumulative translation loss reflected in the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive loss would increase by $2.0 million, and regarding the statements of operations, a ten percent devaluation of the U.S. Dollar exchange rate would result in a net increase in earnings and cash flows of $20.9 million, and a ten percent devaluation of the Euro exchange rate would result in a net increase in earnings and cash flows of $0.5 million.

Equity Price Risk

The Company’s investments at March 31, 2008 included trading marketable securities which are recorded at a fair value of $6.5 million, including a net unrealized gain of $0.8 million, and $16.0 million of trading securities that are classified as Available for sale, including a net unrealized loss of $0.4 million. Those securities have exposure to equity price risk. The estimated potential loss in fair value resulting from a hypothetical ten percent decrease in prices quoted on stock exchanges is approximately $2.3 million. There will be no impact on cash flow resulting from a hypothetical ten percent decrease in prices quoted on stock exchanges.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that it will detect or uncover failures within the Company to disclose material information otherwise required to be set forth in the Company’s periodic reports.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

19



Part II OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings:

  On January 1, 2002, Galha filed a suit against the Company and other parties, including directors of Paradise Industries Ltd. (“Paradise”) appointed by the Company, in the Tel Aviv District Court, in the amount of NIS 11,560,000 ($3 million). Galha claimed that the Company, which was a shareholder of Paradise, and another shareholder of Paradise, misused funds that were received by Paradise from an insurance company for the purpose of reconstructing an industrial building owned by Galha and used by Paradise which burnt down. Paradise is currently involved in liquidation proceedings. Ampal issued a guarantee in favor of Galha for the payment of an amount of up to NIS 4,172,000 ($1,085,000) if a final judgment against the Company will be given.

  On May 26, 2003, the Company and the directors of Paradise appointed by the Company filed a third party claim against Arieh Israeli Insurance Company Ltd. (“Arieh”) in the Tel Aviv District Court claiming that, to the extent the court decides that the directors of Paradise appointed by the Company will have to pay any amounts to Galha, Arieh will pay such amounts on behalf of the directors in accordance with the Directors and Officers insurance policy that the Company had at that time with Arieh. Arieh filed a statement of defense and stated that the policy does not cover the claim. At this stage, the Company cannot estimate the impact this claim will have on it. In March 2008, the dispute was submitted to mediation by order of the court, with the consent of the parties.

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

  In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

  None.

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

  None.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

  None.

Item 5. Other Information.

  None.

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Item 6. Exhibits.

  (a) Exhibits:

4.a English translation of the original Hebrew language Trust Deed dated April 6, 2008 between Ampal-American Israel Corporation and Clal Financial Trusts 2007 Ltd., and its amendments.

11.1 Schedule Setting Forth Computation of Earnings Per Share of Class A Stock.

31.1 Certification of Yosef A. Maiman pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2 Certification of Irit Eluz pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1 Certification of Yosef A. Maiman and Irit Eluz pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION


By: /s/ Yosef A. Maiman
——————————————
Yosef A. Maiman
Chairman of the Board
President & Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

By: /s/ Irit Eluz
——————————————
Irit Eluz
CFO and Senior Vice President,
Finance and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)

By: /s/ Giora Bar-Nir
——————————————
Giora Bar-Nir
VP Accounting and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)

Date: May 7, 2008

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AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Exhibit Index

Exhibit No. Description

4.a English translation of the original Hebrew language Trust Deed dated April 6, 2008 between Ampal-American Israel Corporation and Clal Financial Trusts 2007 Ltd., and its amendments.

11.1 Schedule Setting Forth Computation of Earnings Per Share of Class A Stock.

31.1 Certification of Yosef A. Maiman pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2 Certification of Irit Eluz pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1 Certification of Yosef A. Maiman and Irit Eluz pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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