Quarterlytics / Industrials / Aerospace & Defense / Elbit Systems Ltd.

Elbit Systems Ltd.

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FY2013 Annual Report · Elbit Systems Ltd.
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 20-F

 ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 
Commission File No. 0-28998

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter and translation of registrant’s name into English)

Israel
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

Advanced Technology Center, Haifa 31053, Israel
(Address of principal executive offices)

Joseph Gaspar
c/o Elbit Systems Ltd.
P.O. Box 539
Advanced Technology Center
Haifa 31053
Israel
Tel: 972-4-831-6404
Fax: 972-4-831-6944
E-mail: j.gaspar@elbitsystems.com
(Name, telephone, e-mail and/or facsimile number and address of Company contact person)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Ordinary Shares, nominal value 1.0 New Israeli Shekels per share
(Title of Class)
The NASDAQ Global Select Market
(Name of each Exchange on which registered)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Not Applicable
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
Not Applicable

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of 

the period covered by the annual report: 42,587,499  Ordinary Shares

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the 

Securities Act.

Yes 

No 

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports 

pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes 

No 

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 

No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, 

every Interactive Date File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this 
chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such 
files).

Yes 

No 

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 

Accelerated filer  

Non-accelerated filer  

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included 

in this filing.

U.S. GAAP 

International Financial Reporting 
Standards as issued by the International
Accounting Standards Board

Other 

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement 

item the registrant has elected to follow.

Item 17 

Item 18  No 

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 

of the Exchange Act).

Yes 

No 

Table of Contents

General Disclosure Standards

Cautionary Statement with Respect to Forward-Looking Statements

Item 1.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 4A.
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
Item 15.
Item 16A.
Item 16B.
Item 16C.
Item 16D.
Item 16E.
Item 16F.
Item 16G.
Item 16H.
Item 17.
Item 18.
Item 19.

Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
Key Information
Information on the Company
Unresolved Staff Comments
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
Directors, Senior Management and Employees.
Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
Financial Information.
The Offer and Listing
Additional Information
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities
Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds.
Controls and Procedures
Audit Committee Financial Expert
Code of Ethics
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant
Corporate Governance
Mine Safety Disclosure
Financial Statements
Financial Statements
Exhibits

Page

1

1

2
2
2
13
36
36
56
68
69
71
73
88
91
91
91
91
92
92
92
93
93
93
93
94
94
94
95

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General Disclosure Standards

PART I

The consolidated financial statements of Elbit Systems Ltd. (Elbit Systems) included in this annual report on Form 20-

F are prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP). Unless otherwise 
indicated, all financial information contained in this annual report is presented in U.S. dollars. References in this annual report 
to the “Company”, “we”, “our”, “us” and terms of similar meaning refer to Elbit Systems and our subsidiaries unless the 
context requires otherwise.

The name "ELBIT SYSTEMS," our logo and other claimed proprietary marks appearing in this document, are the 

trademarks of the Company or our affiliated companies.  All other marks appearing in this document are the trademarks of their 
respective holders and appear for informational purposes only.  Reference to or use of any third party mark herein does not 
imply any recommendation, approval, affiliation or sponsorship of any product or service of such third party. 

Cautionary Statement with Respect to Forward-Looking Statements

This annual report on Form 20-F contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the 

Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements 
relate to our current plans, estimates, strategies, goals and beliefs and as such do not relate to historical or current fact. 
Forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 
1995, as amended.

Forward-looking statements contained herein generally are identified by the words “believe”, “project”, “expect”, 

“will likely result”,  “strategy”, “plan”, “may”, “should”, “will”, “would”, “will be”, “will continue”, “will likely result” and 
similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations, estimates, projections and 
assumptions, are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, the outcomes of which 
cannot be predicted. Therefore, actual future results, performance and trends may differ materially from these forward-looking 
statements due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the scope and length of customer contracts;

governmental regulations and approvals;

changes in governmental budgeting priorities;

general market, political and economic conditions in the countries in which we operate or sell, including 
Israel and the United States among others;

differences in anticipated and actual program performance, including the ability to perform under long-
term fixed-price contracts;

the impact on our backlog from export restrictions by the Government of Israel;

inventory write-downs and possible liabilities to customers from program cancellations due to political 
relations between Israel and countries where our customers may be located; and

• 

the outcome of legal and/or regulatory proceedings.

1

 
 
 
 
The factors listed above are not all-inclusive, and further information about risks and other factors that may affect our 
future performance is contained in this annual report on Form 20-F. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of 
this annual report. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a 
result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law.
Item 1. 

Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers.

Information not required in annual report on Form 20-F.

Item 2. 

Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable.

Information not required in annual report on Form 20-F.

Item 3. 

Key Information.

Selected Financial Data

The following selected consolidated financial data of the Company as of and for the years ended December 31,  

2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, including our audited 
consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, and for each of the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 
and 2013, which appear in Item 18 in this annual report on Form 20-F. You should read the audited consolidated financial 
statements appearing in Item 18 together with the selected financial data set forth below. (For non-GAAP financial data see 
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – Non-GAAP Financial Data.)

2

 
 
 
Income Statement Data:
Revenues
Cost of revenues
Gross profit
Research and development expenses, net
Marketing and selling expenses
General and administrative expenses
Gain from changes in holdings
Total operating expenses
Operating income
Financial expenses, net
Other income, net
Income before taxes on income
Taxes on income
Equity in net earnings of affiliated companies
and partnerships
Net income from continuing operations, net
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net
Net income
Less: net income (loss) attributable to non-
controlling interests
Income attributable to Elbit Systems’
shareholders
Earnings per share:
Basic net earnings per share

Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

Total
Diluted net earnings per share

Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

Total

Years Ended December 31,
2009
2013
2011
2010
(U.S. dollars in millions, except for per share amounts)

2012

  $ 2,832.4
1,982.9
849.5
216.8
250.9
119.3
—
587.0
262.5
15.6
0.4
247.3
38.1

$ 2,670.1
1,872.2
797.9
234.1
230.0
131.2
(4.7)
590.6
207.3
21.3
13.3
199.3
24.0

$ 2,817.5
2,085.5
732.0
241.1
235.9
139.3
—
616.3
115.7
13.6
1.9
104.0
13.6

$ 2,888.6
2,072.7
815.9
233.4
241.9
137.5
—
612.8
203.1
26.1
0.1
177.0
17.1

$ 2,925.1
2,100.3
824.8
220.5
235.5
129.5
—
585.5
239.4
37.3
0.9
203.0
25.3

19.3
228.5
—
228.5

18.8
194.1
0.9
195.0

15.4
105.8
(16.0)
89.8

11.2
171.1
(0.6)
170.5

13.0
190.7
0.7
191.4

13.6

11.1

(0.5)

2.6

8.0

$

214.9

$

183.5

$

90.3

$

167.9

$

183.4

5.08
—
5.08

5.00
—
5.00

$

$

$

$

4.29
0.01
4.30

4.24
0.01
4.25

$

$

$

$

2.33
(0.22)
2.11

2.31
(0.22)
2.09

$

$

$

$

3.99
(0.01)
3.98

3.98
(0.01)
3.97

$

$

$

$

4.34
0.01
4.35

4.33
0.01
4.34

$

$

$

$

3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31,
2009
2013
2011
(U.S. dollars in millions, except for per share amounts)

2012

2010

Balance Sheet Data:

Cash, cash equivalents, short-term bank deposits and
marketable securities

Working capital

Long-term deposits, marketable securities and other
receivables

Long-term trade and unbilled receivables

Property, plant and equipment, net

Total assets

Long-term debt

Series A Notes, net of current maturities

Capital stock

Elbit Systems shareholders’ equity

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

$

$

280

392

$

215

382

44

17

405

3,054

389

—

284

833

24

857

52

90

504

3,616

292

273

294

967

39

1,005

$

224

236

12

163

518

$

265

375

19

230

501

265

561

53

243

481

3,721

3,811

3,933

302

235

245

898

29

928

174

409

249

1,017

34

1,051

224

378

268

1,177

17

1,194

Number of outstanding ordinary shares of NIS 1 par value
(in thousands)

Dividends paid per ordinary share with respect to the
applicable year

42,531

42,693

42,608

41,882

42,587

$

1.82

$

1.44

$

1.44

$

1.20

$

1.20

4

 
 
 
 
Risk Factors

General Risks Related to Our Business and Market

Our revenues depend on a continued level of government business. We derive most of our revenues directly or 
indirectly from government agencies, mainly the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD), the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) 
and defense ministries of certain other countries, pursuant to contracts awarded to us under defense-related programs. The 
funding of these programs is subject to government budgeting decisions affected by numerous factors, including geo-political 
events and macro-economic conditions that are beyond our control.  In recent years the U.S. and certain European governments 
have reduced their defense budgets, including due to the sequestration provisions which took effect in 2013 under the U.S. 
Budget Control Act. Government spending under  our contracts may cease or may be reduced, which would cause a negative 
effect on our revenues, results of operations, cash flow and financial condition.

Our contracts may be terminated for convenience of the customer. Our contracts with governments often contain 

provisions permitting termination for convenience of the customer. Our subcontracts with non-governmental prime contractors 
sometimes contain similar provisions allowing the prime contractors to terminate for their convenience. In a minority of these 
contracts, an early termination for convenience would not entitle us to reimbursement for all of our incurred contract costs or 
for a proportionate share of our fee or profit for work performed.

We depend on governmental approval of our exports. Our international sales as well as our international 

procurement of skilled human resources, technology and components depend largely on export license approvals from the 
governments of Israel, the U.S. and other countries. If we fail to obtain material approvals in the future, if material approvals 
previously obtained are revoked or expire and are not renewed or if government export policies change, our ability to sell our 
products and services to overseas customers and our ability to obtain goods and services essential to our business could be 
interrupted, resulting in a material adverse effect on our business, revenues, assets, liabilities and results of operations. (See 
Item 4. Information on the Company – Governmental Regulation.)

As a government contractor, we are subject to procurement and anti-bribery rules and regulations. We are 

required to comply with specific government contracting rules and regulations relating to cost accounting, anti-bribery, 
procurement integrity and others, which increase our performance and compliance costs. (See Item 4. Information on the 
Company – Governmental Regulation.) If these rules and regulations change, our costs of complying with them could increase 
and reduce our margins. In addition, failure to comply with these rules and regulations could result in reductions of the value of 
contracts, contract modifications or termination, and the assessment of penalties and fines, which could negatively impact our 
results of operations and financial condition. We are engaged in activities in certain markets considered to be high risk from an 
anti-bribery compliance perspective, and investigations by government agencies in the anti-bribery area are becoming more 
prevalent. Failure to comply with these rules and regulations, for example in the area of anti-bribery, could also lead to 
suspension or debarment from government contracting or subcontracting for a period of time as well as other possible 
sanctions, including fines, which could have a negative impact on our results of operations, financial condition and reputation.

We face other risks in our international operations. We expect that international sales will continue to account 
for a significant portion of our revenues for the foreseeable future. As a result, changes in international, political, economic or 
geographic events could result in significant shortfalls in orders or revenues. These shortfalls could cause our business, 
financial condition and results of operations to be harmed. In addition to the other risks from international operations set forth 
elsewhere in these Risk Factors, some of the risks of doing business internationally include imposition of tariffs and other 
barriers and restrictions, political and economic instability in the countries of our customers and suppliers and changes in 
diplomatic and trade relationships. Some of these risks may be affected by Israel’s overall political situation. (See “Risks 
Related to Our Israeli Operations” below.) 

We have risks related to our pension plans, which could impact our liquidity. Funding obligations for certain of 
our pension plans are impacted by the performance of the financial markets and interest rates. When interest rates are low, or if 
the financial markets do not provide long-term returns as expected, there is an increased likelihood we may be required to make 
additional contributions to these pension plans. Because of the volatility in the equity markets, our estimate of future 
contribution requirements can change dramatically in relatively short periods of time. (See Item 18. Financial Statements – 
Notes 2(S) and 17.)

5

 
 
 
 
 
 
We face currency exchange risks. As more of our revenues are generated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar 
(which is the functional currency we use for financial reporting purposes), mainly in New Israeli Shekels (NIS), Great Britain 
Pounds (GBP), Euros, Brazilian reals, Australian dollars and Indian rupees, we are subject to increasingly significant foreign 
currency risks. For example, we could be negatively affected by exchange rate changes during the period from the date we 
submit a price proposal until the date of contract award or until the date(s) of payment. Moreover, since a significant portion of 
our expenses is denominated in NIS, if we do not adequately hedge against exchange rate risks, our financial results could be 
adversely affected. Accordingly, our level of revenues and profits may be adversely affected by exchange rate fluctuations. (See 
below “Risks Related to Our Israeli Operations – Changes in the U.S. Dollar – NIS Exchange Rate” and Item 5. Operating and 
Financial Review and Prospects – Impact of Inflation and Exchange Rates.)

We operate in a competitive industry. The markets in which we participate are highly competitive and 
characterized by technological change. If we are unable to improve existing systems and products and develop new systems and 
technologies in order to meet evolving customer demands, our business could be adversely affected. In addition, our 
competitors could introduce new products with innovative capabilities, which could adversely affect our business. We compete 
with many large and mid-tier defense contractors on the basis of system performance, cost, overall value, delivery and 
reputation. Many of these competitors are larger and have greater resources than us, and therefore may be better positioned to 
take advantage of economies of scale and develop new technologies. Some of these competitors are also our suppliers in some 
programs.

Due to significant consolidation in our industry, we are more likely to compete with certain potential 

customers. As the number of companies in the defense industry has decreased in recent years, the market share of some prime 
contractors has increased. Some of these companies are vertically integrated with in-house capabilities similar to ours in certain 
areas. Thus, at times we could be seeking business from certain of these prime contractors, while at other times we could be in 
competition with some of them. Failure to maintain good business relations with these major contractors could negatively 
impact our future business.

We face risks of changes in costs under fixed-price contracts. Most of our contracts are fixed-price contracts, as 

opposed to cost-plus or cost-share type contracts. Generally, a fixed-price contract price is not adjusted as long as the work 
performed falls within the original contract scope. Therefore, under these contracts, we generally assume the risk that increased 
or unexpected costs may reduce profits or generate a loss. The risk can be particularly significant under a fixed-price contract 
involving  design and engineering efforts for new technology, where estimated gross profit or loss from long-term projects may 
change and such changes in estimated gross profit/loss are recorded on a cumulative catch-up basis. (See Item 5. Operating and 
Financial Review and Prospects – General – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Revenue Recognition.)  The costs 
most likely to be subject to fluctuation under our fixed price contracts  relate to internal design and engineering efforts.  On the 
other hand, changes in the market costs of particular commodities that may be used in the production of our products are 
unlikely to present a material risk to our costs. To the extent we underestimate the costs to be incurred in any fixed-price 
contract, we could experience a loss on the contract, which would have a negative effect on our results of operations, financial 
position and cash flow.

We face fluctuations in revenues and profit margins. The level of our revenues may fluctuate over different 

periods due to changes in pricing or sales volume or our mix of projects during any given period. Moreover, since certain of our 
project revenues are recognized in connection with achievement of specific performance milestones, we may experience 
significant fluctuations in year-to-year and quarter-to-quarter financial results. Similarly, our profit margins may vary 
significantly from project to project as a result of changes in estimated project gross profits that are recorded in results of 
operations on a cumulative catch-up basis pursuant to the percentage-of-completion accounting method. (See Item 5. Operating 
and Financial Review and Prospects – General – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Revenue Recognition.) As a 
result, comparisons of our financial results for prior periods may not provide a reliable indicator of our future results. Moreover, 
our share price may be subject to significant fluctuation in response to period-to-period variations in our financial results.

Our backlog of projects under contract is subject to unexpected adjustments, delays in payments and 
cancellations. Our backlog includes revenue we expect to record in the future from signed contracts and certain other 
commitments. Many projects may remain in our backlog for an extended period of time because of the size or long-term nature 
of the contract. In addition, from time to time,  for reasons beyond our control, projects are delayed, scaled back, stopped or 
cancelled, or the customer delays in making payments, which may adversely affect the revenue,  profit and cash flow that we 
ultimately receive from contracts reflected in our backlog.

We may experience production delays or liability if suppliers fail to make compliant or timely deliveries. The 

manufacturing process for some of our products largely consists of the assembly, integration and testing of purchased 
components. Some components are available from a small number of suppliers, and in a few cases we work with suppliers that 
6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
are effectively our sole source. If a supplier stops delivery of such components, finding another source could result in added 
cost and manufacturing delays. Moreover, if our subcontractors fail to meet their design, delivery schedule or other obligations 
we could be held liable by our customers, and we may be unable to obtain full or partial recovery from our subcontractors for 
those liabilities. The foregoing risks could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. In addition, the current global 
economic situation could impair the ability of our suppliers to meet their obligations to us.

We may be affected by failures of our prime contractors. We often act as a subcontractor, and a failure of our 

prime contractor to meet its obligations may affect our ability to receive payments under our subcontract.

Undetected problems in our products could impair our financial results and give rise to potential product 
liability claims. If there are defects in the design, production or testing of our or our subcontractors’ products and systems, 
including our products sold for public safety purposes in the homeland security area, we could face substantial repair, 
replacement or service costs and potential liability and damage to our reputation. Our efforts to implement appropriate design, 
testing and manufacturing processes for our products or systems may not be sufficient to prevent such occurrences, which could 
have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our future success depends on our ability to develop new offerings and technologies for our current and future 

markets. To achieve our business strategies and continue to grow our revenues and operating profits, we must successfully 
develop new, or adapt or modify our existing, offerings and technologies for our current core defense markets and our future 
markets, including adjacent and emerging markets. Accordingly, our future performance depends on a number of factors, 
including our ability to:

• 

identify emerging technological trends in our current and future markets;

identify additional uses for our existing technology to address customer needs in our current or future 

• 
markets;

• 

develop and maintain competitive products and services for our current and future markets;

enhance our offerings by adding innovative solutions that differentiate our offerings from those of our 

• 
competitors;

• 

• 

develop, manufacture and bring solutions to the market quickly at cost-effective prices;

develop working prototypes as a condition to receiving contract awards; and

effectively structure our business, through the use of joint ventures, teaming agreements and other forms of 

• 
alliances, to reflect the competitive environment.

To remain competitive in the future, we believe we will need to invest significant financial resources to develop 

new, and adapt or modify our existing, offerings and technologies, including through internal research and development, 
acquisitions and joint ventures or other teaming arrangements. In addition, our customers more frequently require 
demonstration of working prototypes prior to awarding contracts for new programs. Expenditures for new, adapted or modified 
offerings and technologies and for production of prototypes could divert our attention and resources from other projects and 
may not ultimately lead to the timely development of new offerings and technologies or new contracts. Due to the design 
complexity of our products, we may experience delays in completing the development and introduction of new products. Any 
delays could result in increased costs and development, deflect resources from other projects or increase the risk that our 
competitors may develop competing technologies, which gain market acceptance in advance of our products. If we fail in our 
new product development efforts, or our products or services fail to achieve market acceptance more rapidly than our 
competitors, our ability to procure new contracts could be negatively impacted, which would negatively impact our results of 
operations and financial condition.

Our business depends on proprietary technology that may be infringed. Many of our systems and products 

depend on our proprietary technology for their success. Like other technology oriented companies, we rely on a combination of 
patents, trade secrets, copyrights and trademarks, together with non-disclosure agreements, contractual confidentiality clauses, 
including those in employment agreements, and technical measures to establish and protect proprietary rights in our products. 
Our ability to successfully protect our technology may be limited because:

7

 
 
 
 
 
some foreign countries may not protect proprietary rights as comprehensively as the laws of the United States 

• 
and Israel;

detecting infringements and enforcing proprietary rights may be time consuming and costly, diverting 

• 
management’s attention and company resources;

•  measures such as non-disclosure agreements afford only limited protection;

unauthorized parties may copy aspects of our products or technologies to develop similar products or 

• 
technologies or obtain and use information that we regard as proprietary;

• 

our patents may expire, thus providing competitors access to the applicable technology;

competitors may independently develop products that are substantially equivalent or superior to our products 

• 
or circumvent our intellectual property rights; and

• 

competitors may register patents in technologies relevant to our business areas.

In addition, others may allege infringement claims against us. The cost of defending against infringement claims 
could be significant, regardless of whether the claims are valid. To the extent we are not successful in defending such claims, 
we may be prevented from the use or sale of certain of our products, subject to liabilities for damages and required to obtain 
licenses, which may not be available on reasonable terms, any of which may have a material adverse impact on our business, 
results of operation or financial condition.

Systems and information technology interruptions or cyber attacks could adversely impact our ability to 

operate. Our operations rely on computer, information and communications technology and related systems. From time to time, 
we may experience system interruptions and delays. If we are unable to continually add software and hardware, effectively 
upgrade our systems and network infrastructure and take other steps to improve the efficiency of and protect our systems, our 
operations could be interrupted or delayed. Our computer and communications systems and operations could be damaged or 
interrupted by natural disasters, telecommunications failures, acts of war, terrorism or similar events or disruptions. Any of 
these or other events could cause system interruption, delays and loss of critical data, or delay or stoppage of our operations, 
and adversely affect our operating results.

In addition, we face the ongoing threat to our computer systems of unauthorized access, computer hackers, 
computer viruses, malicious code, organized cyber attacks and other security problems and system disruptions. We have 
devoted and will continue to devote significant resources to the security of our computer systems, but they may still be 
vulnerable to these threats. A user who circumvents security measures could misappropriate proprietary information or cause 
interruptions or malfunctions in operations. As a result, we may be required to expend significant resources to protect against 
the threat of these system disruptions and security breaches or to alleviate problems caused by these disruptions and breaches. 
Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We sometimes have risks relating to financing for our programs. A number of our major projects require us to 

arrange, or to provide, guarantees in connection with the customer’s financing of the project. These include commitments by us 
as well as guarantees provided by financial institutions relating to advance payments received from customers. Customers 
typically have the right to drawdown against advance payment guarantees if we were to default under the applicable contract. 
In addition, some customers require that the payment period under the contract be extended for a number of years, sometimes 
beyond the period of contract performance. We may face difficulties in issuing guarantees or providing financing for our 
programs. Moreover, if we are required to provide significant financing for our programs, this could result in increased leverage 
on our balance sheet. (See Item 4. Information on the Company – Financing Terms.)

We are subject to buy-back obligations. A number of our international programs require us to meet “buy-back” 

obligations. (See Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – Off Balance Sheet Transactions.) Should we be 
unable to meet such obligations we may be subject to contractual penalties, and our chances of receiving further business from 
the applicable customers could be reduced or, in certain cases, eliminated.

We sometimes participate in risk-sharing contracts. We sometimes participate in “risk-sharing” type contracts, in 

which our non-recurring costs are only recoverable if there is a sufficient level of sales for the applicable product, which level 
of sales typically is not guaranteed. If sales do not occur at the level anticipated, we may not be able to recover our non-
recurring costs under the contract.

8

 
 
 
 
 
 
We would be adversely affected if we are unable to retain key employees. Our success depends in part on key 

management, scientific and technical personnel and our continuing ability to attract and retain highly qualified personnel. There 
is competition for the services of such personnel. The loss of the services of key personnel, and the failure to attract highly 
qualified personnel in the future, may have a negative impact on our business. Moreover, our competitors may hire and gain 
access to the expertise of our former employees.

We may face labor relations disputes or not be able to amend collective bargaining agreements in a timely 

manner. A number of our subsidiaries in Israel and certain other countries are parties to collective bargaining agreements that 
cover a substantial number of our employees. These agreements contain a range of conditions that vary depending on the 
applicable company and are for various periods of time.  We may face attempts to unionize additional parts of our organization. 
Disputes with trade unions or other labor relations difficulties as well as failure to timely amend or extend collective bargaining 
agreements could lead to worker disputes, slow-downs, strikes and other measures, which could negatively impact our results 
of operations.

We face acquisition and integration risks. We have made in the past and plan to continue to make equity or asset 

acquisitions and investments in companies and technology ventures that we believe complement our business. (See Item 4. 
Information on the Company – Recent Acquisitions, Mergers and Divestitures.) Acquisitions typically involve a certain amount 
of risks and uncertainties such as:

the difficulty in integrating newly-acquired businesses and operations in an efficient and cost-effective 

• 
manner and the risk that we encounter significant unanticipated costs or other problems associated with 
integration;

failure to meet the challenges of achieving strategic objectives, cost savings and other benefits expected from 

• 
acquisitions could lead to impairment of intangible assets related to the acquired companies;

the risk that our markets do not evolve as anticipated and that the technologies acquired do not prove to be 

• 
those needed to be successful in those markets;

• 
the risk that we assume significant liabilities that exceed the enforceability or other limitations of applicable 
indemnification provisions, if any, or the financial resources of any indemnifying parties, including indemnity for 
regulatory compliance issues that may result in our incurring successor liability;

• 

• 

the potential loss of key employees of the acquired businesses;

the risk of diverting the attention of senior management from our existing operations; and

the risk that certain of our newly acquired operating subsidiaries in various countries could be subject to more 

• 
restrictive regulations by the local authorities after our acquisition.

Our acquisitions are subject to governmental approvals. Most countries require local governmental approval of 

acquisitions of domestic defense businesses, which approval may be denied, or unfavorable conditions imposed, if the local 
government determines the acquisition is not in its national interest. We may also be unable to obtain antitrust approvals for 
certain acquisitions as our operations expand. Failure to obtain such governmental approvals could negatively impact our future 
business and prospects.

Our due diligence in acquisitions may not adequately cover all risks. There may be liabilities or risks that we fail 

to discover in performing due diligence investigations, or that may arise following an acquisition, relating to businesses we 
have acquired or may acquire in the future. Examples of these liabilities include employee benefit contribution obligations, 
estimated costs to complete contracts, environmental liabilities, regulatory compliance liabilities or liabilities for infringement 
of third party intellectual property rights for which we, as a successor owner, may be responsible. Such risks may include 
changes in estimated costs to complete programs and estimated future revenues. In addition, there may be additional costs 
relating to acquisitions including, but not limited to, possible purchase price adjustments provided in the applicable acquisition 
agreement or impairment write downs, if the value of the acquired company were to decrease after the acquisition, or after 
follow-on investments in that company. Such liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial 
condition, results of operations or prospects. In addition, there may be situations in which our management determines, based 
on market conditions or other applicable considerations, to pursue an acquisition with limited due diligence or without 
performing any due diligence at all.

9

 
 
 
 
 
Our share price may be volatile and may decline. Numerous factors, some of which are beyond our control and 

unrelated to our operating performance or prospects, may cause the market price of our ordinary shares to fluctuate 
significantly. Factors affecting market price include, but are not limited to: (i) variations in our operating results and whether 
we have achieved our key business targets; (ii) sales or purchases of large blocks of stock; (iii) changes in securities analysts’ 
earnings estimates or recommendations; (iv) differences between reported results and those expected by investors and securities 
analysts; and (v) changes in our business including announcements of new contracts by us or by our competitors. In the past, 
securities class action litigation has been instituted against companies following periods of volatility in the market price of their 
securities.

Other general factors and market conditions that could affect our stock price include changes in: (i) the market’s 
perception of our business; (ii) the businesses, earnings estimates or market perceptions of our competitors or customers; (iii) 
the outlook for the defense industry; (iv) the general market or economic conditions unrelated to our performance; (v) the 
legislative or regulatory environment; (vi) government defense spending or appropriations; (vii) military or defense activities 
worldwide; (viii) the level of national or international hostilities; and (ix) the general geo-political environment.

We have risks related to our issuance of Series A Notes under an Israeli debt offering. We face various risks 

relating to our issuance of Series A Notes (the Notes). (See Items 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – Liquidity 
and Capital Resources – Israeli Debt Offering.) This includes the risk that we may not be able to maintain in the future the 
rating level assigned to the Notes.  

We have risks related to the inherent limitations of internal control systems. Despite our internal control 

measures, we may still be subject to financial reporting errors or even fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived 
and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. In addition, 
the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and the benefit of controls must be 
relative to their costs. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that 
breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Further, controls can be circumvented by individual acts of some 
persons, by collusion of two or more persons or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls 
also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and any design may fail to achieve its stated 
goals, under some or all future conditions. Over time, a control may be inadequate because of changes in conditions or the 
degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of inherent limitations in a cost effective control 
system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. (See Item 15. Controls and Procedures.)

Risks Related to Our Israeli Operations

Conditions in Israel may affect our operations. Political, economic and military conditions in Israel directly 
affect our operations. Since the establishment of the State of Israel, a number of armed conflicts have taken place between 
Israel and its Arab neighbors. An ongoing state of hostility, varying in degree and intensity has led to security and economic 
problems for Israel. For a number of years there have been continuing hostilities between Israel and the Palestinians including 
with the Islamic movement Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which have adversely affected the peace process and at times have 
negatively influenced Israel’s economy as well as its relationship with several other countries. Israel also faces threats from 
Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, from the government of Iran and other potential threats from neighboring countries, some of 
whom have recently undergone or are undergoing significant political changes, such as Egypt and Syria. In recent years there 
has also been a change in the relations between Israel and Turkey. These political, economic and military conditions in Israel 
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and future growth.

Political relations could limit our ability to sell or buy internationally. We could be adversely affected by the 

interruption or reduction of trade between Israel and its trading partners. Some countries, companies and organizations continue 
to participate in a boycott of Israeli firms and others doing business with Israel or with Israeli companies. Foreign government 
defense export policies towards Israel could also make it more difficult for us to obtain the export authorizations necessary for 
our activities. Also, over the past several years there have been calls in Europe and elsewhere to reduce trade with Israel. In 
addition, the Israeli defense budget may be adversely affected  in the event of reductions in U.S. foreign military assistance.  
See above “General Risks Related to Our Business and Market.” There can be no assurance that restrictive laws, policies or 
practices directed towards Israel or Israeli businesses will not have an adverse impact on our business.

Reduction in Israeli government spending or changes in priorities for defense products may adversely affect 

our earnings. The Israeli government may reduce its expenditures for defense items or change its defense priorities in the 
coming years. In addition, the Israeli defense budget may be adversely affected by reductions in U.S. foreign military assistance 
due to the sequestration process or other budget restrictions in the U.S. See above "General Risks Related to Our Business and 

10

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Market." There is no assurance that our programs will not be affected in the future if there is a reduction in Israeli government 
defense spending for our programs or a change in priorities to products other than ours.

Israel’s economy may become unstable. Over the years, Israel’s economy has been subject to periods of inflation, 

low foreign exchange reserves, fluctuations in world commodity prices, military conflicts and civil unrest. For these and other 
reasons, the government of Israel has intervened in the economy employing fiscal and monetary policies, import duties, foreign 
currency restrictions, controls of wages, prices and foreign currency exchange rates and regulations regarding the lending limits 
of Israeli banks to companies considered to be in an affiliated group. The Israeli government has periodically changed its 
policies in these areas. Reoccurrence of previous destabilizing factors could make it more difficult for us to operate our 
business as we have in the past and could adversely affect our business.

Changes in the U.S. dollar – NIS exchange rate. The exchange rate between the NIS and the U.S. dollar has 

fluctuated in recent years. For example, at the end of 2011, 2012 and 2013, the NIS/U.S. dollar exchange rate was 3.821, 3.733 
and 3.471, respectively. These declines in the exchange rate represented a strengthening of the NIS against the U.S. dollar of 
approximately 2% in 2012 and approximately 7% in 2013. During 2013, the NIS/U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuated. For 
example, at the end of each of the fiscal quarters of 2013, the exchange rate of the NIS against the U.S. dollar was 3.648, 3.618, 
3.537 and 3.471, respectively. During the first two months of 2014, the NIS devaluated against the U.S. dollar by 
approximately 0.7%, and the NIS/U.S. dollar exchange rate as of February 28, 2014 was 3.496. While most of our sales and 
expenses are denominated in U.S. dollars, a significant portion of our expenses is paid in NIS, and most of our sales to 
customers in Israel are in NIS. Our primary expenses paid in NIS that are not linked to the dollar are employee expenses in 
Israel and lease payments on some of our Israeli facilities. As a result, if we do not hedge our position in NIS, a change in the 
value of the NIS compared to the dollar could affect our research and development expenses, manufacturing labor costs and 
general and administrative expenses, and as a result, our profits. (See Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – 
Impact of Inflation and Exchange Rates – Inflation and Currency Exchange Rates.)

Israeli government programs and tax benefits may be terminated or reduced in the future. Elbit Systems and 

some of our Israeli subsidiaries participate in programs of the Israeli Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) and the Israel 
Investment Center, for which we receive tax and other benefits as well as funding for the development of technologies and 
products. The benefits available under these programs depend on meeting specified conditions. (See Item 4. Information on the 
Company – Conditions in Israel – Chief Scientist (OCS) and Investment Center Funding.) If we fail to comply with these 
conditions, we may be required to pay additional taxes and penalties, make refunds and may be denied future benefits. From 
time to time, the government of Israel has discussed reducing or eliminating the benefits available under these programs, and 
therefore these benefits may not be available in the future at their current levels or at all.

Israeli law regulates acquisition of a controlling interest in Israeli defense industries. Israeli legislation 

regarding the domestic defense industry requires Israeli government approval of an acquisition of a 25% or more equity interest 
(or a smaller percentage that constitutes a “controlling interest”) in companies such as Elbit Systems. Moreover, the Israeli 
government may issue specific orders to a domestic defense industry under this legislation that could impose additional 
conditions relating to transfers of ownership. This could limit the ability of a potential purchaser to acquire a significant interest 
in our shares. (See Item 4. Information on the Company – Governmental Regulation – Approval of Israeli Defense 
Acquisitions.)

Israel has stringent export control regulations. Israeli law regulates defense exports and the export of “dual use” 

items (items that are typically sold in the commercial market but that may also be used in the defense market). If government 
approvals required under these laws and regulations are not obtained, or if authorizations previously granted are not 
renewed, our ability to export our products from Israel could be negatively impacted, thus causing a reduction in our revenues 
and a potential material negative impact on our financial results. (See Item 4. Information on the Company – Governmental 
Regulation – Israeli Export Regulations.)

We may rely on certain Israel “home country” corporate governance practices which may not afford 

stockholders the same protection afforded to shareholders of U.S. companies. As a foreign private issuer for purposes of U.S. 
securities laws, Nasdaq rules allow us to follow certain Israeli “home country” corporate governance practices in lieu of the 
corresponding Nasdaq corporate governance rules. Such home country practices may not afford shareholders the same level of 
rights or protections in certain matters as those of shareholders of U.S. domestic companies. In 2011, we notified Nasdaq of our 
intent to follow Israeli home country practice in connection with an amendment to our 2007 Stock Option Plan, which was 
approved by our board of directors as permitted by Israeli law without approval by our shareholders. To the extent we are 
entitled to elect to follow Israeli law and practice rather than corresponding U.S. law or practice, such as with regard to the 
requirement for shareholder approval of changes to stock option plans, our shareholders may not be afforded the same level of 
rights they would have under U.S. practice. (See Item 16.G. Corporate Governance.)

11

 
 
 
 
 
 
Many of our employees and some of our officers are obligated to perform military reserve duty in Israel. 

Generally, Israeli adult male citizens and permanent residents are obligated to perform annual military reserve duty up to a 
specified age. They also may be called to active duty at any time under emergency circumstances, which could have a 
disruptive impact on our workforce.

It may be difficult to enforce a non-Israeli judgment against us, our officers and directors. We are incorporated 

in Israel. Our executive officers and directors are not residents of the United States, and a substantial portion of our assets and 
the assets of these persons are located outside the United States. Therefore, it may be difficult for an investor, or any other 
person or entity, to enforce against us or any of those persons in an Israeli court a U.S. court judgment based on the civil 
liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws. It may also be difficult to effect service of process on these persons in the 
United States. Additionally, it may be difficult for an investor, or any other person or entity, to enforce civil liabilities under 
U.S. federal securities laws in original actions filed in Israel. (See below – Item 4. Information on the Company – Conditions in 
Israel – Enforcement of Judgments.)

12

 
 
Item 4. 

Information on the Company.

Business Overview

Principal Activities

We are an international defense electronics company engaged in a wide range of programs throughout the world. 

The Company operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, command, control, communications, computers, 
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR), unmanned aircraft systems, advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space 
systems, electronic warfare (EW) suites, airborne warning systems, electronic intelligence systems, data links, artillery systems, 
military communications systems and radios. We also focus on the upgrading of existing military platforms and developing new 
technologies for defense, homeland security and commercial aviation applications. In addition, we provide a range of support 
services.

Our major activities include:

•  military aircraft and helicopter systems;

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

helmet mounted systems;

commercial aviation systems and aerostructures;

unmanned aircraft systems;

land vehicle systems;

command, control, communications, computer and intelligence (C4I) and cyber systems;

electro-optic and countermeasures systems;

homeland security systems;

•  EW and signal intelligence systems; and

• 

various commercial activities.

Many of these major activities have a number of common and related elements. Therefore, we often jointly 

conduct marketing, research and development, manufacturing, performance of programs, sales and after sales support among 
these areas of activities.

Principal Market Environment

We operate primarily in the defense and homeland security arenas. The nature of military actions in recent years, 

including low intensity conflicts and ongoing terrorist activities, as well as budgetary pressures to focus on leaner but more 
cutting-edge defense forces, has caused a shift in the defense priorities for many of our major customers. As a result we believe 
there is a continued demand in the areas of C4I, as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), including 
network centric information systems, intelligence gathering systems, border and perimeter security systems, airborne systems, 
unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned surface vessels (USVs), remote controlled systems, cyber-defense systems, space 
and satellite based defense capabilities and homeland security solutions. There is also a growing demand for cost effective 
logistic support and training and simulation services. We believe our synergistic “one-company” approach of finding solutions 
that combine elements of our various activities positions us to meet evolving customer requirements in many of these areas.

We tailor and adapt our technologies, integration skills, market knowledge and operationally-proven systems to 
each customer’s individual requirements in both existing and new platforms. By upgrading existing platforms with advanced 
electronic and electro-optic technologies, we provide customers with cost-effective solutions, and our customers are able to 
improve their technological and operational capabilities within limited  budgets. We are experienced in providing “systems of 
systems”, which enables us to provide overall solutions in a range of areas to meet our customers’ comprehensive defense and 
security needs.

13

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The worldwide defense market has been characterized in recent years by significant consolidation and merger and 
acquisition activities. Part of our growth strategy includes our continued activity in mergers and acquisitions both in Israel and 
internationally. We operate as a multi-domestic, “global – local (GloCal)” organization in order to meet the needs of our 
customers around the world. The Company’s structure enables us to benefit from the synergy of our overall capabilities while at 
the same time focus on local requirements.

Company History

We have many decades of operational experience. Our predecessor Elbit Ltd. was incorporated in Israel in 1966 as 

Elbit Computers Ltd. We were formed in 1996, as part of the Elbit Ltd. corporate demerger, under which Elbit Ltd.’s defense 
related assets and business were spun-off to us. From its founding in 1966 until the demerger, Elbit Ltd. was involved in a wide 
range of defense-related airborne, land, naval and C4I programs throughout the world. We continue these activities today, 
together with the activities of companies we have acquired and activities relating to newly developed areas, as the largest non-
government-owned defense company in Israel. Several of our subsidiaries in Israel and around the world have decades of 
experience in their respective markets. Our companies have collectively been awarded the Israel Defense Prize ten times, 
recognizing extraordinary contributions to defense technological innovations.

Elbit Systems Ltd. is a corporation domiciled and incorporated in Israel where we operate in accordance with the 

provisions of the Israeli Companies Law – 1999 (the Companies Law).

Trading Symbols and Address

Our shares are traded on the Nasdaq National Market (Nasdaq), as part of the Nasdaq Global Select Market, under 

the symbol “ESLT” and on the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE).

Our main offices are in the Advanced Technology Center, Haifa 31053, Israel, and our main telephone number at 
that address is (972-4) 8315315. Our website home page is www.elbitsystems.com. We make our website content available for 
informational purposes only. It should not be relied upon for investment purposes, nor is it incorporated by reference in this 
annual report on Form 20-F.

Our principal offices in the United States are the headquarters of Elbit Systems of America, LLC at 4700 Marine 

Creek Parkway, Fort Worth, Texas 76179-6969, and the main telephone number at that address is 817-234-6799.

Revenues

The table below shows our consolidated revenues by major areas of operations for the years ended December 31,  

2011, 2012 and 2013:

2011

2012
(U.S. dollars in millions)

2013

Airborne systems:
Land systems:
C4ISR systems:
Electro-optic systems:
Other (mainly non-defense engineering and production services):
Total

$

$

970
405
996
300
146
2,817

$

$

1,054
375
1,018
324
118
2,889

$

$

1,133
309
1,071
314
98
2,925

14

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table provides our consolidated revenues by geographic region, expressed as a percentage of total 

revenues for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013:

Israel
North America (U.S. and Canada)
Europe
Latin America
Asia-Pacific
Others

Subsidiary Organizational Structure

2011

2012

2013

25%
31%
20%
6%
16%
2%

18%
31%
20%
9%
20%
2%

24%
29%
19%
10%
15%
3%

Our beneficial ownership interest in our primary subsidiaries and investees is set forth in Exhibit 8 to this annual 

report.  Our equity and voting interests in these entities are the same as our beneficial ownership interests.

The following is a general description of our principal subsidiaries.

U.S. Subsidiaries

Elbit Systems of America

We conduct most of our U.S. business through Elbit Systems of America, LLC (Elbit Systems of America), a 
Delaware limited liability company, and its major wholly-owned subsidiaries including: EFW Inc. (EFW), Kollsman, Inc. 
(Kollsman), KMC Systems, Inc. (KMC), International Enterprises, LLC (IEI), Innovative Concepts Industries, LLC (ICI), M7 
Aerospace LLC (M7) and Real-Time Laboratories, LLC (RTL). We hold our 100% interest in Elbit Systems of America 
through intermediate Delaware holding companies. Elbit Systems of America provides products and system solutions focusing 
on U.S. military, commercial aviation, homeland security and medical instrumentation customers. Elbit Systems of America is 
organized along a number of main business lines operating out of several primary operational facilities. The major business 
lines include Airborne Solutions, Sensors and Fire Control Solutions,  Services and Support Solutions, Commercial Aviation – 
Kollsman and Medical Instruments – KMC Systems. Elbit Systems of America’s main operation centers include its facilities in 
Fort Worth, Texas; San Antonio, Texas; Merrimack, New Hampshire; Boca Raton, Florida; and Talladega, Alabama.

Elbit Systems of America acts as a contractor for U.S. Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and Foreign Military 

Sales (FMS) programs. (See below “Governmental Regulations – Foreign Military Financing.”) Each of Elbit Systems of 
America’s major operational facilities has engineering and manufacturing capabilities. Elbit Systems of America’s facilities in 
Alabama and Texas have significant maintenance and repair capabilities. (See below “Manufacturing” and “Customer 
Satisfaction and Quality Assurance.”)

Elbit Systems of America, Elbit Systems and intermediate Delaware holding company subsidiaries are parties to a 

Special Security Agreement (SSA) with the DoD. The SSA provides the framework for controls and procedures to protect 
classified information and export controlled data. The SSA allows the Elbit Systems of America companies to participate in 
classified U.S. government programs even though, due to their ownership by Elbit Systems, the Elbit Systems of America 
companies are considered under the control of a non-U.S. interest. Under the SSA, a Government Security Committee of Elbit 
Systems of America’s board of directors was permanently established to supervise and monitor compliance with Elbit Systems 
of America’s export control and national security requirements. The SSA also requires Elbit Systems of America’s board of 
directors to include outside directors who have no other affiliation with the Company. Elbit Systems of America’s board of 
directors also contains an officer of Elbit Systems of America and up to two inside directors, who have other affiliations with 
the Company. The SSA requires outside directors and officers of the Elbit Systems of America companies who are directors, 
and certain other senior officers, to be U.S. resident citizens and eligible for DoD personal security clearances.

VSI/RCEVS. Elbit Systems of America and Rockwell Collins Inc. (Rockwell Collins) each own 50% of Vision 

Systems International LLC (VSI) and VSI's subsidiary, Rockwell Collins ESA Vision Systems LLC (RCEVS), joint venture 
companies with operations in Fort Worth, Texas and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  VSI and RCEVS act on a world-wide basis on behalf 
of Rockwell Collins and Elbit Systems/ Elbit Systems of America in the area of helmet mounted display systems for fixed-wing 

15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
military and paramilitary aircraft. Elbit Systems, Elbit Systems of America and Rockwell Collins each have provided VSI and 
RCEVS with licenses to use their helmet mounted display technologies. In general, VSI and RCEVS  subcontract product 
development and production to its owners on an approximately equal basis. Each owner has equal representation in VSI and 
RCEVS management.

Israeli Subsidiaries

Elop. Based in Rehovot, Israel, our wholly-owned subsidiary Elbit Systems Electro-Optics Elop Ltd. (Elop) 

designs, engineers, manufactures and supports a wide range of electro-optic systems and products mainly for defense, space 
and homeland security applications. With more than 75 years of operational experience, Elop has a broad customer base, both 
in Israel and internationally.

ESLC. Elbit Systems Land and C4I Ltd. (ESLC) is a wholly-owned Israeli subsidiary, with headquarters in 

Netanya, Israel. ESLC is engaged in the worldwide market for land-based systems and products for military vehicles, artillery 
and mortar systems, C4I systems and communications systems and equipment.

Elisra. Elbit Systems EW and SIGINT – Elisra Ltd. (Elisra) is a wholly-owned Israeli subsidiary located in Bnei 
Brak and Holon, Israel. Elisra and its subsidiaries provide a wide range of EW systems, signal intelligence (SIGINT) systems 
and C4ISR technological solutions for the worldwide market.

Cyclone. Elbit Systems – Cyclone Ltd. (Cyclone) is a wholly-owned Israeli subsidiary located near Karmiel, 

Israel. Cyclone designs and produces composite and metal aerostructure parts for civil and military aircraft and performs 
maintenance, integration and installation engineering for aircraft and helicopters. Cyclone also manufactures weapons pylons 
and external fuel tanks for fighter aircraft. Both directly and through our wholly-owned subsidiary Snunit Aviation Services 
Ltd., Cyclone supplies maintenance and operation services for fixed-wing aircraft and helicopter fleets.

ELSEC. Elbit Security Systems Ltd. (ELSEC) is a wholly-owned Israeli subsidiary located in Sderot, Israel. 

ELSEC operates mainly in the fields of homeland security and electro-optic surveillance systems. ELSEC also manufactures a 
range of electro-optic products.

Kinetics. Kinetics Ltd. (Kinetics), based in Airport City, Israel, is a wholly-owned Israeli subsidiary. Kinetics 

develops technologies, systems and products in the field of advanced life support and environmental controls, such as climate 
control systems and nuclear, biological and chemical protection systems for military vehicles. Also, Kinetics develops and 
manufactures other products for land vehicles, such as hydraulic, fuel, braking and suspension systems, an auxiliary power unit 
for land vehicle power pack systems and hydraulic systems for aircraft.

ITL Optronics. ITL Optronics Ltd. (ITL Optronics) is a wholly-owned Israeli subsidiary located in Rehovot, 

Israel. ITL is engaged in the area of soldier-oriented optronic systems.

SCD. Semi-Conductor Devices (SCD) is an Israeli registered partnership equally owned by Elbit Systems and 

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. (Rafael). Located in Leshem, Israel, SCD develops and manufactures cooled and 
uncooled IR detectors for thermal imaging equipment and laser diodes used in defense and commercial applications.

Tor. Tor - Advanced Flight Training Limited Partnership (Tor) is an Israeli limited partnership based in Tel-Aviv, 

Israel, established to perform the Israeli Air Force’s future trainer aircraft program.  TOR is currently wholly-owned by Elbit 
Systems, but is in the process of having 50% of its ownership interest transferred to Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) 
pursuant to a limited partnership agreement.

Opgal. Opgal – Optronics Industries Ltd. (Opgal) is an Israeli company owned 50.001% by Elbit Systems and 

49.999% by Rafael. Located in Karmiel, Israel, Opgal provides commercial applications of thermal imaging and electro-optic 
technologies.

Subsidiaries in Other Countries

Ferranti.  Ferranti Technologies (Group) Limited (Ferranti), is a wholly-owned U.K. subsidiary. Located in 

Oldham, U.K, Ferranti’s principal activities include engineering, manufacturing and logistic support to aerospace and defense 
industries in the U.K. and internationally.

16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U-TacS.  UAV Tactical Systems Ltd. (U-TacS) is a 51% U.K. subsidiary located in Leicester, U.K., with the 

remaining 49% owned by Thales UK Limited, a subsidiary of Thales S.A. U-TacS’ main business is to perform a major part of 
the Watchkeeper Program and other related programs. See below “Current Business Operations – UAS –Programs.”

European Subsidiary (Belgium). The European Subsidiary (Belgium) is a wholly-owned Belgium subsidiary 

located near Ghent, Belgium. It develops, manufactures and supports electro-optical products, mainly for the defense and space 
markets.

European Subsidiary (Austria). The European Subsidiary (Austria) is a wholly-owned Austrian subsidiary 

located near Vienna, Austria. It is engaged in programs relating to airborne, land and C4I systems.

European Subsidiaries (Romania). The European Subsidiaries (Romania) are three  wholly-owned Romanian 

subsidiaries located in Bucharest and Bacau, Romania. They are engaged in the areas of simulators, electronic manufacturing  
and metal works for the Romanian, Israeli and other markets. 

Telefunken RACOMS. Telefunken Radio Communications Systems GmbH (Telefunken RACOMS) is a wholly-

owned German subsidiary located in Ulm, Germany. Telefunken RACOMS is active in both military and civilian 
communications projects in Germany and internationally.

AEL. AEL Sistemas S.A. (AEL) is a 75%-owned Brazilian subsidiary, with the 25% balance of its shares owned 

by Embraer Defesa e Seguranca Participacoes S.A. (Embraer Defesa). Located in Porto Alegre, Brazil.  AEL performs 
engineering, manufacturing and logistic support activities for defense and commercial applications, primarily for the Brazilian 
market.

Ares. Ares Aeroespacial e Defesa S.A. (Ares) is a wholly-owned Brazilian subsidiary located near Rio de Janeiro 

and is engaged in the area of defense, land and naval systems for the Brazilian military and other customers.

Harpia. Harpia Sistemas S.A. (Harpia) is a Brazilian subsidiary, 49% owned by AEL, with 51% being owned by 

Embraer Defesa e Seguranca Participacoes S.A.  Harpia is engaged primarily in the areas of UAS.  AEL  is in the process of 
selling 9% of the ownership interest in Harpia to Avibras Divisao Aerea e Naval S.A.

Elbit Systems of Australia. Elbit Systems of Australia Pty Ltd. (Elbit Systems of Australia) is a wholly-owned 

Australian subsidiary. Based in Melbourne, Australia. it is engaged in defense electronic systems for the Australian armed 
forces, the Australian federal police and other customers.

HALBIT. HALBIT Avionics Private Limited (HALBIT) is an Indian company owned 26% by Elbit Systems, with 

the largest shareholder being Hindustan Aerospace Limited. Located in Bangalore, India, HALBIT is engaged in avionics 
programs for the Indian defense market.

SESA.  Sharp Elbit Systems Aerospace, Inc. (SESA) is a Korean company owned 19% by Elbit Systems, with an 
option to increase ownership to 50%.  Located in Ansan, Korea, SESA is engaged in research, development, maintenance, repair 
and manufacture of avionics products, principally for the Korean market.

Others. We have several other relatively small subsidiaries and investee companies in Israel and other countries 

that conduct marketing, manufacturing, logistic support and other activities principally in the subsidiary’s local market.

Recent Acquisitions, Mergers and Divestitures

During 2013 and the beginning of 2014, we continued to focus our capabilities through the establishment and 

enhancement of joint ventures in Israel, Europe and Asia.  Among other actions in this regard, in April 2013 we entered into a 
Korean joint venture, known as SESA, in which we currently hold a 19% interest, with the balance held by Sharp Aviation K 
Inc. of Korea. (See above "Subsidiaries in Other Countries - SESA".)  We continued expanding  operations in technology-based 
investment companies in Israel. We divested certain non-core assets, including our shareholding interests in ImageSat 
International N.V. and Fraser-Volpe LLC, as well as Elbit Systems of America's assets relating to commercial aviation cabin 
pressurization control systems.  We are in the process of divesting other non-core assets in Israel and other countries. We 
continue to pursue acquisition and investment opportunities in key markets as part of our strategy. 

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Current Business Operations

We generally operate and manage the major activities described below in an interrelated manner and on a project-
oriented basis. This means that contracts are frequently performed by more than one operating subsidiary or division within the 
Company, on the basis of the multiple skills and available resources that may be needed or appropriate for the contract. Thus, 
the involvement of an operating subsidiary or division in the performance of a contract is not a function of management’s 
review for purposes of allocation of resources within the Company.

Military Aircraft and Helicopter Systems

Overview

We supply a comprehensive portfolio of advanced airborne electronic and electro-optic systems and products to 

leading military aircraft manufacturers and end users designed to enhance operational capabilities and extend aircraft life 
cycles. Our military airborne systems are compatible with emerging net-centric concepts supporting enhanced situational 
awareness, faster decision making and optimal response. Our airborne C4ISR solutions provide pilots with data, 
communications and real-time situation pictures, as well as the ability to share mission-critical data with ground and naval 
platforms, thus enhancing joint, effective operations between air to air, air to ground, manned and unmanned platforms via 
common avionics and C4I solutions. Our multidisciplinary approach extends to designing training and simulation systems that 
accommodate evolving missions and combine air and ground systems in a single architecture.

Our airborne systems provide a range of solutions from a single sensor to an entire cockpit avionics suite. We 

integrate our systems on fixed and rotary-wing, eastern and western, new and mature aircraft. Under our aircraft and helicopter 
upgrade programs, we integrate advanced weapon, communication, navigation, electro-optic and EW systems, providing 
advanced net-centric capabilities for fast, precise missions. We support life cycle extension of our customers’ fleets and supply 
logistic support services for airborne platforms, including repair and maintenance centers, training and spare parts.

Systems Portfolio

Avionics Systems. Our avionics systems include integrated flight deck systems (glass cockpits), mission and 

aircraft management computers, weapon delivery and navigation systems, large display systems, airborne C4I systems, digital 
map systems, enhanced vision systems, stores management systems and digital recording devices.

Electro-Optic Systems. Our airborne electro-optic systems include the MUSIC™  family of  direct infrared 

countermeasures (DIRCM) systems, head-up displays, laser range-finders and laser designators, FLIR systems, payloads such 
as the CoMPASS™ family, countermeasures systems and space aerial reconnaissance systems.

Precision Guidance Systems. We supply a range of precision guidance systems for airborne applications including  

laser-based precision guidance kits, semi-active laser (SAL) seekers, the STAR (smart tactical advance rocket) and the GATR 
(guided advanced tactical rocket).

Fighter Aircraft and Helicopter Structural Components. We supply external fuel tanks, pylons and structural parts 

for a range of fighter aircraft, and we supply structural parts for a number of helicopter types. 

Trainers and Simulators. Our training and simulation products and solutions for all military branches and 

homeland security forces include a variety of simulators, complete training centers for tactical, virtual, appended and embedded 
training, full mission trainers, partial task trainers and computer-based trainers. This includes a recently introduced cyber trainer 
for governmental as well as commercial organizations.  We also supply air defense simulators, naval embedded and tactical 
trainers and ACMI (air combat maneuvering instrumentation) pods.

Programs

Our programs for military fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters encompass full scale aircraft upgrades, system 

upgrades, system and product supply, training, simulators and logistic support. The customers and end users for our military 
fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters programs include a wide range of air forces and other governmental defense forces 
worldwide, as well as  major fixed-wing aircraft and helicopter manufacturers.

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We perform upgrade programs for numerous fixed-wing fighter, trainer and transport aircraft, as well as a wide 

range of helicopter platforms. In 2013, our contract awards for aircraft upgrade programs included a contract for the upgrade of 
C-130H transport aircraft for the Israel Air Force (IAF).  We also supply a number of airborne electro-optic systems for a range 
of fixed-wing fighter and trainer aircraft, including head-up display systems for aircraft, as well as airborne reconnaissance 
systems and combined airborne imagery intelligence (IMINT) systems for fighter aircraft. In addition, we supply various types 
of precision guidance systems to several air forces and missile manufacturers.

Our airborne training and simulators programs include aircraft flight training solutions and operation of training 

aircraft for both fixed-wing trainers and helicopters under private financing initiative (PFI) and “power by the hour” (PBH) 
arrangements. In 2013, we launched the new fighter jet Mission Training Center for the IAF and operate training centers and 
simulators for other IAF aircraft. We are supplying aircraft simulation systems to other customers around the world.  We also 
supply Israel Defense Forces (IDF) ground forces with a tactical battle group trainer as well as tank appended trainers, and the 
IDF’s Home Front Command with a crises management simulator. Our naval training simulators are used by the Israeli Navy 
and several other navies world-wide.

Our logistic support services programs for fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters include repair and maintenance 

services and supply of spare parts for a range of air forces. Part of these services are performed as contractor logistic support 
(CLS) projects and performance based logistics (PBL). This includes our work through Tor, our joint venture with IAI, under a 
contract with the IMOD to establish the enhanced logistic support and maintenance structure for the new IAF trainer aircraft as 
well as an advanced ground array. We operate and maintain the IAF’s  trainer aircraft and the Israeli Police Force’s helicopter 
fleet. We also perform maintenance support activities for numerous products.  In addition, we provide on a turn-key basis 
aircraft procurement, operation and maintenance services to the IMOD for airborne fire fighting services. Our Brazilian 
subsidiary, AEL, provides CLS services for several aircraft of the Brazilian Air Force. Elbit Systems of America provides 
aircraft level CLS to the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force  (USAF) and U.S. Navy (USN) for a range of aircraft on a worldwide basis.

Helmet Mounted Systems

Overview.  We design and supply a range of advanced helmet mounted systems (HMS), including helmet 

mounted displays (HMDs) for fixed-wing aircraft and rotary aircraft pilots. These include tracking and display systems, both 
for day and night flying. Our systems measure the pilot’s line-of-sight, slave weapons and sensors to the target, identify target 
location and bring displays to the pilot’s eye level. We supply our HMS as part of our upgrade programs as well as on a stand-
alone basis. Through our jointly-owned companies with Rockwell Collins, (see above “U.S. Subsidiaries – VSI/RCEVS”), we 
are a leader in HMS for fighter aircraft.

Systems Portfolio

Fixed-Wing HMS. Examples of our fixed-wing HMS currently in operational use include the Display and Sight 
Helmet (DASH) family, the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), the Night Vision Cueing Display (NVCD) system 
and the HMS for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. These systems enable slaving of various aircraft systems to the pilot’s line-of-sight, 
target location and identification and display of information. We have also developed TARGO™, a HMA (helmet mounted avionics) 
solution for fixed-wing trainer aircraft, and we supply the FACT™ (fast action cockpit mapping tool) for electro-magnetic mapping 
of cockpits.

Helicopter HMS. For helicopters, our operational HMS include the Aviator Night Vision Imaging System Head-
Up Display (ANVIS/HUD™) family, the Integrated Helmet and Display Sight System (IHADSS), Jedeye™ and the Panoramic 
Night Vision Goggle (PNVG) based on our QuadEye™ system. We also supply low visibility landing (LVL) solutions. These 
systems facilitate safety for night flights, weapon slaving, increased operational capabilities and performance of “head-out” 
missions.

Programs. We are engaged in a range of programs for HMS for fighter aircraft and helicopters. Customers and 

end users for our HMS include numerous air forces and other governmental defense forces worldwide. Our customers also 
include a broad range of aircraft and helicopter manufacturers. In the fighter aircraft area we supply various versions of our 
DASH systems for the IAF fighter  aircraft as well as for other air forces around the world. We supply the JHMCS through 
VSI/RCEVS for several Boeing and Lockheed Martin fighter aircraft. Thousands of JHMCS production systems have been 
delivered and are in operational use. Through VSI/RCEVS we are developing and supplying the HMS to Lockheed Martin for 
the U.S. F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program. VSI/RCEVS is also supplying the NVCD to the USN.  In the trainer aircraft area 
we are supplying TARGO for the M-346 Advanced Trainer as well as other aircraft. In the helicopter area we have supplied 
thousands of operational ANVIS/HUD systems for numerous customers, IHADSS to various users of Apache and Agusta 129 

19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
helicopters,   Helmet Display and Tracking System for the weapon system of the USMC AH-1W helicopters and the color 
helmet mounted system for the CV-22.

Commercial Aviation Systems and Aerostructures

Overview. Leveraging our core competencies in airborne defense systems, as well as our legacy strengths in 
commercial aviation, we provide a range of systems and products for the commercial and business aviation market. These 
activities mainly include vision-based cockpit concept systems, other avionics systems, electrical systems and aerostructure 
products. Our commercial avionics systems are employed on numerous fixed-wing aircraft, as well as on commercial 
helicopters. Our aerostructure products are installed on a number of commercial aircraft.

Systems Portfolio

Vision-based Cockpit Systems. Our commercial aviation product line includes the Vision Based Cockpit concept, 

incorporating our multi-spectral enhanced vision systems (EVS), such as Clear Vision™, EVS II and EVS-XP, each of which 
improves an aircraft’s capability to safely land in bad weather and reduced visibility conditions. We also supply the Landing™ 
system that enhances landing safely under a variety of conditions. Our commercial aviation products provide critical 
information to pilots including a family of commercial advanced head-up displays and unique synthetic vision and image-based 
applications.

Avionics, Electronic and Legacy Systems. We supply  air data test equipment, air data processor/sensor systems 

and flight instruments for the general aviation market. Our legacy products for commercial aircraft include altimeters, pressure 
meters, cockpit indicators and avionics test equipment.

Commercial Helicopter Systems. We produce full avionic suites, including displays, moving maps, electronic 

flight instrumentation systems and flight management systems for commercial helicopters.

Aerostructure Products. Our aerostructure parts include pressurized and non-pressurized doors, composite beams 

and composite landing gear doors, thrust reverse blocker doors, fan cowl doors and winglets for commercial aircraft 
manufactured by leading aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing, as well as aerostructures for UAS.

Hydraulic Components. We supply hydraulic and pneumatic components for aerial refueling, jet engines and other 

airborne applications.

Programs. Customers for our commercial and business aviation systems and products and aerostructures products 

include a range of major aircraft manufacturers and aircraft operators around the world.  Our programs in the area of 
commercial avionics and enhanced vision systems include a number of U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 
certifications for installation of our EVS on a range of  business jets and commercial  aircraft. EVS II also has received 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval. Elbit Systems of America maintains FAA certified repair facilities for 
commercial avionics repairs. As the original manufacturer of the Fairchild Metro/Merlin aircraft, Elbit Systems of America’s 
subsidiary M7 provides ongoing spares and engineering support for hundreds of  aircraft around the world. Cyclone performs 
maintenance for commercial helicopters.

UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) and USVs (Unmanned Surface Vessels)

Overview. We design and supply integrated UAS for a range of applications. We design and manufacture a variety 
of UAS platforms, including the Hermes™ and Skylark™ families of UAS. We supply UAS training systems with capabilities to 
simulate payload performance, malfunctions and ground control station operation. We design and supply command and control 
ground station elements, engines, data links, stabilized electro-optic payloads and electronic intelligence (ELINT) and 
communications intelligence (COMINT) payloads that can be adapted for various types of UAS. Our UAS technology has also 
been applied to our unmanned ground vehicle and USV activities, where we are developing USVs for a range of naval 
applications.

Systems Portfolio

Hermes UAS Family. As part of our intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) 

solutions, we developed our Hermes family of tactical UAS including Hermes 450 (in various configurations) a tactical long-
endurance UAS supporting ISTAR missions, Hermes 900, a tactical medium altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAS, and 
Hermes 90, a tactical short-range UAS designed for long-endurance point-launch ISR missions.

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Skylark UAS Family. Our Skylark family of mini-UAS includes electrically propelled and covert short-range UAS 

with ISR capabilities for company-brigade-level tactical echelons. The family is based on Skylark I, a man-packed UAS for 
close-range surveillance and observation, and Skylark I LE, which provides longer endurance of the Skylark I capabilities.

Ground Stations. Our UAS ground stations include mission command and control, payload operation and 

exploitation capabilities.

Engines. Our UAS engines include a family of Wankel rotary technology based engines providing UAS with the 

capability to carry multiple payloads with extended endurance.

Training Systems. Our UAS training systems include full air vehicle and payload high end operators and mission 

commanders training.

Data Links and Payloads. We supply data links and payloads for our UAS as well as tactical data links and 

networking solutions for UAS.

USVs. We are developing several multi-mission USVs  for various maritime applications that  incorporate our  

capabilities in the areas of  UAS, naval sensors, EW and command and control.

Programs. We perform a broad range of development, supply, lease, support services and training activities 

relating to UAS. Customers for our UAS include numerous armed forces and other governmental organizations around the 
world. Major ongoing UAS programs include the U.K. Ministry of Defence’s (UK MOD) Watchkeeper and Lydian programs, 
which we are performing through our U.K. subsidiary, U-TacS.  We also continue to supply a range of Hermes and Skylark 
family UAS  to the IDF and other customers.

Land Vehicle Systems

Overview. We upgrade and modernize tanks, other combat vehicles and artillery platforms, both as a prime 

contractor and as a systems supplier to leading platform manufacturers. Our land vehicle and platform solutions cover the entire 
combat vehicle spectrum, from complete modernization, to system supply to maintenance depots and life cycle support 
services. Our systems are operational on a full range of tracked and wheeled combat vehicles including main battle tanks, 
medium and light tanks, light armored vehicles, armored personnel carriers, wheeled vehicles and artillery platforms. We offer 
a comprehensive range of fully integrated, modular artillery and mortar solutions, incorporating C4I and fire control systems 
and platform upgrades, as well as artillery and mortar ammunition. We also develop and supply unmanned ground vehicles and 
robotic devices for a variety of land based missions. In addition, we supply training systems for tanks and fighting vehicles.

Systems Portfolio

Fire Control Systems. We supply fire control systems using day and night vision systems and displays for target 

identification, acquisition and engagement, incorporating thermal imaging, laser range-finders, day TV, digital ballistic 
computers and sensors.

Electric Gun and Turret Drive Systems. We supply electric gun and turret drive and stabilization systems for 

controlling electrically driven turrets and guns using advanced brushless technology and digital/software based servo systems.

Laser Warning and Threat Detection Systems. We provide a wide range of combat-proven computer and display 

hardware products and situation awareness peripheral vision systems, including laser warning systems for identifying and 
pinpointing the angular direction of laser sources generated by laser range-finders and laser guided and laser beamrider 
missiles.

Unmanned Turrets and Remote Controlled Weapon Stations. We supply advanced unmanned turrets and overhead 

remote controlled weapon stations, including the UT30 configurable unmanned turret and the Overhead Remote Controlled 
Weapon Station (ORCWS) family of products, that enhance ground vehicle capabilities for urban warfare scenarios and convert 
armored personnel carriers to armored fighting vehicles with no penetration of the vehicle’s deck.  We also supply ORCWS for 
naval and marine applications.

Unmanned Systems. We supply various unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) platforms, including our small-size 

UGV – the Elbit Viper™ (Versatile Intelligent Portable Elbit Robot), a man-packed robot designated for urban combat support 
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missions and mini-robotic devices used by land forces for tactical missions. Through G-NIUS, our jointly-owned company with 
IAI, we develop and supply a number of UGVs for combat mission support.

Smart All-Terrain Networked Detectors (SAND). We supply SAND, an advanced, stand-alone, long-life, wireless 

security system that remotely monitors wide areas and detects and tracks both the movements of people as well as the 
movements of all types of vehicles.

C4I Systems. Our C4I systems for combat vehicles include battle management systems that process data and 

enhance situational awareness of land vehicle crews and commanders and include electro-optic-based laser range-finders, TOW 
night targeting sights, thermal imaging systems, flat paneled color displays, threat detection systems, gunner’ and commander’s 
sights, laser warning systems, reconnaissance systems and our “See-through Armor” system providing 360° panoramic 
observation for 360º location and identification and gun-turret direction, using day and night vision systems.

Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting Systems and Sensors. We supply fully-customizable ground and 

mobile solutions for intelligence collection and dissemination comprised of a broad array of lightweight network-ready sensors 
and C4I systems, providing day and night observation, target detection and recognition, radar and identification of friendly 
forces. The sensors are fully controlled from the commander terminal, with digital maps for navigation and orientation. We also 
develop unattended ground sensors that detect human and vehicle activity by a variety of sensors.

Artillery Guns and Mortar Systems. We supply a range of howitzers and artillery field guns. We also develop and 

supply a range of mortar systems and mortar ammunition for special forces, commando units and infantry forces.

Driver Thermal Vision Systems. We supply uncooled thermal imaging kits, fully ruggedized and suitable for a 

wide range of vehicle-mounted applications.

Auxiliary Power Units (APUs). We  supply APUs that improve the vehicle crew’s performance and safety by 

reducing fatigue and minimizing exposure to noise, heat and vibrations.

Life Support and Hydraulic Systems. We supply life support systems for land vehicles for environmental, climate 
and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) protection and control. The systems include heating, ventilation and 
air conditioning (HVAC), water generation and fire suppression systems. We also supply hydraulic systems for vehicle fueling, 
braking, suspension and power pack operation.

Programs.  We  are  engaged  in  a  wide  range  of  land  vehicle  systems  programs,  from  comprehensive  vehicle 
modernization programs, to stand-alone system supply to vehicle manufacturers to life cycle support programs. Customers for our 
land vehicle systems include numerous armed forces, as well as major military vehicle manufacturers around the world.  We are 
supplying unmanned turrets and ORCWS  and  performing  land vehicle modernization programs for a range of vehicles. We  
supply a range of thermal imaging systems and generic commander sights for various tanks and armored personnel carriers. We 
supply tank gunnery training systems and ground forces trainers to customers worldwide. We also supply advanced life support 
systems, such as environmental and climate control and NBC protection systems, hydraulic, fuel, braking and suspension systems 
as well as an auxiliary power unit for a number of combat vehicles. Through G-NIUS, we are developing and supplying UGVs, 
which perform a variety of missions in support of infantry forces’ combat operations. During 2013, we were awarded several 
contracts in the land vehicle and artillery platform areas, including for ORCWS observation systems and mortar systems.

C4I and Cyber Systems

Overview. Building on in-house capabilities and core technologies, we provide net-centric compatible solutions 
for land-based C4I systems ranging from target acquisition, to battle management to communication systems. We supply our 
advanced land-based C4I systems as part of turn-key solutions as well as on a stand-alone basis. Our solutions cater to all types 
of land combatant forces and can be integrated into military vehicles. Providing comprehensive net-centric solutions for low 
intensity conflicts (LIC) and counter-terror activities, our systems connect intelligence data to combat forces via C4I networks 
and mobile command and control posts and support “terrain dominance”. Our integrated infantry systems provide infantry units 
with C4ISR, field intelligence, urban warfare and peacekeeping capabilities. We also have access to a full range of radio and 
military communications solutions.

Systems Portfolio

Digital Army’s “Systems of Systems.” We supply “systems of systems”  that incorporate advanced combat 

concepts geared to increase net-centric operational effectiveness and connectivity throughout all land forces echelons, in all 

22

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
combat situations. This includes TORC2H™, an integrated operational command control headquarters system, that facilitates 
data collection and border patrol operations. It also includes our Tactical Intranet Geographic dissemination in Real-Time (Elbit 
TIGER™) advanced communication system and enhanced tactical computers.

Battle Management Systems (BMS). We supply a range of battle management systems that comprise advanced 

electro-optical sensors, multi-functional displays, command and control software, information and dissemination systems and 
advanced mission computers, for enabling coordination among fighting vehicles and combat forces.

Integrated Infantry Combat Systems. We supply systems that provide real-time net-centric information to infantry 

forces, including our DOMINATOR™ system that enables infantry units to send and receive real-time data, view-up-to the-
minute common operational pictures on personal displays and live video from either our external electro-optic payload 
advanced stabilized system (CoMPASS) and our multi-sensor stabilized integrated system (MSIS), or from body sensors, as 
well as transmit images and positions back to the command post.

Artillery C4I Systems. We supply a range of systems for C4I applications among field artillery units, such as our 
Combat NG system, which are deployed from the platform to brigade levels, managing all aspects of artillery operations and 
fire control, including for theater missile defense applications.

MapCore™ We supply MapCore, a software design kit providing mapping capabilities for application 

programmers, capable of manipulating 2D maps, 2.5D maps (2D maps with elevation) and 3D maps (terrain visualization) in 
the application’s user window and serving as an infrastructure for developing moving maps, mission planning and debriefing, 
C4ISR and simulator systems.

Observation and Ground Reconnaissance Systems. We supply electro-optic-based thermal imaging, day-night 

observation systems and tactical reconnaissance systems for border control and ground reconnaissance.

Enhanced Tactical Computers and RPDAs. We supply ruggedized enhanced tactical computers and ruggedized 

personal data assistants (RPDAs) that bring the versatility of advanced personal computers and data assistants to the operational 
battlefield.

Ground Smart Display Unit (GSDU). We supply GSDU, a multi-function high brushless C4I display unit  

supporting multiple video formats.

Tactical Multi-media Router (TMR). We supply TMR, a building block for execution of multi-media routing on a 

dynamic basis for command posts as well as combat vehicles.

Radio and Communications Systems and Products. Based in part on the Tadiran product line, we supply a range of 

tactical radio systems, software data radio systems, multi-channel radio systems, integrated radio communications systems, 
power HF communications systems, broadnet communications systems based on WiMAX technology, mobile net 
communications systems and tactical data communications systems and military wireless LAN systems for wide band data 
transmission. Our military communications product line also includes short and medium-range VHF radio systems, long-range 
HF radio systems, multi-band VHF-UHF handheld/man-pack radios, hand-held radios, soldier radios, line-of-sight multi-
channel radio systems, ruggedized computers/communication terminals, integrated communications systems combining 
wireless (radio) and wired (telephony), IP/LAN/WAN networks situation awareness systems and radio network management 
systems.

Integrated Radio Communication System (IRCS). Our field proven IRCS enables all echelons, from high-ranking 

commanders down to the individual soldier in the field, to directly communicate throughout the military network, 
BRO@DNET,  a  battle-proven broadband wireless communication infrastructure solution that enables secure broadband 
communication.

Satellite on the Move (SOTM). We supply SOTM solutions and antennas for combat platforms for continuous 

satellite communication.

Communications Support Products and Services. We supply a range of tactical radio power amplifiers for the AN/

PRC-117F, AN/PSC-5 and Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems (SINCGARS).

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Military IT Systems. We  supply military IT systems such as the Integrated Component-based Exploitation (ICE) 

system that provides ISR centers with an end-to-end system for the entire operational cycle of multi-sensor imagery 
exploitation. We also supply a multi-satellite mission planning system for planning satellite operational missions.

Tactical Battle Company Training Systems. We supply trainers for commanders and staff from the company-level 

to battalion battle company and brigade-level operations.

Intelligence and Cyber  Systems. We offer a wide portfolio of intelligence and cyber systems.  The core of our 

intelligence systems solution is WIT™ (Wise Intelligence Technology), an intelligence knowledge management IT system.  Our 
intelligence systems include integrated cyber collection solutions such as PSS (for collection from personal computers), MSS 
(for collection from mobiles) as well as OSINT solutions (for collection from the worldwide web).

Programs. We perform a broad range of C4I battle management systems, soldier mounted systems and radio and 

communications programs with land-based applications. Our customers include a wide range of  ground forces and 
governmental agencies worldwide. We are the prime contractor to the IMOD for the Israel Digital Army Program (DAP). 
Under the DAP, we are supplying the IDF with computerized systems down to the single soldier level. The systems facilitate 
transmission of integrated, real-time situation pictures to and from all battlefield and command echelons. The DAP includes a 
significant portion being performed under U.S. FMF funding. We also are performing a contract for IMOD for the supply, 
upgrade and maintenance of communication equipment over a multi-year period.  We are performing several other programs in 
the C4I area including a contract for the Department of Defence of the Commonwealth of Australia for the supply, integration, 
installation and support of a Battle Group and Below Command, Control and Communications (BGC3) system for the 
Australian Army’s Land 75/125 program. In January 2014, we were awarded orders for options and risk reductions activities in 
connection with the supply of battle management systems for the Australian Defence Forces.

Electro-Optic and Countermeasures Systems

Overview. We design and manufacture a full range of electro-optic-based solutions for space, air, land and sea 
applications, with products ranging from laser and thermal imaging systems to head-up displays, countermeasure systems, 
through ISR systems – including payloads for space, airborne, naval and land-based missions – to ground integrated sights, 
electro-optic countermeasures and homeland security solutions. We are one of the few companies in the world that has 
engineering capability and facilities in-house in all major areas of electro-optics. In the space area, we also maintain in-house 
Israel’s national space electro-optics infrastructure.

Systems Portfolio

Thermal Imaging and NVG-based Systems and Products. We produce a range of FLIR systems for night 

observation for air, land and sea platforms, including stabilized payloads as well as hand-held and man-portable solutions. This 
includes, among others, the CORAL family of thermal imagers, the Long View -  LVCR family of long-range man-portable 
reconnaissance systems and the Mini-Coral  uncooled thermal imager and target acquisition system. These systems are 
integrated with north finding solutions, such as the Atlas family of goniometers.

Laser-Based Systems. We supply a range of laser designators, laser range-finders and laser radars for air, land and 

naval platforms based on diode pumped technologies, both in the eye-safe and non-eye safe bands.  These range from small 
Rattler designators up to powerful airborne designators that are integrated into many OEM payloads.

Stabilized Payloads. We supply a number of payloads for air, land and sea-based observation, target acquisition, 

target engagement, training and fire control, using stabilized line-of-sight systems and incorporating laser range-finders or 
designators and thermal and HD/TV cameras, including our very long-range Advanced Multi-Sensor Payload System (AMPS) 
and our Compact Multi-Purpose Advanced Stabilized System (CoMPASS) family. Our payloads for naval applications provide 
a wide portfolio of solutions from the small Micro-CoMPASS 8”, through the D-CoMPASS 15" payload, up to the large high 
end AMPS system that is used for very long-range stand-off observation.

Countermeasures Systems. Our electro-optic-based countermeasure systems (DIRCM – Directional IR 

Countermeasures) include our Multi-Spectral Infrared Countermeasures System (MUSIC), such as C-MUSIC for installation 
on commercial aircraft, military helicopters and transport aircraft for detection and jamming of anti-aircraft shoulder-launched 
missiles. Our new generation Mini-DIRCM (MDS) has been developed specifically for small attack and SAR helicopters. 

ISR Systems. Our electro-optic-based ISR systems include aerial reconnaissance systems, such as the CONDOR™ 
2- EO/IR LOROP – visible and IR long-range oblique photography systems. Our long-range day and night surveillance systems 
24

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
include LORROS™ (Long-Range Reconnaissance and Observation System) for border protection and surveillance posts. We 
also develop cutting edge hyperspectral sensors and systems for various airborne platforms.

Space Cameras and Telescopes. We supply advanced panchromatic and multi-spectral cameras for high 

resolution, remote sensing satellites for commercial and military space IMINT, supplying high resolution ground images, and 
for scientific research.  Our new generation Jupiter telescope has a market leading weight-performance ratio.

Infrared Sensors. Our jointly-owned subsidiary, SCD, develops and manufactures infrared detectors and laser 

diodes for electro-optical applications. Our jointly-owned subsidiary, Opgal, develops electro-optics “engines” (camera cores) 
that combine detectors with proprietary electronics, as well as IR solutions for commercial applications.

Programs. We perform a range of programs in the electro-optic and countermeasures systems area. Our customers 

include the armed forces of numerous  governments as well as major defense contractors. We supply a range of hand-held 
thermal imaging and binocular systems  and reconnaissance devices to the armed forces of several countries. We supply head-
up display systems for numerous aircraft, as well as laser designators and range-finders for air and ground applications to 
numerous customers. In the countermeasures area we are developing C-MUSIC, a laser-based countermeasure system for use 
on commercial passenger aircraft as well as military helicopters, transport aircraft and other commercial aircraft to protect 
against missiles using IR seekers. We are developing for implementation our C-MUSIC commercial DIRCM system for Israeli 
commercial aircraft, and in 2013 we conducted our first flight on a commercial 737-800 aircraft. We also supply a variety of 
high resolution cameras and telescopes for space applications to several countries' space agencies and satellite operators. 

Homeland Security Systems

Overview. We design, manufacture and integrate a wide range of comprehensive homeland security and para-
government systems and products covering diverse scenarios and applications. These include integrated land, maritime and 
coastal control and surveillance systems, airport and seaport security systems, border control systems, “safe city” systems, large 
venue security systems, access and border registration control systems,  transportation security systems, C4I homeland security 
applications, facility perimeter security products, electronic fences, electro-optic surveillance systems, tactical mini-UAS and 
communications systems for defense, police, airport, border patrol and coast guard applications, training and simulation 
solutions, energy and critical infrastructure protection and other homeland security uses.

Systems Portfolio

Border Surveillance Systems. We supply a range of systems and products for border surveillance, including day/

night observation systems, smart fences, integrated fixed towers, mini-UAS, surveillance land vehicles and C4I-based systems 
combining some or all of the above-mentioned systems. We also supply border control and management IT systems.

Safe City Systems. We offer “safe city” crime and terror detection and crisis management solutions combining 

fully integrated C4I systems with advanced electro-optic surveillance, UAS, communication solutions and other systems, 
including our SkEye and GroundEye wide area persistent surveillance systems, to provide city-wide event detection and 
operations coordination, management and control to municipal security forces.

Seaport and Coastal Surveillance Systems. We supply comprehensive surveillance systems for monitoring 

maritime traffic, prevention of smuggling, illegal shipments, customs violations and illegal immigration, controlling fishing 
activities and coordination of search and rescue.

Perimeter Security and Intrusion Detection Systems. We supply electronic alarm fences and virtual fences, 

combined with electro-optic pointing, verification and tracking to detect and deter attempts by intruders to breach secured 
facilities and critical infrastructures.

Transportation Security and Safety Systems. We provide security and safety solutions for railroad authorities, 

including railway security systems and anti-collision alert systems for crossing junctions.

Communications Systems. We supply MICOM HF radio communications systems for land and maritime-based 

security forces.

Training and Simulation Solutions. We supply training and simulation solutions for first responders, FEMA 

(Federal Emergency Management Administration) activities, crime prevention and counter-terrorism.

25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Programs.  We perform a range of homeland security-related programs for national, regional and municipal 
security authorities, including airport, border guard and coastal control authorities. Customers for our homeland security 
systems include a range of governmental ministries, commercial airports, border and security forces  and security organizations.  
We are performing programs relating to border security projects, coastal surveillance systems and integrated airport security 
systems for various governments. We provide  emergency response training systems for homeland security commands as well 
as secure broadband mobile solutions for first responders. We also provide system level security solutions for transportation 
systems, such as railroads, and for ports.  In February 2014, Elbit Systems of America was awarded a contract by the U.S. 
Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection  for the Integrated Fixed Towers project.

EW and SIGINT Systems

Overview. We supply a range of multi-spectral self-protection suites and systems for airborne, ground and naval 
platforms including advanced EW and electronic countermeasures (ECM) systems, communications jammer solutions, missile 
warning systems, laser warning systems and radar warning receivers. We also furnish SIGINT systems, including ELINT, 
COMINT and direction finding (DF) systems, designed for air, ground and naval platforms and applications.

Systems Portfolio

EW Suites including ECMs. Our EW suites provide advanced self protection integrated capabilities for various 

types of combat aircraft, naval and ground platforms, combining defense aid suites (DAS) with ESM in a single unit, that cover 
multi-spectral bands and include radar warning receivers (RWR), passive IR missile warning systems, laser warning receivers, 
ECM systems and other measures. As part of our IR-CENTRIC™  missile warning systems we supply additional operational 
capabilities such as our Situation Awareness Panoramic IR (SAPIR) system with collision avoidance for increased mission 
safety. We also supply a range of systems for self protection and electronic attack for airborne, naval and ground platforms 
including the SPJ (Self Protection Jammer) and the COMJAM (Communication Jammer) as well as electronic support 
measurements for threat identification and electro-magnetic analysis for various platforms including surface ships and 
submarines.

SIGINT Systems. We supply full electromagnetic spectrum SIGINT (ELINT and COMINT) systems for tactical 

and strategic intelligence gathering for airborne, ground and naval applications. Our SIGINT systems incorporate advanced 
receiving, signal processing and various DF technologies.

Counter Improvised Explosive Devices (CIED). We supply a range of electronic jammer anti-bomb products, 

including cellular selective jammer and protection systems against IEDs, such as the Electronic Jamming Anti-Bomb (EJAB) 
family of products.

Data Links and Video Dissemination Systems. We supply smart data link solutions for unmanned platforms, 

guided weapons and satellites and video dissemination for airborne (including UAS), ground and naval applications.

Search and Rescue Systems. We supply advanced solutions for pilots and rescue teams for the combat arena as 

well as personal search and rescue systems for non-combat situations.

Anti-Ballistic Missile Defense Systems. We are the developer of the command and control system for the Arrow 
missile program. We also are the developer of the core of the Israel Test Bed (ITB), a real-time simulator for  ballistic missile 
defense systems.

Radars. We provide radar solutions for various applications.

Programs. We supply a range of EW, SIGNIT, data links and search and rescue systems to defense forces around 
the world for airborne, ground and sea-based applications. Customers for these systems include the  armed forces of numerous 
governments as well as major defense contractors. This includes supply of our airborne platform self-protection suites  and 
several other air forces around the world. It also includes the supply of data links for airborne platforms, including UAS, and 
the supply of airborne search and rescue systems to various customers.

Various Commercial Activities

We are engaged in applications of our defense technologies to commercial applications as well as other 

commercial activities. Our current commercial activities, in addition to the activities described under “Commercial Aviation 
Systems and Aerostructures” and elsewhere above, include medical equipment (through Elbit Systems of America's KMC 

26

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
subsidiary), commercial communications and mobile and wireless telephone network encryptions, SATCOM equipment, 
microwave technologies and components and spectrum monitoring and control systems, commercial automotive night vision 
enhancement equipment, super capacitor energy sources, smart grids for railroad transportation and general manufacturing and 
machinery services.

We own an approximately 89% interest in Brightway Vision Ltd., an Israeli company involved in developing 

night vision enhancement equipment for commercial automotive applications. We also own a minority interest in certain 
companies that are engaged in activities primarily for the commercial market. This includes an approximately 22% interest in 
DIR Technologies (Detection IR) Ltd., an Israeli company, spun off from SCD, that is engaged in identification through thermal 
imaging technologies of packaging quality of pharmaceuticals.  We own an approximately 15% interest in Capital Nature Ltd., 
an Israeli company involved in investments in renewable energy ventures. In addition, our wholly-owned Israeli subsidiary, 
Incubit Technology Ventures Ltd., invests in start-up ventures engaged in a range of high-tech commercial activities.

During 2013, we sold certain ownership interests and assets relating to some non-core commercial activities.  See 

above “Recent Acquisitions, Mergers and Divestitures.”

Property, Plant and Equipment

Facilities Owned or Leased by the Company

Israel(1)

U.S.(2)

Other Countries (3)

2,178,000 square feet

1,889,000 square feet

714,000 square feet

634,000 square feet

891,000 square feet

308,000 square feet

Includes offices, development and engineering facilities, manufacturing facilities, maintenance facilities, hangar 
facilities and a landing strip in various locations in Israel used by Elbit Systems and our various wholly-owned 
Israeli subsidiaries.

Includes offices, development and engineering facilities, manufacturing facilities and maintenance facilities of 
Elbit Systems of America, primarily in Texas, New Hampshire, Florida, Alabama and Virginia. Elbit Systems of 
America’s facilities in Texas, New Hampshire and Alabama are located on a total of approximately 129 acres of 
land owned by Elbit Systems of America. This does not include properties not held by Elbit Systems of America, 
including approximately 6,000 square feet leased by our wholly-owned subsidiary Elmec Inc. in Massachusetts.

Includes offices, design and engineering facilities and manufacturing facilities in Europe, Latin America  and 
Asia-Pacific.

Owned

Leased

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

Recent Investment in Facilities. Over the last two years the average annual net investment in our facilities, 

including land and buildings, equipment, machinery and vehicles, amounted to approximately $72 million. Accordingly, we 
believe that our current facilities are adequate for our operations as now conducted.

Governmental Regulation

Government Contracting Regulations. We operate under laws, regulations and administrative rules governing 

defense and other government contracts, mainly in Israel and the United States. Some of these carry major penalty provisions 
for non-compliance, including disqualification from participating in future contracts. In addition, our participation in 
governmental procurement processes in Israel, the United States and other countries is subject to specific regulations governing 
the conduct of the process of procuring defense and homeland security contracts.

Israeli Export Regulations. Israel’s defense export policy regulates the sale of a number of our systems and 

products. Current Israeli policy encourages exports to approved customers of defense systems and products such as ours, as 
long as the export is consistent with Israeli government policy. A license is required to initiate marketing activities. We also 
must receive a specific export license for defense related hardware, software and technology exported from Israel. Israeli law 
also regulates export of “dual use” items (items that are typically sold in the commercial market but that also may be used in the 
defense market). In 2013, more than 50% of our revenue was derived from exports subject to Israeli export regulations.

27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. and Other Export Regulations. Elbit Systems of America’s export of defense products, military technical 

data and technical services to Israel and other countries is subject to applicable approvals of the U.S. government. Such 
approvals are typically in the form of an export license or a technical assistance agreement (TAA). Other U.S. companies 
wishing to export defense products or military related services and technology to our Israeli and other non-U.S. entities are also 
required to obtain such export licenses and TAAs. Such approvals apply to U.S. origin data required by our non-U.S. entities to 
perform work for U.S. programs. Licenses are also required for Israeli nationals assigned to work in defense-related technical 
areas at our U.S. affiliated companies. An application for an export license or a TAA requires disclosure of the intended sales of 
the product and the use of the technology. The U.S. government may deny an export authorization if it determines that a 
transaction is counter to U.S. policy or national security.  Pursuant to recent export control reform initiatives in the U.S., a 
greater part of activities will be subject to control under "dual use" regulations.  Other governments’ export regulations also 
affect our business from time to time, particularly with respect to end user restrictions of our suppliers’ governments. 

Approval of Israeli Defense Acquisitions

The Israeli Defense Entities Law (Protection of Defense Interests) establishes conditions for the approval of an 

acquisition or transfer of control of an entity that is determined to be an Israeli “defense entity” under the terms of the law. 
Designation as a “defense entity” is to occur through an order to be issued jointly by the Israeli Prime Minister, Defense 
Minister and Economy Minister. Although no such orders have been issued as of the date of this annual report on Form 20-F, it 
is assumed that Elbit Systems and most of our Israeli subsidiaries will be designated as “defense entities” under the law and that 
the Israeli Government will issue such an order regarding our applicable Israeli companies. Under separate regulations, Elbit 
Systems and our major Israeli subsidiaries have been designated as “defense entities” by the Defense Minister with respect to 
Israeli law governing various aspects of defense security arrangements.

Orders to be issued under the Israeli Defense Entities Law will also establish other conditions and restrictions. It 
is anticipated that in the case of a publicly traded company such as Elbit Systems, Israeli government approval will be required 
for acquisition of 25% or more of the voting securities or a smaller percentage of shares that grant “means of control.” Means 
of control for purposes of the law include the right to control the vote at a shareholders’ meeting or to appoint a director. Orders 
relating to defense entities are also anticipated to, among other matters: (1) impose restrictions on the ability of non-Israeli 
resident citizens to hold “means of control” or to be able to “substantially influence” defense entities; (2) require that senior 
officers of defense entities have appropriate Israeli security clearances; (3) require that a defense entity’s headquarters be in 
Israel; and (4) subject a defense entity’s entering into international joint ventures and transferring various technology to the 
approval of the IMOD.

Approval of U.S. and Other Defense Acquisitions. Many other countries also require governmental approval of 
acquisitions of local defense companies or assets by foreign entities. Mergers and acquisitions of defense related businesses in 
the U.S. are subject to the Foreign Investment and National Security Act (FINSA). Under FINSA, our acquisitions of defense 
related businesses in the U.S. require review, and in some cases approval, by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the 
United States.

“Buy American” Laws. The U.S. “Buy American” laws impose price differentials or prohibitions on procurement 

of products purchased under U.S. government programs. The price differentials or prohibitions apply to products that are not 
made in the United States or that do not contain U.S. components making up at least 50% of the total cost of all components in 
the product. However, a Memorandum of Agreement between the United States and Israeli governments waives the Buy 
American laws for specified products, including almost all the products currently sold in the United States by Elbit Systems and 
our Israeli subsidiaries.

Foreign Military Financing (FMF). Elbit Systems of America participates in United States FMF programs. 

These programs require countries, including Israel, receiving military aid from the United States to use the funds to purchase 
products containing mainly U.S. origin components. In most cases, subcontracting under FMF contracts to non-U.S. entities is 
not permitted. As a consequence, Elbit Systems of America generally either performs FMF contracts itself or subcontracts with 
U.S. suppliers. The U.S. government may authorize the IMOD to utilize a portion of the FMF budget under the United States 
Subcontracting Procurement (USSP) channel. In such cases, companies such as Elbit Systems or our Israeli subsidiaries, who 
are acting as the Israeli prime contractor to the IMOD under the NIS funded portion of an IMOD program, are authorized to 
negotiate and enter into a subcontract directly with a U.S. supplier. However, payment of the funds under a USSP channel 
subcontract is administered by the IMOD Purchasing Mission to the U.S. Elbit Systems of America also participates in U.S. 
Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programs.

28

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Procurement Regulations. Solicitations for procurements by governmental purchasing agencies in Israel, the 

United States and other countries are governed by laws, regulations and procedures relating to procurement integrity, including 
avoiding conflicts of interest and corruption in the procurement process.

Anti-Bribery Regulations. We conduct operations in a number of markets that are considered high risk from an 

anti-bribery compliance perspective. Laws such as the Israel Penal Code, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and 
Development (OECD) Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, 
the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act and corresponding legislation in other countries, prohibit 
providing personal benefits or bribes to government officials in connection with the governmental procurement process. Israeli 
defense exporters, such as Elbit Systems, are required to maintain an anti-bribery compliance program, including specific 
procedures, record keeping and training.

Audit Regulations. The IMOD audits our books and records relating to its contracts with us. Our books and 

records and other aspects of projects related to U.S. defense contracts are subject to audit by the U.S. Defense Contract Audit 
Agency. Such audits review compliance with government contracting cost accounting and other applicable standards. If 
discrepancies are found this could result in a downward adjustment of the applicable contract’s price. Some other customers 
have similar rights under specific contract provisions.

Antitrust Laws. Antitrust laws and regulations in Israel, the United States and other countries often require 

governmental approvals for transactions that are considered to limit competition. Such transactions may include cooperative 
agreements for specific programs or areas, as well as mergers and acquisitions.

Civil Aviation Regulations. Several of the products sold by Company entities for commercial aviation 

applications are subject to flight safety and airworthiness standards of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and 
similar civil aviation authorities in Israel, Europe and other countries.

Federal Drug Administration Regulations. Medical products designed and manufactured by Elbit Systems of 

America’s Medical Instruments – KMC Systems business unit are subject to U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) 
regulations.

Environmental, Health and Safety Regulations. We are subject to a variety of environmental, health and safety 

laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we have operations.  This includes regulations relating to air, water and 
ground contamination, hazardous waste disposal and other areas with a potential environmental or safety impact.

Buy-Back

As part of their standard contractual requirements for defense programs, several of our customers include “buy-
back” or “offset” provisions. These provisions are typically obligations to make, or to facilitate third parties to make, various 
specified transactions in the customer’s country, such as procurement of defense and commercial related products, investment 
in the local economy and transfer of know-how. (For a description of these provisions, see Item 5. Operating and Financial 
Review and Prospects – Off-Balance Sheet Transactions.)

Financing Terms

Types of Financing. There are several types of financing terms applicable to our defense contracts. In some cases, 
we receive progress payments according to a percentage of the cost incurred in performing the contract. Sometimes we receive 
advances from the customer at the beginning, or during the course, of the project, and sometimes we also receive milestone 
payments for achievement of specific milestones. In some programs we extend credit to the customer, sometimes based on 
receipt of guarantees or other security. In other situations work is performed before receipt of the payment, which means that 
we finance all or part of the project’s costs for various periods of time. Financing arrangements may extend beyond the term of 
the contract’s performance. When we believe it is necessary, we seek to protect all or part of our financial exposure by letters of 
credit, insurance or other measures, although in some cases such measures may not be available.

Advance Payment Guarantees. In some cases where we receive advances prior to incurring contract costs or 

making deliveries, the customer may require guarantees against advances paid. These guarantees are issued either by financial 
institutions or by us. We have received substantial advances from customers under some of our contracts. In certain 
circumstances, such as if a contract is canceled for default and there has been an advance or progress payment, we may be 
required to return payments to the customer as provided in the specific guarantee. As part of the guarantees we provide to 
receive progress payments or advance payments, some of our customers require us to transfer to them title in inventory 

29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
acquired with such payments. (See Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – General – Long-Term 
Arrangements and Commitments – Bank Guarantees.)

Performance Guarantees. A number of projects require us to provide performance guarantees in an amount equal 

to a percentage of the contract price. In certain cases we also provide guarantees related to the performance of buy-back 
obligations. Some of our contracts contain clauses that impose penalties or reduce the amount payable to us if there is a delay or 
failure in performing in accordance with the contract or the completion of a phase of work, including in some cases during the 
warranty period. These types of guarantees may remain in effect for a period of time after completion of deliveries under the 
contract. Such guarantees are customary in defense transactions, and we provide them in the normal course of our business. 
(See Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – General – Long-Term Arrangements and Commitments – Bank 
Guarantees.)

Private Finance Initiatives (PFI). Some of our projects operate under PFI financing arrangements where we 

provide long-term financing arrangements or facilities, with the repayment generally made based on the project’s cash flow. PFI 
projects can be structured in several ways. PFI projects may require us to pledge project-related equity and enter into relatively 
complex financial and other agreements. Such financing is usually medium or long-term and may be raised either through 
banks or institutional lenders and carries various financial risks and exposures. In addition, PFI projects may require us to draw 
upon our equity base and borrowing capacities. In recent years we were involved in several PFI-type projects in Israel, and we 
expect to participate in future PFI contracts both in Israel and other countries.

Financial Risks Relating to Our Projects. The nature of our projects and contracts creates some potential 

financial risks, including risks relating to dependence on governmental budgets, fixed-price contracts for development effort 
and production, schedule extensions beyond our control, termination for the customer’s convenience, potential for monetary 
penalties for late deliveries or failure to perform in accordance with the contract requirements and liability for subcontractors. 
In addition, we receive payments for some of our projects in currencies other than U.S. dollars. In such cases, we sometimes 
elect to adopt measures to reduce the risk of exchange rate fluctuations. (See Item 3. Key Information – Risk Factors – General 
Risks Related to Our Business and Market.)

Intellectual Property

Patents, Trademarks and Trade Secrets. We own hundreds of living patent families including patents and 

applications registered or filed in Israel, the United States, the European Patent Office and other countries. We also hold dozens 
of living trademark families relating to specific products. A significant part of our intellectual property assets relates to unique 
applications of advanced software-based technologies, development processes and production technologies. These applications 
are often not easily patentable, but are considered as our trade secrets and proprietary information. We take a number of 
measures to safeguard our intellectual property against infringement as well as to avoid infringement of other parties’ 
intellectual property. (For risks related to our intellectual property see Item 3. Key Information – Risk Factors – General Risks 
Related to Our Business and Market.)

Governmental Customers’ Rights in Data. The IMOD usually retains specific rights to technologies and 

inventions resulting from our performance under Israeli government contracts. This generally includes the right to disclose the 
information to third parties, including other defense contractors that may be our competitors. Consistent with common practice 
in the defense industry, approximately 35% of our revenues in 2013 was dependent on products incorporating technology that a 
government customer may disclose to third parties. When the Israeli government funds research and development, it usually 
acquires rights to data and inventions. We often may retain a non-exclusive license for such inventions. The Israeli government 
usually is entitled to receive royalties on export sales in relation to sales resulting from government financed development. 
However, if only the end product is purchased, we normally retain the principal rights to the technology. Sales of our products 
to the U.S. government and some other customers are subject to similar conditions. Subject to applicable law, regulations and 
contract requirements, we attempt to maintain our intellectual property rights and provide customers with the right to use the 
technology only for the specific project under contract.

Licensing. There are relatively few cases where we manufacture under license. Such licenses typically apply to 
the use of technologies that are the result of collaboration with academic institutions or where we are manufacturing another 
company’s product in accordance with that company’s specifications. In such cases, the licensor typically is entitled to royalties 
or other types of compensation. In some cases where we have acquired business lines we obtain a royalty free license to use the 
applicable technology for specified applications. Occasionally, we license parts of our intellectual property to customers as part 
of the requirements of a particular contract. We also sometimes license technology to other companies for specific purposes or 
markets, such as the right to use certain of our intellectual property relating to our training and simulation systems.

30

 
 
 
 
 
 
Research and Development

We invest in research and development (R&D) according to a long-term plan based on estimated market needs. 
Our R&D efforts focus on anticipating operational needs of our customers, achieving reduced time to market and increasing 
affordability. We emphasize improving existing systems and products and developing new ones using emerging or existing 
technologies.

We perform R&D projects to produce new systems for the IMOD and other customers. These projects give us the 

opportunity to develop and test emerging technologies. We developed new tools for fast prototyping for both the design and 
development process. This permits the operational team members to effectively specify requirements and to automatically 
transfer them into software code. Examples of our ongoing defense-related R&D projects include those for night operation 
capabilities, laser systems, display systems, helmet mounted systems, other avionics systems, unmanned vehicles, artillery 
systems, DIRCM systems, space-based cameras, ISR systems, EW systems, missile warning systems, SIGINT systems, ground 
radar systems, C4I systems, unmanned turret systems, communication systems, intelligence-IT systems, military and 
commercial cyber-defense systems and homeland security systems. Examples of our R&D in commercial areas include projects 
relating to commercial aviation and commercial night vision products for automobiles. We employ thousands of software, 
hardware and systems engineers engaged in advance programs for airborne, ground and naval defense, homeland security and 
space applications. In addition, most of our program and business line managers have engineering backgrounds. More than 
50% of our total workforce is engaged in research, development and engineering.

Our customers, the Office of the Israeli Chief Scientist (OCS) and other R&D granting authorities sometimes 

participate in our R&D funding. We also invest in our research and development activities. This investment is in accordance 
with our strategy and plan of operations. The table below shows amounts we invested in R&D activities for the years ended 
December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013:

2011

2012
(U.S. dollars in millions)

2013

Total Investment
Less Participation*
Net Investment

$

$

288.7
47.6
241.1

$

$

276.5
43.1
233.4

$

$

263.3
42.8
220.5

(Also see Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – Summary of Operating Results – 2013 Compared to 2012 – 
Research and Development.)

*  See above – “Government Rights in Data” and see below – “Conditions in Israel – Chief Scientist (OCS) and Investment 

Center Funding.”

Manufacturing

We manufacture and assemble our systems and products at our operational facilities in Israel, the U.S., Europe, 

Brazil and at certain of our subsidiaries in other countries. These facilities contain warehouses, electronic manufacturing areas, 
mechanical workshops, final assembly and test stations with test equipment. We also have supporting infrastructure including 
fully automated surface mount technology lines and clean rooms for electro-optic components, solid state components 
integration, environmental testing and final testing, including space simulation and thermal chambers. We also have 
computerized logistics systems for managing manufacturing and material supply. A number of our manufacturing activities are 
provided on a shared services basis by various of our in-house centers of excellence.

We also manufacture and assemble composite materials, metal parts and machinery. One of our Israeli 
subsidiaries has a high technology semiconductor manufacturing facility where it performs electronic integration and assembly 
of thermal imaging detectors and laser diodes. We also manufacture and repair test equipment.

We manufacture commercial avionics and aircraft components, as well as perform maintenance, repair and 

overhaul at our U.S. FAA registered facilities in the U.S., Europe and Israel. We also manufacture medical equipment at U.S. 
FDA registered facilities in the U.S.

31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Environmental Compliance

As part of overall Company policy, we are committed to environmental, health and safety standards in all aspects 

of our operations. This includes all regulatory requirements as well as ISO 14001 compliance. We also conduct a number of 
measures on an ongoing basis to promote environmentally friendly operational practices, including measures to reduce 
electrical, fuel and water consumption. There are no material environmental issues that affect the Company’s use of our 
facilities.

Seasonality

Although revenues may sometimes increase towards the end of a fiscal year, no material portion of the Company’s 
business is considered to be seasonal. The timing of revenue recognition is based on several factors. (See Item 5. Operating and 
Financial Review and Prospects – General – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – Revenue Recognition.)

Purchasing and Raw Materials

We conduct purchasing activities at most of our operational facilities. A number of purchasing and related support 
and logistic services are performed on a shared services basis by central service providers in the Company for various Company 
units and entities. We generally are not dependent on single sources of supply. We manage our inventory according to project 
requirements. In some projects, specific major subcontractors are designated by the customer. Raw materials used by us are 
generally available from a range of suppliers internationally, and the prices of such materials are generally not subject to 
significant volatility. We monitor the on-time delivery and the quality of our contractors and encourage them to continuously 
improve their performance.

Conflict Minerals

Under Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, publicly traded 

companies, such as Elbit Systems, must report to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) whether “conflict 
minerals” (tantalum, tin, tungsten and gold) originating in the Democratic Republic of Congo or adjoining “covered 
countries” (Angola, Burundi, The Central African Republic, The Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, 
Uganda and Zambia) are present in the products we manufacture or contract to manufacture, if the conflict minerals are 
necessary to the functionality or production of the product.  Elbit Systems' initial report  regarding conflict minerals will be 
filed with the SEC by May 2014.  Our policy is to use “conflict-free” minerals in our products, and we support recent 
government and industry actions to increase supply chain transparency to facilitate the ability of companies to source conflict-
free minerals. We are taking measures to meet  applicable reporting obligations, and are enhancing our supply chain due 
diligence and internal controls relating to conflict minerals. As part of our conflict minerals compliance policy, we are 
requesting that relevant suppliers complete a conflict minerals supplier due diligence questionnaire.

Customer Satisfaction and Quality Assurance

We invest in continuous improvement of processes, with emphasis on prevention of deficiencies, to ensure 

customer satisfaction throughout all stages of our operations. This includes development, design, integration, manufacturing 
and services for software and hardware, for the range of our systems and products. Our quality teams are involved in assuring 
compliance with processes and administrating quality plans. These activities begin at the pre-contract stage and continue 
through the customer’s acceptance of the product or services.

 We also use project management methods such as Kaizen and Lean. Our processes are based on a cutting edge 

tool case and CAD-CAM tools. This infrastructure, together with well defined development methodology and management 
tools, assists us in providing high quality and on-time implementation of projects.

All Israeli operational sites are certified for one or more of the following: ISO-9001, ISO-90003 for software, 
AS9100 (certified for revision C), AS9115 for software, ISO-14001,  OHSAS 18001 and European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA) part 145 for maintaining civil products and part 21 G for production of civil products. We also comply with Capability 
Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Level 3 of the U.S. Software Engineering Institute (SEI) and NATO AQAP. 
Representatives of our customers generally test our products before acceptance. Branches of the IDF and other customers have 
authorized us to conduct acceptance testing of our products on their behalf.

32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quality certifications applicable to defense products of Elbit Systems of America’s operating units include 

certifications for CMMI Level 3 of the SEI, ISO-9001, AS9100 (certified for revision C) and compliance with NATO AQAP 
requirements. In the area of commercial aviation Elbit Systems of America’s operating units hold EASA certification as well as 
a variety of FAA certifications including FAA Part 21 approval and FAA Part 145 approved repair stations. In the medical 
equipment area, Elbit Systems of America is certified for ISO 13485:2003, is registered with the FDA as a GMP manufacturer 
and is FDA compliant with Quality Systems Regulations 21 CFR Parts 820, 803 and 806.

Service and Warranty

We instruct our customers on the proper maintenance of our systems and products. In addition, we often offer 

training and provide equipment to assist our customers in performing their own maintenance. When required, support may be 
provided by a local support team or by experts sent from our facilities. We also provide performance based logistics services.

We generally offer a one or two-year warranty for our systems and products following delivery to, or installation 
by, the customer. In some cases we offer longer warranty periods. We accrue for warranty obligations specifically determined 
for each project based on our experience and engineering estimates. These accruals are intended to cover post-delivery 
functionality and operating issues for which we are responsible under the applicable contract.

Marketing and Sales

We actively take the initiative in identifying the individual defense needs of our customers throughout the world. 

We then focus our research and development activities on systems designed to provide tailored solutions to those needs. We 
often provide demonstrations of prototypes and existing systems to potential customers.

We market our systems and products either as a prime contractor or as a subcontractor to various governments and 

defense contractors worldwide. In Israel, we sell our military systems and products mainly to the IMOD, which procures all 
equipment for the IDF. A number of marketing related support services are provided on a central shared services basis to 
various units in the Company. We are assisted in marketing our systems, products and services in other parts of the world 
through subsidiaries, joint ventures and representatives.

In the U.S., generally Elbit Systems of America leads our sales and marketing activities from its facilities 

throughout the U.S. Elbit Systems of America operates under a Special Security Agreement that allows it and its subsidiaries to 
work on certain classified U.S. government programs. See above “U.S. Subsidiaries – Elbit Systems of America.” Our 
subsidiaries in other countries typically lead the marketing activities in their home countries, often assisted by marketing and 
business development personnel based in Israel.

Over the past several years, a number of the major entities in the Company have entered into cooperation 

agreements with major defense contractors in Israel, the United States, Europe, Brazil, Asia, and certain other key markets. 
These agreements provide for joint participation in marketing and performance of a range of projects. In other countries, we 
actively pursue business opportunities as either a prime contractor or a subcontractor, usually together with local companies. 
Often we enter into cooperation agreements with other companies for such opportunities.

Competition

We operate in a competitive environment for most of our projects, systems and products. Competition is based on 

product and program performance, price, reputation, reliability, life cycle costs, overall value to the customer and 
responsiveness to customer requirements. This includes the ability to respond to rapid changes in technology. In addition, our 
competitive position sometimes is affected by specific requirements in particular markets.

In recent years consolidation in the defense industry has affected competition. This has decreased the number but 

increased the relative size and resources of our competitors. We adapt to market conditions by adjusting our business strategy to 
changing defense market conditions. We also anticipate continued competition in defense markets due to declining defense 
budgets in many countries.

Competitors in the sale of some of our products to the government of Israel include IAI and Rafael among others. 

From time to time we also cooperate with some of our competitors on specific projects. Outside of Israel, we compete in a 
number of areas with major international defense contractors principally from the United States, Europe and Israel. Our main 
competitors include divisions and subsidiaries of Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, BAE Systems, 
Rockwell Collins, L-3 Communications, Thales, Airbus, Finmeccanica,  Saab, Harris, Textron, FLIR Systems, Rhode and 

33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Schwartz, Rheinmetall, Kongsberg  and Safran. Many of these competitors have greater financial, marketing and other 
resources than ours. We also compete in the worldwide defense market with numerous smaller companies. In addition, we 
compete with a range of companies in the commercial avionics market. In certain cases we also engage in strategic cooperative 
activities with some of our competitors.

Overall, we believe we are able to compete on the basis of our systems development and technological expertise, 

our systems’ operationally-proven performance and our policy of offering customers overall solutions to technological, 
operational and financial needs.

Major Customers

Sometimes, our revenues from an individual customer account for more than 10% of our revenues in a specific 
year. Our only such customer during the last three years was the IMOD, which accounted for 23% in 2011, 15% in 2012 and 
22% in 2013.

Ethics

We conduct our business activities and develop Company policies based on a firm commitment to ethical 

practices. In addition to our Code of Conduct (see Item 16.B) and compliance with applicable laws and regulations, we have an 
active Company-wide ethics compliance program, incorporating policies and procedures, including for anti-bribery compliance. 
Our compliance program also includes ongoing training and enforcement. We also expect our supply chain to follow ethical 
practices. Our Code of Conduct, Anti-Bribery Compliance Policy and Supplier Code of Conduct are published on our website 
www.elbitsystems.com.  We are active in a number of international organizations relating to ethics and compliance.

Social Responsibility and Sustainability

We place importance on social responsibility to the communities in which we live and work. This is consistent 
with our policy of emphasizing ethics in our business practices. Our policy encourages the voluntary efforts of our Company 
entities and employees who donate their time and efforts in the support of members of our communities who are in need. In this 
regard, we place priority on initiatives to promote educational advancement, particularly in the technology sectors.  Activities 
resulting from our social responsibility policy include facilitating the placement of our employees as tutors in peripheral 
communities and less developed neighborhoods, providing technology-related knowledge as well as other educational 
resources generally lacking in those areas. We also promote numerous other community support activities, including 
involvement on a national level basis in major charitable organizations in Israel and the U.S. We place emphasis on best 
practices in corporate governance, ethical conduct and fair employment practices. We also pursue continuous improvement of 
our operations from an environmental perspective. Our commitment to social responsibility and sustainability initiatives has 
been reflected in our ongoing ranking among the top Israeli companies in the “Maala” social responsibility index. We 
periodically publish a Sustainability Report detailing our activities in the areas of corporate responsibility, ethics, environmental 
initiatives and community-related activities.

Conditions in Israel

Political, Military and Economic Risks. Our operations in Israel are subject to several potential political, military 

and economic risks. (See Item 3. Key Information – Risk Factors – Risks Related to Our Israeli Operations.)

Trade Agreements

Israel is a member of the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the International Bank for 
Reconstruction and Development and the International Finance Corporation. Israel also is a party to the General Agreement on 
Tariffs and Trade, which provides for reciprocal lowering of trade barriers among its members. In addition, Israel has been 
granted preferences under the Generalized System of Preferences from several countries. These preferences allow Israel to 
export products covered by such programs either duty-free or at reduced tariffs.

Israel and the European Community are parties to a Free Trade Agreement that provides some advantages for 

Israeli exports to most European countries and requires Israel to lower its tariffs on imports from these countries over a number 
of years. Israel and the United States entered into an agreement to establish a Free Trade Area that eliminates tariff and some 
non-tariff barriers on most trade between the two countries. An agreement between Israel and the European Free Trade 
Association (EFTA), established a free-trade zone between Israel and the EFTA member nations.

34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chief Scientist (OCS) and Investment Center Funding

The government of Israel, through the OCS and the Israel Investment Center (the Investment Center), encourages 
research and development projects oriented towards export products and participates in the funding of such projects as well as 
company investments in manufacturing infrastructures.

Our Israeli companies receiving OCS funding for development of products usually pay the Israeli government a 

royalty at various rates and are subject to a number of conditions. (See Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – 
Long-Term Arrangements and Commitments – Government Funding of Development.) Separate Israeli government consent is 
required to transfer to third parties technologies developed through projects in which the government participates in the funding 
of the development effort.

The Investment Center promotes Israeli export products and increased industrialization of peripheral areas 

through investment in industrial infrastructure. The Investment Center either provides grants for qualified projects or provides 
tax benefits for qualified industrial investments by Israeli companies.

Israeli Labor Laws. Our employees in Israel are subject to Israeli labor laws. Some employees are also affected 
by some provisions of collective bargaining agreements between the Histadrut – General Federation of Labor in Israel and the 
Coordination Bureau of Economic Organizations, which includes the Industrialists’ Association. These labor laws and 
collective bargaining provisions mainly concern the length of the work day, minimum daily wages for professional workers, 
insurance for work-related accidents, procedures for dismissing certain employees, determination of severance pay, 
employment of “manpower” employees and other conditions of employment.

Severance Pay. Under Israeli law, our Israeli companies are required to make severance payments to terminated 

Israeli employees, other than in some cases of termination for cause. The severance reserve is calculated based on the 
employee’s last salary and period of employment. A portion of the severance pay and pension obligation is covered by payment 
of premiums to insurance companies under approved plans and to pension funds. The deposits presented in the balance sheet 
include profits accumulated to the balance sheet date. The amounts deposited may be withdrawn only after fulfillment of the 
obligations under the Israeli laws relating to severance pay. However, Elbit Systems and our Israeli subsidiaries have entered 
into agreements with some of our employees implementing Section 14 of the Severance Payment Law, which agreements relate 
to the treatment of severance pay. (See Item 18. Financial Statements – Note 2(R).)

National Insurance Institute. Israeli employees and employers are required to pay predetermined sums to the 

National Insurance Institute, which is similar to the U.S. Social Security Administration. These amounts also include payments 
for national health insurance. As of December 31, 2013, the payments to the National Insurance Institute were equal to 
approximately 18.5% of wages, subject to a cap if an employee’s monthly wages exceed a specified amount. The employee 
contributes approximately 65%, and the employer contributes approximately 35%.

Enforcement of Judgments

Israeli courts may enforce U.S. and other foreign jurisdiction final executory judgments for liquidated amounts in 

civil matters, obtained after due process before a court of competent jurisdiction. This enforcement is made according to the 
private international law rules currently applicable in Israel, which recognize and enforce similar Israeli judgments, provided 
that:

• 

adequate service of process has been made and the defendant has had a reasonable opportunity to be heard;

the judgment and its enforcement are not contrary to the law, public policy, security or sovereignty of the 

• 
State of Israel;

the judgment was not obtained by fraud and does not conflict with any other valid judgment in the same 

• 
matter between the same parties;

an action between the same parties in the same matter is not pending in any Israeli court at the time the 

• 
lawsuit is instituted in the foreign court; and

• 

the judgment is no longer subject to a right of appeal.

Foreign judgments enforced by Israeli courts generally will be payable in Israeli currency. The usual practice in 

Israel in an action to recover an amount in a non-Israeli currency is for the Israeli court to provide for payment of the equivalent 

35

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
amount in Israeli currency at the exchange rate in effect on the judgment date. Under existing Israeli law, a foreign judgment 
payable in foreign currency may be paid in Israeli currency at the foreign currency’s exchange rate on the payment date or in 
foreign currency. Until collection, an Israeli court judgment stated in Israeli currency will ordinarily be linked to the Israeli 
Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus interest at the annual rate (set by Israeli regulations) in effect at that time. Judgment creditors 
must bear the risk of unfavorable exchange rates.

Item 4A. 

Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

Item 5. 

Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.

The following discussion and analysis should be read together with our audited consolidated financial statements 

and notes appearing in Item 18 below.

General

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our significant accounting policies are described in Item 18. Financial Statements – Note 2.

Our results of operations and financial condition are based on our consolidated financial statements, which are 

presented in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP). The preparation of the 
consolidated financial statements requires management to select accounting policies as well as estimates and assumptions and 
to make judgments that involve the accounting policies described below that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated 
financial statements. Significant changes in assumptions and/or conditions and changes in our critical accounting policies could 
materially impact our operating results and financial condition.

We believe our most critical accounting policies relate to:

•  Revenue Recognition.

•  Business Combinations.

• 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill.

•  Other-Than-Temporary Decline in Value of Investments in Investee.

•  Useful Lives of Long-Lived Assets.

•  Taxes on Income.

• 

Stock-Based Compensation Expense.

Revenue Recognition

We generate revenues principally from fixed-price long-term contracts involving the design, development, 

manufacture and integration of defense electronic systems and products. In addition, to a lesser extent, we provide non-defense 
systems and products as well as support and services for our systems and products.

Revenues from long-term contracts are recognized primarily using the Financial Accounting Standards Board 
(FASB), Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) ASC 605-35 “Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts” (ASC 
605-35) according to which we recognize revenues on the percentage-of-completion basis.

The percentage-of-completion method of accounting requires management to estimate the cost and gross profit 

margin for each individual contract. Estimated gross profit or loss from long-term contracts may change due to changes in 
estimates resulting from differences between actual performance and original estimated forecasts. Such changes in estimated 
gross profit are recorded in results of operations when they are reasonably determinable by management, on a cumulative 
catch-up basis. Anticipated losses on contracts are charged to earnings when determined to be probable.

36

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We believe that the use of the percentage of completion method is appropriate as we have the ability to make 

reasonably dependable estimates of the extent of progress towards completion, contract revenues and contract costs. In 
addition, contracts executed include provisions that clearly specify the enforceable rights regarding products and services to be 
provided and received by the parties to the contracts, the consideration to be exchanged and the manner and terms of 
settlement. In all cases, revenue is recognized when we expect to perform our contractual obligations, and our customers are 
expected to satisfy their obligations under the contract.

Management periodically reviews the estimates of progress towards completion and project costs. These estimates 
are determined based on engineering estimates and past experience, by personnel having the appropriate authority and expertise 
to make reasonable estimates of the related costs. Such engineering estimates are reviewed periodically for each specific 
contract by professional personnel from various disciplines within the organization. These estimates take into consideration the 
probability of achievement of certain milestones, as well as other factors that might impact the contract’s completion.

A number of internal and external factors affect our cost estimates, including labor rates, estimated future prices of 

materials, revised estimates of uncompleted work, efficiency variances, linkage to indices and exchange rates, customer 
specifications and testing requirement changes. If any of the above factors were to change, or if different assumptions were 
used in estimating project cost and measuring progress towards completion, it is likely that materially different amounts would 
be reported in our consolidated financial statements.

In certain circumstances, sales under short-term fixed-price production type contracts or sale of products are 
accounted for in accordance with the SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 104, “Revenue Recognition in Financial 
Statements” (SAB 104), and recognized when all the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, 
delivery has occurred, the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, no further obligation exists and collectability is 
reasonably assured.

In cases where the contract involves the delivery of products and performance of services, or other obligations, we 

follow the guidelines specified in ASC 605-25. “Multiple-Element Arrangements”, in order to allocate the contract 
consideration between the identified different elements using the relative selling price method to allocate the entire arrangement 
consideration. The selling price of each element would be allocated by using a hierarchy of: (i) Vendor Specific Objective 
Evidence (VSOE); (ii) third-party evidence of the selling price for that element; or (iii) estimated selling price for individual 
elements of an arrangement when VSOE or third-party evidence of the selling price is unavailable.

Service revenues include contracts primarily for the provision of supplies or services other than associated with 

design, development or manufacturing and production activities. It may be a stand-alone service contract or a service element, 
which was separated from the design, development or production contract according to the criteria established in ASC 605-25. 
Our service contracts primarily include operation and maintenance contracts, outsourcing-type arrangements, return and repair 
contracts, training, installation service contracts, etc. Revenue from services were less than 10% of consolidated revenues in 
each of the fiscal years 2011, 2012 and 2013.  (See Item 18. Financial Statements - Note 2(T) for additional information.)

Business Combinations

In accordance with ASC 805 “Business Combinations”, we allocate the purchase price of acquired companies to 
the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as to IPR&D and contingent consideration, and non-
controlling interest, based on their estimated fair values. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and 
assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets.

We engage third-party appraisal firms to assist management in determining the fair values of certain assets 

acquired and liabilities assumed. Estimating the fair value of certain assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires judgment 
and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, mainly with respect to intangible assets. Management 
makes estimates of fair value based upon market participants’ assumptions believed to be reasonable. These estimates are based 
on historical experience and information obtained from the management of the acquired companies, and although they are 
deemed to be consistent with market participants’ highest and best use of the assets in the principal or most advantageous 
market, they are inherently uncertain. While there are a number of different methods for estimating the value of intangible 
assets acquired, the primary method used is the discounted cash flow approach. Some of the more significant estimates and 
assumptions inherent in the discounted cash flow approach include projected future cash flows, including their timing, a 
discount rate reflecting the risk inherent in the future cash flows and a terminal growth rate. We also estimate the expected 
useful lives of the intangible assets, which requires judgment and can impact our results of operations. Unanticipated events 
and circumstances may occur that may affect the accuracy or validity of such assumptions, estimates or actual results.

37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
To the extent intangible assets are assigned longer useful lives, there may be less amortization expense recorded in 

a given period. Because we operate in industries which are extremely competitive, the value of our intangible assets and their 
respective useful lives are exposed to future adverse changes, which can result in an impairment charge to our results of 
operations.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill

Our long-lived assets, including identifiable intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment in accordance with 

ASC 360-10-35 “Property, Plant and Equipment Subsequent Measurement” whenever events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured 
by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. 
If an asset is determined to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying 
amount of the asset exceeds its fair value. Fair value of non-financial assets is determined based on market participant 
assumptions. For each of the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, no material impairment of long-lived assets was 
identified.

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquired businesses over the fair values of the assets acquired and 
net of liabilities assumed. Goodwill is not amortized, but is instead tested for impairment at least annually (or more frequently 
if impairment indicators arise).

We review goodwill for impairment on an annual basis and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate 

the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. Such events or circumstances could include significant changes in the 
business climate of our industry, operating performance indicators, competition or sale or disposal of a portion of a reporting 
unit. The assessment is performed at the reporting unit level. Our annual testing date for all reporting units is December 31.

Performing the goodwill impairment test requires judgment, including how we define reporting units and 

determine their fair value. We consider a component of our business to be a reporting unit if it constitutes a business for which 
discrete financial information is available and management regularly reviews the operating results of that component. We 
estimate the fair value of each reporting unit using a discounted cash flow methodology that requires significant judgment. 
Forecasts of future cash flows are based on our best estimate of future sales and operating costs, based primarily on existing 
backlog, expected future contracts, contracts with suppliers, labor agreements and general market conditions. We base cash 
flow projections for each reporting unit using a five-year forecast of cash flows and a terminal value based on the Perpetuity 
Growth Model. The five-year forecast and related assumptions are derived from the most recent annual financial forecast for 
which the planning process commenced in our fourth quarter. The discount rate applied to our forecasts of future cash flows is 
based on our estimated weighted average cost of capital and includes factors such as the risk-free rate of return and the return 
an outside investor would expect to earn based on the overall level of inherent risk. The determination of expected returns 
includes consideration of the beta (a measure of risk) of traded securities of comparable companies. Changes in these estimates 
and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value and/or goodwill impairment for each reporting unit.

We evaluate goodwill for impairment by comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying 
value, including goodwill. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value, we measure impairment by comparing the 
derived fair value of goodwill to its carrying value, and any impairment determined is recorded in the current period.  For each 
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013, no material impairment of goodwill was identified.

Other-Than-Temporary Decline in Value of Investments in Investee

Management evaluates investments in affiliates and other companies for evidence of other-than-temporary 

declines in value. When relevant factors indicate a decline in value that is other-than-temporary we recognize an impairment 
loss for the decline in value. We use our judgment in determining whether an other-than-temporary decline in the value of an 
investment has been sustained. Such evaluation is dependent on the specific facts and circumstances. Accordingly, management 
evaluates financial information (e.g. budgets, business plans, financial statements, etc.) in determining whether an other-than-
temporary decline in value exists. Factors indicative of an other-than-temporary decline include recurring operating losses, 
credit defaults and subsequent rounds of financings at an amount below the cost basis of the investment. This list is not all-
inclusive, and management weighs many quantitative and qualitative factors in determining if an other-than-temporary decline 
in value of an investment has occurred.

During 2012 and 2013  no material impairment in investments in affiliates and other companies was recognized. 

During 2011, an impairment loss was recorded in the amount of $9.5 million relating to our investment in Fraser-Volpe LLC 
(FV), a subsidiary that was classified as held-for-sale. During 2013 the Company sold its holdings in FV.

38

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Useful Lives of Long-Lived Assets

Identifiable intangible assets and property, plant and equipment are amortized over their estimated useful lives. 

Determining the useful lives of such assets involves the use of estimates and judgments. In determining the useful lives we take 
into account various factors such as the expected use of the assets, effects of obsolescence, including technological 
developments, competition, demand and changes in business, acquisitions and other economic factors. If we estimate changes 
and the useful lives of such assets increase or decrease, it will affect our results of operations. (See above “Impairment of Long-
Lived Assets and Goodwill” for further discussion of the effects of changes in useful lives.)

Taxes on Income

We record income taxes using the asset and liability approach, whereby deferred tax assets and liability account 

balances are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and of operating 
losses and credit carry-forwards, and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the 
differences are expected to reverse. We record a valuation allowance, if necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts that 
are more likely than not to be realized. We have considered future taxable income on a jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis, 
prudent and feasible tax planning strategies and other available evidence in determining the need for a valuation allowance. In 
the event we were to determine that we would be able to realize these deferred income tax assets in the future, we would adjust 
the valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

We establish reserves for tax-related uncertainties based on estimates of whether, and the extent to which, 

additional taxes will be due. These reserves are established when we believe that certain positions might be challenged despite 
our belief that our tax return positions are in accordance with applicable tax laws. As part of the determination of our tax 
liability, management exercises considerable judgment in evaluating tax positions taken by us in determining the income tax 
provision and establishes reserves for tax contingencies in accordance with ASC 740 "Income Taxes" guidelines. We adjust 
these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the closing of a tax audit, new tax legislation or the change 
of an estimate based on new information. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts 
recorded, such differences will affect the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made.  During 
2013, Elbit Systems and certain of our subsidiaries settled certain income tax matters pertaining to multiple years in Israel and 
Europe.  Certain of our Israeli subsidiaries are currently undergoing tax audits by the Israeli Tax Authority.  The provision for 
income taxes includes the effect of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that are considered appropriate, as well as the 
related interest and penalties.

Management’s judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in 

which we operate. The provision for income tax is calculated based on our assumptions as to our entitlement to various benefits 
under the applicable tax laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate. The entitlement to such benefits depends upon our 
compliance with the terms and conditions set out in these laws. Although we believe that our estimates are reasonable and that 
we have considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax strategies in estimating our tax outcome, there 
is no assurance that the final tax outcomes will not be different than those which are reflected in our historical income tax 
provisions and accruals. Such differences could have a material effect on our income tax provision, net income and cash 
balances in the period in which such determination is made. (See Item 18. Financial Statements - Notes 2(W) and 18.)

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

We apply ASC 718 “Compensation – Stock Based Compensation” (ASC 718), which requires the measurement 
and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to our employees and directors, including 
employee stock options, based on estimated fair values and cash-based awards linked to the share price. Stock-based 
compensation expense in 2013 was $0.4 million, in 2012 was $3.3 million and in 2011 was $2.0 million. (See Item 18. 
Financial Statements – Notes 2(Z) and 21 for additional information.)

Under ASC 718, we estimate the value of employee stock options on the date of grant using a lattice-based option 

valuation model. The determination of fair value of stock option awards on the date of grant is affected by several factors 
including our stock price, our stock price volatility, risk-free interest rate, expected dividends and employee stock option 
exercise behaviors. If such factors change and we employ different assumptions for future grants, our compensation expense 
may differ significantly from what we have recorded in the current period.

In addition, our compensation expense is affected by our estimate of the number of awards that will ultimately 

vest. In the future, if the number of equity awards that are forfeited by employees are lower than expected, the expenses 

39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
recognized in such future periods will be higher. (See Item 18. Financial Statements – Notes 2(Z) and 21 for further description 
of our assumptions used for calculation of stock-based compensation expense.)

Governmental Policies

Governmental policies and regulations applicable to defense contractors, such as cost accounting and audit, export 

control, procurement solicitation and anti-bribery rules and regulations, could have a material impact on our operations. (See 
Item 3. Risk Factors – General Risks Related to Our Business and Market and Item 4. Information on the Company – 
Governmental Regulation.) According to Section 404 of the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we are required to include in our 
annual report on Form 20-F an assessment, as of the end of the fiscal year, of the effectiveness of our internal controls over 
financial reporting. (See Item 15. Controls and Procedures – Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial 
Reporting.)

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Item 18. Financial Statements – Note 2(AE).

Long-Term Arrangements and Commitments

Government Funding of Development. Elbit Systems and certain Israeli subsidiaries partially finance our 

research and development expenditures under programs sponsored by the Government of Israel Office of the Chief Scientist 
(OCS) for the support of research and development activities conducted in Israel. At the time the funds are received, successful 
development of the funded projects is not assured. In exchange for the funds, Elbit Systems and the subsidiaries pay 2% – 5% 
of total sales of the products developed under these programs. The obligation to pay these royalties is contingent on actual 
future sales of the products. Elbit Systems and some of our subsidiaries may also be obligated to pay certain amounts to the 
IMOD and others on certain sales including sales resulting from the development of some of the technologies developed with 
such respective entity’s funds. (See Item 4. Information on the Company – Conditions in Israel – Chief Scientist (OCS) and 
Investment Center Funding.)

Lease Commitments. The future minimum lease commitments of the Company under various non-cancelable 

operating lease agreements for property, motor vehicles and office equipment as of December 31, 2013 were as follows: $27.2 
million for 2014, $21.0 million for 2015, $17.1 million for 2016,  $14.1 million for 2017, $13.3 million for 2018 and $87.8 
million for 2019 and thereafter. (See below “Contractual Obligations”.)

Bank Covenants. In connection with bank credits and loans, including performance guarantees issued by banks 

and bank guarantees in order to secure certain advances from customers, Elbit Systems and certain subsidiaries are obligated to 
meet certain financial covenants. (See below – “Liquidity and Capital Resources – Financial Resources”). Such covenants 
include requirements for shareholders’ equity, current ratio, operating profit margin, tangible net worth, EBITDA, interest 
coverage ratio and total leverage. (See Item 18. Financial Statements – Note 20(F).)  As of December 31, 2012 and 2013, the 
Company met all financial covenants.

Bank Guarantees. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, guarantees in the aggregate amount of approximately 

$945 million and $1,070 million , respectively, were issued by banks on behalf of several Company entities primarily in order 
to secure certain advances from customers and performance bonds.

Purchase Commitments. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had purchase commitments of approximately 

$1,166 million and $949 million, respectively. These purchase orders and subcontracts are typically in standard formats 
proposed by us. These subcontracts and purchase orders also reflect provisions from the applicable prime contract that apply to 
subcontractors and vendors. The terms typically included in these purchase orders and subcontracts are consistent with Uniform 
Commercial Code provisions in the United States for sales of goods, as well as with specific terms requested by our customers 
in international contracts. These terms include our right to terminate the purchase order or subcontract in the event of the 
vendor’s or subcontractor’s default, as well as our right to terminate the order or subcontract for our convenience (or if our 
prime contractor has so terminated the prime contract). Such purchase orders and subcontracts typically are not subject to 
variable price provisions.

Acquisitions During 2013

See Item 4. Information on the Company – Recent Acquisitions, Mergers and Divestitures.

40

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Backlog of Orders

Our backlog includes firm commitments received from customers for systems, products, services and projects that 

have yet to be completed. Our policy is to include orders in our backlog only when specific conditions are met. Examples of 
these conditions may include, among others, receipt of a letter of commitment, program funding, advances, letters of credit, 
guarantees and/or other commitments from customers. As a result, from time to time we could have unrecorded orders in excess 
of the level of backlog.

We reduce backlog when revenues for a specific contract are recognized, such as when delivery or acceptance 

occurs or when contract milestones or engineering progress under the long-term contracts are recognized as achieved. In some 
cases we reduce backlog when costs are incurred. In the unusual event of a contract cancellation, we would also be required to 
reduce our backlog accordingly. The method of backlog recognition used may differ depending on the particular contract. 
Orders in currencies other than U.S. dollars are translated periodically into U.S. dollars and recorded accordingly.

Our backlog of orders as of December 31, 2013 was $5,822 million, of which 69% was for orders outside Israel. 

Our backlog of orders as of December 31, 2012 was $5,683 million, of which 67% was for orders outside Israel.  
Approximately 69% of our backlog as of December 31, 2013 is scheduled to be performed during 2014 and 2015. The majority 
of the 31% balance is scheduled to be performed in 2016 and 2017. Backlog information and any comparison of backlog as of 
different dates may not necessarily represent an indication of future sales.

Trends

Trends in the defense and homeland security areas in which we operate have been impacted by the nature of 

recent conflicts and terrorism activities throughout the world, increasing the focus of defense forces on low intensity conflicts, 
homeland security and cyber warfare. The defense market has also been impacted by the withdrawal of most of the allied forces 
from Iraq and a reduction of allied forces in Afghanistan.  There has also been a trend of many armed forces to focus more on 
airborne, naval and intelligence forces and less on traditional ground forces.

In the defense electronics market, there is an increasing demand for products and systems in the areas of C4ISR 

and unmanned vehicles. Accordingly, while we continue to perform platform upgrades, in recent years more emphasis is being 
placed on C4ISR, including information systems, intelligence gathering, situational awareness, precision guidance, all weather 
and day/night operations, border and perimeter security, UAS, other unmanned vehicles, cyber-defense systems, training and 
simulation, space and satellite-based defense capabilities and homeland security systems.  Many governments are increasing 
their budgets in the homeland security and cyber-defense areas.  We believe that our core technologies and abilities will enable 
us to take advantage of many of these emerging trends, as well as to continue to participate in the “Current Force” legacy 
operations of our customers.

In recent years consolidation in the defense industry has affected competition. This consolidation has decreased 

the number but increased the relative size and resources of our competitors. We adapt to evolving market conditions by 
adjusting our business strategy. Our business strategy also anticipates increased competition in defense markets due to declining 
defense budgets in certain countries. As a result of recent worldwide financial developments, current indications are that overall 
defense spending is unlikely to increase in the coming years, and many governments recently have reduced their defense 
budgets. However, we believe in our ability to compete on the basis of our systems development, technological expertise, 
combat-proven performance and policy of offering customers overall solutions to technological, operational and financial needs 
and at the same time enhancing the industrial capabilities in certain of our customers’ countries.

Our future success is dependent on our ability to meet our customers’ expectations and anticipate emerging 

customer needs. We must continue to successfully perform on existing programs, as past performance is an important selection 
criteria for new competitive awards. We also must anticipate customer needs so as to be able to develop working prototypes in 
advance of program solicitations. Such working prototypes are becoming an increasingly standard part of our competitive 
environment. This requires us to anticipate future technological and operational trends in our marketplace and efficiently 
engage in relevant research and development efforts.

41

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Summary of Operating Results

The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations for each of the three years ended 

December 31, 2013.

Year ended December 31,

2013

2012

2011

$

%

$

%

$

%

(in thousands of U.S. dollars except per share data)
$ 2,817,465
2,085,451
732,014

$ 2,888,607
2,072,742
815,865

100.0
71.8
28.2

100.0
71.8
28.2

100.0
74.0
26.0

10.2
(1.6)
8.6
8.4
4.9
21.9
4.1
(0.5)
0.1
3.7
0.5
3.2

0.6
3.8

(0.6)
3.2

—

3.2

9.6
(1.5)
8.1
8.4
4.8
21.2
7.0
(0.9)
—
6.1
0.6
5.5

0.4
5.9

—
5.9

(0.1)

5.8

288,668
(47,576)
241,092
235,909
139,349
616,350
115,664
(13,569)
1,909
104,004
13,624
90,380

15,377
105,757

(15,977)
89,780

508

90,288

2.31
(0.22)
2.09

$

$

$

$

Total revenues
Cost of revenues
Gross profit
Research and development (R&D)
expenses
Less – participation
R&D expenses, net
Marketing and selling expenses
General and administrative expenses

Operating income
Financial expenses, net
Other income, net
Income before taxes on income
Taxes on income

Equity in net earnings of affiliated
companies and partnerships
Income from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued
operations, net
Net income
Less – net loss (income) attributable
to non-controlling interests
Net income attributable to the
Company’s shareholders

$ 2,925,151
2,100,304
824,847

263,314
(42,832)
220,482
235,466
129,507
585,455
239,392
(37,310)
937
203,019
25,313
177,706

13,032
190,738

681
191,419

$

9.0
(1.5)
7.5
8.0
4.4
20.0
8.2
(1.3)
—
6.9
0.8
6.1

0.4
6.5

—
6.5

276,458
(43,071)
233,387
241,911
137,517
612,815
203,050
(26,086)
78
177,042
17,099
159,943

11,160
171,103

(616)
170,487

$

(8,002)

(0.2)

(2,608)

$

183,417

6.3

$

167,879

Diluted net earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Total

$

$

4.33
0.01
4.34

$

$

3.98
(0.01)
3.97

42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2013 Compared to 2012

Revenues

Our sales are primarily to governmental entities and prime contractors under government defense programs. 

Accordingly, the level of our revenues is subject to governmental budgetary constraints.

The following table sets forth our revenue distribution by areas of operation:

Year ended

Airborne systems
Land systems
C4ISR systems
Electro-optic systems
Other (mainly non-defense engineering and production
services)
Total

December 31, 2013
%

December 31, 2012
%

$ millions
1,133.1
309.3
1,071.4
313.9

97.5
2,925.2

38.8
10.6
36.6
10.7

3.3
100.0

$ millions
1,054.5
374.5
1,017.6
324.1

117.9
2,888.6

Our consolidated revenues in 2013 were  $2,925.2 million as compared to $2,888.6 million  in 2012.

The leading contributors to our revenues were the airborne systems and C4ISR systems areas of operations. The  
increases in the airborne systems and C4ISR systems areas of operation were primarily due to increased revenues in Israel for 
avionics systems, command and control systems and maintenance services sold to the IMOD. The decrease in the land systems 
area of operations was mainly due to a decline in revenues for fire control and life support systems in Israel and North America.

The following table sets forth our distribution of revenues by geographical regions:

Year ended

Israel
North America
Europe
Latin America
Asia-Pacific
Other
Total

December 31, 2013
%

December 31, 2012
%

$ millions
705.7
860.7
546.7
283.0
448.1
81.0
2,925.2

24.1
29.4
18.7
9.7
15.3
2.8
100.0

$ millions
519.9
909.4
561.1
258.8
568.4
71.0
2,888.6

36.5
13.0
35.2
11.2

4.1
100.0

18.0
31.5
19.4
9.0
19.7
2.4
100.0

The decline in revenues in North America was mainly a result of reduced revenues relating to the areas of electro-
optics and other (mainly non-defense engineering and production services). The decline in revenues in Asia-Pacific was mainly 
a result of reduced revenues relating to avionics systems and fire control systems. The increase in revenues in Israel was mainly 
due to command and control systems and electro-optic systems.

Cost of Revenues and Gross Profit 

Cost of revenues in 2013 was $2,100.3 million (71.8% of revenues)  as compared to $2,072.7 million (71.8% of 

revenues) in 2012.

43

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our major components of cost of revenues are (i) wages and related benefits costs, (ii) subcontractors and material 
consumed  and  (iii)  manufacturing  expenses  (including  depreciation  and  amortization). The  amounts  and  percentage  of  those 
components in 2013 and 2012 were as follows: 

         Wages and related benefits costs in 2013 constituted 40% of cost of revenues as compared to 39% of cost of revenues 
in 2012. The total cost of wages and related benefits in 2013 was approximately $840 million, as compared to approximately $800  
in 2012.

       Subcontractors and material consumed costs in 2013 constituted 47% of cost of revenues as compared to 48% of 
cost of revenues in 2012. The total amount of subcontractors and material consumed costs in 2013 was approximately $1 billion, 
similar to that in 2012.

         Manufacturing expenses in  2013 constituted 14% of cost of revenues, similar to that in 2012. The total cost of 

manufacturing expenses in 2013 was approximately $300 million, similar to that in 2012.

        In the periods described, changes in our cost of revenues and cost of revenues components were not material. We 
did not identify any developing trends in cost of revenues that we believe would have a material impact on our future operations 
other than the continued strengthening of the NIS against the U.S. dollar, which could have an impact on our labor costs.

Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2013 was  $824.8 million (28.2% of revenues) as compared to 

$815.9 million (28.2% of revenues) in the year ended December 31, 2012. 

In 2013 we recognized in cost of revenues, income of approximately $16 million (0.5% of revenues) as a result of 

the elimination of a reserve for a warranty obligation that we originally recorded in connection with an acquisition of a 
company in 2010.  This warranty obligation, which related to a project delivered to a foreign customer, reached its statute of 
limitations in the foreign customer's country. 

Research and Development (R&D) Expenses

We continually invest in R&D in order to maintain and further advance our technologies, in accordance with our 

long-term plans, based on our estimate of future market needs. Our R&D costs, net of participation grants, include costs 
incurred for independent research and development and bid and proposal efforts and are expensed as incurred.

Gross R&D expenses in 2013 totaled $263.3 million (9.0% of revenues) as compared to $276.5 million (9.6% of 

revenues) in 2012.

Net R&D expenses (after deduction of third party participation) in 2013 totaled $220.5 million (7.5% of revenues) 

as compared to $233.4 million (8.1% of revenues) in 2012.

Marketing and Selling Expenses

We are active in developing new markets and pursue at any given time various business opportunities according to 

our plans.

Marketing and selling expenses in 2013 were $235.5 million (8.0% of revenues) as compared to $241.9 million 

(8.4% of revenues) in 2012.

General and Administration (G&A) Expenses

G&A expenses in 2013 were $129.5 million (4.4% of revenues) as compared to $137.5 million in 2012 (4.8% of 

revenues). G&A expenses in 2013 benefited from income related to a legal settlement net of expenses of $7.6 million.

Operating Income

Our operating income in 2013 was $239.4 million (8.2% of revenues) as compared to $203.1 million (7.0% of 

revenues) in 2012. 

44

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Expense (Net)

Net financing expenses in 2013 were $37.3 million, as compared to $26.1 million  in 2012. Financing expenses, 

net, in 2013 were comparatively high due to fluctuation of the U.S. dollar against other foreign currencies, such as the 
Australian dollar and the Brazilian real, during the year.

Other Income (Net)

Other income, net in 2013 was a $0.9 million gain as compared to a gain of $0.1 million in 2012.

Taxes on Income

Our tax rate represents a weighted average of the tax rates to which our various entities are subject.

Taxes on income in 2013 were $25.3 million (effective tax rate of 12.5%) as compared to $17.1 million (effective 

tax rate of 9.7%) in 2012. The effective tax rates in 2013 and 2012 were affected by prior years adjustments of $1.9 and $5.5  
million, respectively, mainly related to tax settlements. The change in the effective tax rate was also affected by the mix of the 
tax rates in the various jurisdictions in which the Company’s entities generate taxable income. We continued to enjoy a lower 
effective Israeli tax rate and the benefits of an “Approved and Privileged Enterprise”, which resulted in savings of $27.2 million 
and $26.1 million, respectively, in 2013 and 2012, significantly influencing our effective tax rates.

Company’s Share in Earnings of Affiliated Entities

The entities, in which we hold 50% or less in shares or voting rights (affiliates) and are therefore not consolidated 
in our financial statements, operate in complementary areas to our core business activities, including electro-optics and airborne 
systems.

In 2013, we had income of $13.0 million from our share in earnings of affiliates as compared to income of $11.2 

million in 2012.

Discontinued Operations, Net

A gain from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2013, amounted to $0.7 million as 

compared to a loss of $0.6 million from discontinued operations in 2012. In the second quarter of 2013 the Company sold its 
holdings in a held-for-sale entity and recognized a gain of approximately $1.0 million in discontinued operations.

Net Income and Earnings Per Share (EPS)

Net income in 2013 was $183.4 million (6.3% of revenues) as compared to net income of $167.9 million (5.8% of 

revenues) in 2012. The increase in net income resulted mainly from lower operating expenses in 2013 as compared to 2012. 
The diluted EPS was $4.34 in 2013 as compared to  $3.97 in 2012.

The number of shares used for computation of diluted EPS in the year ended December 31, 2013 was 42,295,000 

shares as compared to 42,277,000 shares in the year ended December 31, 2012.

45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2012 Compared to 2011

Revenues

The following table sets forth our revenue distribution by areas of operation:

Year ended

Airborne systems
Land systems
C4ISR systems
Electro-optic systems
Other (mainly non-defense engineering and production
services)
Total

December 31, 2012
%

December 31, 2011
%

$ millions
1,054.5
374.5
1,017.6
324.1

117.9
2,888.6

36.5
13.0
35.2
11.2

4.1
100.0

$ millions
969.4
405.3
996.4
300.2

146.2
2,817.5

Our consolidated revenues increased by 2.5% from $2,817.5 million in 2011 to $2,888.6 million in 2012.

The leading contributors to our revenues were the airborne systems and C4ISR systems areas of operations. The 

major increase was in the airborne systems area of operations, primarily due to increased revenues in North America for avionic 
systems, aerostructures and maintenance services. The decrease in the land systems area of operations was mainly due to a 
decline in revenues for fire control and life support systems in Israel and North America.

The following table sets forth our distribution of revenues by geographical regions:

Year ended

Israel
North America
Europe
Latin America
Asia-Pacific
Other
Total

December 31, 2012
%

December 31, 2011
%

$ millions
519.9
909.4
561.1
258.8
568.4
71.0
2,888.6

18.0
31.5
19.4
9.0
19.7
2.4
100.0

$ millions
697.2
890.7
552.4
165.5
460.0
51.7
2,817.5

34.4
14.4
35.4
10.6

5.2
100.0

24.8
31.6
19.6
5.9
16.3
1.8
100.0

The decline in revenues in Israel was mainly a result of reduced revenues relating to fire control and command 

and control systems. The increased revenues in Asia-Pacific was mainly related to electro-optics and communication 
equipment.The increased revenues in Latin America was mainly due to UAS and command and control systems.

Cost of Revenues and Gross Profit 

Cost of revenues in 2012 was $2,072.7 million (74.0% of revenues) as compared to $2,085.5 million (74.0% of 

revenues) in 2011. Cost of revenues in 2011 included an expense of $72.8 million (2.6% of revenues) related to the cessation of 
a program with a foreign customer (See Item 18. Financial Statements – Note 1(C).)

Our major components of cost of revenues are (i) wages and related benefits costs, (ii) subcontractors and material 
consumed  and  (iii)  manufacturing  expenses  (including  depreciation  and  amortization). The  amounts  and  percentage  of  those 
components in 2012 and 2011 were as follows: 

46

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
          Wages and related benefits costs in 2012 constituted 39% of cost of revenues as compared to 40% of cost of revenues 

in 2011. The total cost of wages and related benefits in 2012 was approximately $800 million, similar to that in 2011.

       Subcontractors and material consumed costs in 2012 constituted 47% of cost of revenues as compared to 48% of 
cost of revenues in 2011. The total amount of subcontractors and material consumed costs in 2012 was approximately $1 billion, 
similar to that in 2011.

         Manufacturing expenses in both 2012 and 2011 constituted 14% of cost of revenues. The total cost of manufacturing 

expenses in 2012 was approximately $300 million, similar to that in 2011.

In the periods described, changes in our cost of revenues and cost of revenues components were not material, except the 
expenses related to the cessation of a program mentioned above. We did not identify any developing trends in cost of revenues 
that we believe would have a material impact on our future operations.

Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $815.9 million (28.2% of revenues) as compared with 

gross profit of $732.0 million (26.0% of revenues) in the year ended December 31, 2011. The gross profit margin in 2012 
increased mainly as a result of the mix of programs sold in the year. The gross profit in 2011 was reduced by an expense of 
$72.8 million (2.6% of revenues) related to the cessation of a program with a foreign customer.

R&D Expenses

Gross R&D expenses in 2012 totaled $276.5 million (9.6% of revenues) as compared with $288.7 million (10.2% 

of revenues) in 2011.

Net R&D expenses (after deduction of third party participation) in 2012 totaled $233.4 million (8.1% of revenues) 

as compared to $241.1 million (8.6% of revenues) in 2011.

Marketing and Selling Expenses

Marketing and selling expenses in 2012 were $241.9 million (8.4% of revenues) as compared to $235.9 million 

(8.4% of revenues) in 2011.

G&A Expenses

G&A expenses in 2012 were $137.5 million (4.8% of revenues) as compared to $139.3 million (4.9% of 

revenues) in 2011.

Operating Income

Our operating income in 2012 was $203.1 million (7.0% of revenues) as compared to $115.7 million (4.1% of 

revenues) in 2011. The lower amount and margin of operating income in 2011 was mainly a result of the cessation of the 
program mentioned above.

Financial Expense (Net)

Net financing expenses in 2012 were $26.1 million as compared to $13.6 million in 2011. The increase in 2012 is 

related to interest on the additional issued Series A Notes. The financial expenses in 2011 were lower as a result of income 
primarily from currency hedging activities and the settlement of the ImageSat transaction.

Other Income (Net)

Other income, net in 2012 was a $0.1 million gain as compared to a gain of $1.9 in 2011.

Taxes on Income

Income taxes in 2012 were $17.1 million (effective tax rate of 9.7%) as compared to an income taxes of $13.6 

million (effective tax rate of 13.1%) in 2011. The effective tax rate was affected by prior years adjustments of $5.5 million. The 
change in the effective tax rate was also affected by the mix of the tax rates in the various jurisdictions in which the Company’s 
entities generate taxable income. We continued to enjoy a lower effective Israeli tax rate and the benefits of an “Approved and 
47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Privileged Enterprise”, which resulted in savings of $26.1 million and $11.5 million, respectively, in 2012 and 2011, 
significantly influencing our effective tax rates.

Company’s Share in Earnings of Affiliated Entities

In 2012, we had income of $11.2 million from our share in earnings of affiliates as compared to income of $15.4 

million in 2011.

Loss from Discontinued Operations, Net

Loss from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 amounted to $0.6 million. The net loss 

from discontinued operations (after deducting the minority interest) amounted to $0.4 million.

Net Income and EPS

Net income in 2012 was $167.9 million (5.8% of revenues) as compared to net income of $90.3 million (3.2% of 

revenues) in 2011. The net income in 2011 included the net effect of the cessation of a program which amounted to $62.2 
million. (See Item 18. Financial Statements – Note 1(C).) Diluted EPS was $3.97 in 2012 as compared to $2.09 in 2011.

The number of shares used for computation of diluted EPS in the year ended December 31, 2012 was 42,277,000 

shares as compared to 43,131,000 shares in the year ended December 31, 2011.

Israeli Debt Offering

In June 2010, Elbit Systems completed a public offering in Israel on the TASE of NIS 1.1 billion (approximately 

$283 million) Series A Notes (the Series A Notes). The Series A Notes were offered and sold pursuant to a shelf prospectus filed 
in May 2010 with the Israeli Securities Authority and the TASE. The shelf prospectus allowed us, during a period of 24 months 
following its publication, to raise capital from the public in Israel, from time to time, by issuing notes or warrants that are 
exercisable into notes subject to the terms of the shelf prospectus and to the publication of a supplemental shelf offering report 
describing the terms of the securities offered and the details of the specific offering.

In March and May 2012, respectively, under the framework of the shelf prospectus, Elbit Systems completed both 

an additional public offering on the TASE and a private placement in Israel to Israeli institutional investors, of new Series A 
Notes, for an aggregate consideration of approximately NIS 926 million (approximately $249 million). All Series A Notes 
formed a single series.

We account for the outstanding principal amount of our Series A Notes as long-term liability, in accordance with 

ASC 470, “Debt”, with current maturities classified as short-term liabilities. Debt issuance costs are capitalized and reported as 
deferred financing costs, which are amortized over the life of the Series A Notes using the effective interest rate method. As of 
December 31, 2013, the value of the Series A Notes was $424.1 million, less $62.9 million in current maturities and a fair value 
adjustment of $16.6 million from cross-currency interest rate swaps.

The Series A Notes are payable in ten equal annual installments on June 30 of each of the years 2011 through 

2020. The Series A Notes bear a fixed interest rate of 4.84% per annum, payable on June 30 and December 30 of each of the 
years through 2020 (the first interest payment was made on December 30, 2010, and the last interest payment will be made on 
June 30, 2020). (See Item 8. Financial Statements – Note 16.)

The Series A Notes (principal and interest) are in NIS and are not linked to any currency or index. The Series A 

Notes are unsecured, non-convertible and do not restrict our ability to issue additional notes of any class or distribute dividends 
in the future. There are no covenants on the Series A Notes.

The Series A Notes are listed for trading on the TASE. However, the Series A Notes are not registered under 

the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to 
U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation “S” promulgated under the Securities Act) without registration under the 
Securities Act or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

We also entered into ten-year cross currency interest rate swap transactions in order to effectively hedge the effect 

of interest and exchange rate differences resulting from the NIS Series A Notes that were issued in 2010 and the additional 
Series A Notes that were issued in 2012. Under the cross currency interest rate swaps, we receive fixed NIS at a rate of 4.84% 
48

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
on NIS 2 billion and pay floating six-month USD LIBOR plus an average spread of 1.84% on $450 million, which reflects the 
U.S. dollar value of the Series A Notes on the specific dates the transactions were entered. Both the debt and the swap 
instruments pay semi-annual coupons on June 30 and December 31. The purpose of these transactions was to convert the NIS 
fixed rate Series A Notes into USD LIBOR (6 months) floating rate obligations. As a result of these agreements, we are 
currently paying an effective interest rate of six-month LIBOR (0.45% at December 31, 2013) plus an average of 1.84% on the 
principal amount, as compared to the original 4.84% fixed rate. The above transactions qualify for fair value hedge accounting. 
(See also Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.)

Cash Flows

Our operating cash flow is affected by the cumulative cash flow generated from our various projects in the 
reported periods. Project cash flows are affected by the timing of the receipt of advances and the collection of accounts 
receivable from customers, as well as the timing of payments made by us in connection with the performance of the project. 
The receipt of payments usually relates to specific events during the project, while expenses are ongoing. As a result, our cash 
flow may vary from one period to another. Our policy is to invest our cash surplus mainly in interest bearing deposits, in 
accordance with our projected needs.

In general, subsidiaries are able to freely transfer cash dividends, loans or advances to Elbit Systems, subject to 

tax considerations in their applicable jurisdiction and subject to management commitment not to distribute tax exempt earnings. 
Such tax considerations have not had in the past, and are not anticipated to have, a material impact on our ability to meet our 
obligations.

2013

Our net cash flow generated from operating activities in 2013 was approximately $167.0 million, resulting mainly 
from our net income, which was decreased by the increase of approximately $117 million in trade receivables and the decrease 
of approximately $86 million in advances received from customers.

Net cash flow used in investment activities in 2013 was approximately $71.3 million, which was used mainly to 

purchase property, plant and equipment in the amount of approximately $60 million.

Net cash flow used for financing activities in 2013 was approximately $101.2 million, which was used mainly for 

repayment of Series A Notes in the amount of approximately $55 million and payment of dividends to shareholders in the 
amount of approximately $76 million (of which $25 million was paid by a subsidiary to non-controlling interests).

2012

Our net cash flow generated from operating activities in 2012 was approximately $198.4 million, resulting mainly 

from our net income and the increase in advances received from customers.

Net cash flow used in investment activities in 2012 was approximately $117.6 million, which was used mainly to 

purchase property, plant and equipment and investment in available-for-sale marketable securities.

Net cash flow used for financing activities in 2012 was approximately $84.1 million, which was used mainly for 

purchase of treasury shares, repayment of Series A Notes and payment of dividends to shareholders.

2011

Our net cash flow generated from operating activities in 2011 was approximately $190.9 million, resulting mainly 

from our net income and the increase in advances received from customers.

Net cash flow used in investment activities in 2011 was approximately $55.1 million, which was used mainly to 

purchase property, plant and equipment and acquisitions of subsidiaries and business operations.

Net cash flow used for financing activities in 2011 was approximately $84.3 million, which was used mainly for 

purchase of the non-controlling interest in Elisra, repayment of Series A Notes and payment of dividends to shareholders.

49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Resources

The financial resources available to us include profits, collection of accounts receivable, advances from customers 

and government of Israel and other third parties’ programs such as the OCS and development grants. In addition, we have 
access to bank credit lines and financing in Israel and abroad based on our capital, assets and activities.

Elbit Systems and some subsidiaries are obligated to meet various financial covenants set forth in our respective 

loan and credit agreements. Such covenants include requirements for shareholders’ equity, current ratio, operating profit 
margin, tangible net worth, EBITDA, interest coverage ratio and total leverage.  As of December 31, 2012 and 2013, the 
Company met all financial covenants.

On December 31, 2013, we had total borrowings from banks and public institutions in the amount of $224 million 

in long-term loans, of which most of the loans mature in 2015, and $945 million in guarantees issued on our behalf by banks, 
mainly in respect of advance payment and performance guarantees provided in the regular course of business. In addition, at 
December 31, 2013, we had $441 million in outstanding debt under our Series A Notes, including  $63 million maturing in 
2014. On December 31, 2013, we had a cash balance amounting to $194 million. We also have the ability to raise funds on the 
capital market and through expansion of our credit lines. (See above “Israeli Debt Offering.”)

As of December 31, 2013, we had working capital of $561 million and a current ratio of 1.39. We believe that our 

working capital and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to support our current requirements and financial covenants.

We believe that our current cash balances, cash generated from operations, lines of credit and financing 

arrangements will provide sufficient resources to meet our operational needs for at least the next fiscal year. However, our 
ability to borrow funds from the banking system may be impacted by the ongoing global financial and liquidity situation. See 
Item 3. Risk Factors – General Risk Related to Our Business and Market.

For further information on the level, maturity and terms of our borrowings, see Item 18. Financial Statements – 

Notes 12 and 15.

We believe our ability to access external capital resources should be sufficient to satisfy existing short-term and 

long-term commitments and plans, and also to provide adequate financial flexibility to take advantage of potential strategic 
business opportunities should they arise within the next year.

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits

We account for pensions and other post-employment arrangements in accordance with ASC 715 “Compensation – 

Retirement Benefits”. Accounting for pensions and other post-retirement benefits involves judgment about uncertain events, 
including estimated retirement dates, salary levels at retirement, mortality rates, rates of return on plan assets, determination of 
discount rates for measuring plan obligations, healthcare cost trend rates and rates of utilization of healthcare services by 
retirees. These assumptions are based on the environment in each country. (For our pension and other post-retirement benefit 
assumptions at December 31, 2013 and 2012, see Item 18 – Financial Statements – Note 17.)

At December 31, 2013 our termination obligations were $407.9 million, of which we had severance funds of  

$323.4 million set aside to satisfy potential obligations.

Material Commitments for Capital Expenditures. We believe that we have adequate sources of funds to meet our material 
commitments for capital expenditures for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013 and the subsequent fiscal year (see above 
“Financial Resources”.) Our anticipated capital expenditures (which included mainly the purchase of equipment, vehicles and 
buildings) as of December 31, 2013 were not significantly higher than those as of December 31, 2012. We plan to pay for such 
anticipated expenditures using cash from operations. (See also Item 18. Financial Statements – Consolidated Statements of 
Cash Flows and Note 10.)

Impact of Inflation and Exchange Rates

Functional Currency. Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar, which is also the functional currency for most of our 
consolidated operations. A majority of our sales are made outside of Israel in non-Israeli currency, mainly U.S. dollars, as well 
as a majority of our purchases of materials and components. A significant portion of our expenses, mainly labor costs, are in 
NIS. Some of our subsidiaries have functional currencies in Euro, GBP, Brazilian reals, Australian dollars and other currencies. 
Transactions and balances originally denominated in U.S. dollars are presented in their original amounts. Transactions and 

50

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
balances in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are remeasured in U.S. dollars according to the principles set forth in ASC 830 
“Foreign Currency Matters”. Exchange gains and losses arising from remeasurement are reflected in financial expenses, net, in 
the consolidated statements of income.

Market Risks and Variable Interest Rates

Market risks relating to our operations result mainly from changes in interest rates and exchange rates. We use 

derivative instruments to limit exposure to changes in exchange rates in certain cases. We also typically enter into forward 
contracts in connection with transactions where long-term contracts have been signed and that are denominated in currencies 
other than U.S. dollars or NIS. We also enter from time to time into forward contracts and other hedging instruments related to 
NIS based on market conditions.

We use financial instruments and derivatives in order to limit our exposure to risks arising from changes in 

exchange rates. The use of such instruments does not expose us to additional exchange rate risks since the derivatives are held 
against an asset (for example, excess assets in Euros). Our policy in utilizing these financial instruments is to protect the dollar 
value of our cash and cash equivalent assets rather than to serve as a source of income.

In the context of our overall treasury policy specific objectives apply to the management of financial risks. These 

objectives are disclosed under the headings below “NIS/U.S. Dollar Exchange Rates”, “Inflation and Currency Exchange 
Rates” and “Foreign Currency Derivatives and Hedging”.

On December 31, 2013, our liquid assets were comprised of bank deposits and short and long-term investments. 

Our deposits and investments are based on variable interest rates, and their value as of December 31, 2013 was therefore 
exposed to changes in interest rates. Should interest rates either increase or decrease, such change may affect our results of 
operations due to changes in the cost of the liabilities and the return on the assets that are based on variable rates.

NIS/U.S. Dollar Exchange Rates. We attempt to manage our financial activities in order to reduce material financial losses in 
U.S. dollars resulting from the impact of inflation and exchange rate fluctuations on our non-U.S. dollar assets and liabilities. 
Our income and expenses in Israeli currency are translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing exchange rates as of the date of 
the transaction. Consequently, we are affected by changes in the NIS/U.S. dollar exchange rates. We entered into other 
derivative instruments to limit our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations, related mainly to payroll expenses incurred in NIS. 
(See Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure of Market Risks.) The amount of our exposure to the changes in the NIS/
U.S. dollar exchange rate may vary from time to time. (See Item 3. Key Information – Risk Factors – Risks Relating to Our 
Israeli Operations.)

Inflation and Currency Exchange Rates

The U.S. dollar cost of our operations in Israel is influenced by any increase in the rate of inflation in Israel that is 
not fully offset by the devaluation of the NIS in relation to the U.S. dollar. Unless inflation in Israel is offset by a devaluation of 
the NIS, such inflation may have a negative effect on the profitability of contracts where Elbit Systems or any of our Israeli 
subsidiaries receives payment in U.S. dollars, NIS linked to U.S. dollars or other foreign currencies, but incurs expenses in NIS 
linked to the CPI. Inflation in Israel and currency fluctuations may also have a negative effect on the profitability of fixed-price 
contracts where we receive payments in NIS.

In the past, our profitability was negatively affected when inflation in Israel (measured by the change in the CPI 

from the beginning to the end of the calendar year) exceeded the devaluation of the NIS against the U.S. dollar and at the same 
time we experienced corresponding increases in the U.S. dollar cost of our operations in Israel. For example, in 2011, the 
inflation rate was approximately 2%, and the NIS devalued against the U.S. dollar by approximately 8%. In 2012, the inflation 
rate was approximately 1.6%, and the NIS strengthened against the U.S. dollar by approximately 2%. In 2013, the inflation rate 
was approximately 1.8%, and the NIS strengthened against the U.S. dollar by approximately 7%. There can be no assurance 
that we will not be materially adversely affected in the future if inflation in Israel exceeds the devaluation of the NIS against the 
U.S. dollar or if the timing of such devaluation lags behind increases in inflation in Israel.

A devaluation of the NIS in relation to the U.S. dollar also has the effect of decreasing the dollar value of any of 

our assets that consist of NIS or accounts receivable denominated in NIS, unless such assets or accounts receivable are linked to 
the U.S. dollar. Such a devaluation also has the effect of reducing the U.S. dollar amount of any of our liabilities that are 
payable in NIS, unless such payables are linked to the U.S. dollar. On the other hand, any increase in the value of the NIS in 
relation to the U.S. dollar will have the effect of increasing the U.S. dollar value of any unlinked NIS assets as well as the U.S. 
dollar amount of any unlinked NIS liabilities and expenses.

51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign Currency, Derivatives and Hedging

While our functional currency is the U.S. dollar, we also have some non-U.S. dollar or non-U.S. dollar linked 

exposure to currencies other than NIS. These are mainly non-U.S. dollar customer debts, payments to suppliers and 
subcontractors, obligations in other currencies, assets or undertakings. Some subcontractors are paid in local currency under 
prime contracts where we are paid in U.S. dollars. The exposure on these transactions has not been in amounts that are material 
to us. However, when we view it necessary, due to anticipated uncertainty in the applicable foreign exchange rates, we seek to 
minimize our foreign currency exposure by entering into hedging arrangements, obtaining periodic payments upon the 
completion of milestones, obtaining guarantees and security from customers and sharing currency risks with subcontractors.

Most of our future cash flows that will be denominated in currencies other than the NIS and the U.S. dollar were 

covered as of December 31, 2013 by forward contracts. On December 31, 2013, we had forward contracts for the sale and 
purchase of Euro, GBP and various other currencies. On December 31, 2013, we had forward contracts for the sale and 
purchase of such foreign currencies totaling approximately $281 million ($202 million in Euros, $42 million in GBP and the 
balance of $37 million in other currencies).

We also use forward exchange hedging contracts and options strategies in order to limit our exposure to exchange 

rate fluctuation associated with payroll expenses, mainly incurred in NIS. These include forward contracts with notional 
amount of  20.4 million in NIS maturing in 2014. (See also Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure of Market Risks.) 
As of December 31, 2013, an unrealized net loss of approximately $1.6 million was included in accumulated other 
comprehensive income. As of December 31, 2013, all of the forward contracts are expected to mature during the years 2014 – 
2019.

Regarding the measures taken to reduce the foreign currency exchange rate impact on our Series A Notes see 

above “Liquidity and Capital Resources – Israeli Debt Offering.”

The table below presents the balance of the derivative instruments held in order to limit the exposure to exchange 

rate fluctuations as of December 31, 2013 and is presented in millions of U.S. dollar equivalent terms:

Forward

Buy US$ and Sell:

Euro

GBP

NIS

Other various currencies

Forward

Sell US$ and Buy:

Euro

GBP

NIS

Other various currencies

* 

Notional amount information is based on the foreign exchange rate at year end.

52

Notional
Amount*

Unrealized
Gain (Loss)

142.5

19.5

—

4.7

(2.6)
(0.5)
—
(0.1)

Notional
Amount*

Unrealized
Gain (Loss)

60.1

22.4

20.4

32.1

1.5

1.1

1.0

—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contractual Obligations

1. Long-Term Debt Obligations
2. Series A Notes
3. Interest payment*
4. Operating Lease Obligations**
5. Purchase Obligations**
6. Other Long-Term Liabilities Reflected on the Company’s

Balance Sheet under U.S. GAAP***

7. Other Long-Term Liabilities****

Up to
1 year

__
63
11
34
741

—
—
849

2-3 years
4-5 years
(U.S. dollars in millions)
52
126
17
33
32

172
126
22
50
172

—
—
542

—
—
260

More than
5 years

—
126
6
93
4

—
—
229

Total

* 

** 

*** 

All our long-term debt borrowings and Series A Notes bear interest at variable rates, which are indexed to LIBOR 
(plus a fixed spread). For long-term fixed rate borrowings (mainly Series A Notes) we use variable interest rate 
swaps, effectively converting our long-term fixed rate borrowings to long-term variable rate borrowings indexed 
to LIBOR. (See also Item 18. Financial Statements - Notes 15 and 16.)  To estimate the scheduled interest 
payments related to Series A Notes, we applied the future expected interest rates that were used for calculating the 
fair value of our interest rate swap at the balance sheet date. To estimate the scheduled interest payments related to 
our other long-term debt obligations we used the LIBOR (plus a fixed spread) interest rates that were effective at 
the balance sheet date. The majority of our long-term debt obligations are scheduled to be repaid within a period 
of two - three years.

For further description of the Purchase Obligations see above “Long-Term Arrangements and Commitments – 
Purchase Commitments” and see Item 18. Financial Statements – Notes 20(D) and 20(H).

The obligation amount does not include an amount of $408 million of pension and employee termination 
liabilities. See Item 18. Financial Statements – Notes 2(R) and 17. The obligation amount also does not include an 
amount of $63 million of tax reserve related to uncertain tax positions. See Item 18. Financial Statements – Note 
18.

**** 

See below “Off-Balance Sheet Transactions.”

Off-Balance Sheet Transactions

Buy-Back

In connection with projects in certain countries, Elbit Systems and some of our subsidiaries have entered and may 

enter in the future into “buy-back” or “offset” agreements, required by a number of our customers as a condition to our 
obtaining orders for our products and services. These agreements are customary in our industry and are designed to facilitate 
economic flow back (buy-back) and/or technology transfer to businesses or government agencies in the applicable country.

These commitments may be satisfied by our placement of direct work or vendor orders for supplies and/or 

services, transfer of technology, investments or other forms of assistance in the applicable country. The buy-back rules and 
regulations, as well as the underlying contracts, may differ from one country to another. The ability to fulfill the buy-back 
obligations may depend, among other things, on the availability of local suppliers with sufficient capability to meet our 
requirements and which are competitive in cost, quality and schedule. In certain cases, our commitments may also be satisfied 
through transactions conducted by other parties.

We do not commit to buy-back agreements until orders for our products or services are definitive, but in some 

cases the orders for our products or services may become effective only after our corresponding buy-back commitments enter 
into effect. Buy-back programs generally extend at least over the relevant commercial contract period and may provide for 
penalties in the event we fail to perform in accordance with buy-back requirements. In some cases we provide guarantees in 
connection with the performance of our buy-back obligations.

53

 
 
 
 
Should we be unable to meet such obligations we may be subject to contractual penalties, our guarantees may be 

drawn upon and our chances of receiving additional business from the applicable customers could be reduced or, in certain 
cases, eliminated. (See Item 3. Risk Factors – General Risks Related to Our Business and Market.)

At December 31, 2013, we had outstanding buy-back obligations totaling approximately $1.0 billion that extend 

through 2023.

Non-GAAP Financial Data

The following non-GAAP financial data is presented to enable investors to have additional information on our 

business performance as well as a further basis for periodical comparisons and trends relating to our financial results. We 
believe such data provides useful information to investors by facilitating more meaningful comparisons of our financial results 
over time. Such non-GAAP information is used by our management to make strategic decisions, forecast future results and 
evaluate our current performance. However, investors are cautioned that, unlike financial measures prepared in accordance with 
GAAP, non-GAAP measures may not be comparable with the calculation of similar measures for other companies.

The non-GAAP financial data below includes reconciliation adjustments regarding non-GAAP gross profit, 

operating income, net income and diluted EPS. In arriving at non-GAAP presentations, companies generally factor out items 
such as those that have a non-recurring impact on the income statements, various non-cash items, significant effects of 
retroactive tax legislation and changes in accounting guidance and other items which, in management’s judgment, are items that 
are considered to be outside the review of core operating results. In our non-GAAP presentation, we made certain adjustments 
as indicated in the table below.

These non-GAAP measures are not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. We believe 

that non-GAAP measures have limitations in that they do not reflect all of the amounts associated with our results of 
operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and that these measures should only be used to evaluate our results of 
operations in conjunction with the corresponding GAAP measures. Investors should consider non-GAAP financial measures in 
addition to, and not as replacements for or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

54

 
 
 
 
 
Reconciliation of GAAP (Audited) to
Non-GAAP (Unaudited) Supplemental Financial Data
(U.S. dollars in millions, except for per share amounts)

GAAP gross profit
Adjustments:
Amortization of intangible assets
Cessation of program(1)
Impairment of long-lived assets
Non-GAAP gross profit
Percent of revenues

GAAP operating income
Adjustments:
Amortization of intangible assets
Cessation of program(1)
Legal settlement
Impairment of long-lived assets(2)
Non-GAAP operating income
Percent of revenues

GAAP net income attributable to Elbit Systems’ shareholders
Adjustments:
Amortization of intangible assets
Cessation of program(1)
Impairment of long-lived assets(2)
Legal settlement
Gain from changes in holdings(3)
Adjustment of loss (gain) from discontinued operations, net
Related tax benefits
Non-GAAP net income attributable to Elbit Systems’ shareholders
Percent of revenues
Non-GAAP diluted net EPS

Years Ended December 31,

2013

2012

2011

824.8

815.9

732.0

22.2
—
0.9
847.9
29.0%

24.2
—
—
840.1
29.1%

30.9
72.8
—
835.7
29.7%

239.4

203.1

115.7

45.9
—
(7.6)
0.9
278.6

49.3
—
—
—
252.4

57.3
72.8
—
—
245.8

9.5%

8.7%

8.7%

183.4

167.9

90.3

45.9
—
0.9
(7.6)
(0.9)
(0.8)
(10.1)
210.8

7.2%
5.0

49.3
—
—
—
(2.3)
0.4
(8.9)
206.4

7.1%
4.9

57.3
72.8
—
0.5
—
9.4
(23.7)
206.6

7.3%
4.8

(1)  Adjustment of expenses related to cessation of a program, which resulted in write-off of inventories and other 

related costs.

(2)  Impairment of investments in 2013 was due to impairment in intangible assets.
(3)  Adjustment of gain from changes in holdings includes the income from the sale of investments in affiliated 

companies of $2.3 million in 2012 and a sale of activities of $0.9 million in 2013. 

55

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 6. 

Directors, Senior Management and Employees.

Directors and Executive Officers

Board of Directors (Board)

Our directors as of February 28, 2014 are as follows:

Name

Michael Federmann (Chairman)

Moshe Arad

Avraham Asheri

Rina Baum

David Federmann

Yehoshua Gleitman (External Director)

Yigal Ne'eman

Dov Ninveh

Dalia Rabin (External Director)

Age

70

79

76

68

39

64

72

66

63

Director
Since

2000

2005

2000

2001

2007

2010

2004

2000 *

2010

* Resigned in April 2013 and re-elected in November 2013.

The term of office of each director, other than the External Directors, expires at the annual general 
shareholders meeting to be held during 2014. The term of office for Yehoshua Gleitman as an External Director 
expires in March 2016, and the term of office for Dalia Rabin as an External Director expires in November 2016.

Michael Federmann. Michael Federmann has served as chairman of the Board since 2000. He has held 

managerial positions in the Federmann Group since 1969, and since 2002 he has served as chairman and CEO of 
Federmann Enterprises Ltd. (FEL). Currently, he also serves as chairman of the board of directors of Dan Hotels 
Corp. Ltd. (Dan Hotels). Mr. Federmann is chairman of the board of governors of the Hebrew University of 
Jerusalem (the Hebrew University). He serves as the president of the Israel - Germany Chamber of Industry and 
Commerce. Mr. Federmann holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from the Hebrew University.

Moshe Arad. Moshe Arad served as vice president for external relations of the Hebrew University from 
1994 to 2004. He currently serves as the chairman of the board of trustees of The Harry S. Truman Research Institute 
for the Advancement of Peace of The Hebrew University and is a member of the board of the Israeli branch of the 
Mandel Foundation of Cleveland, Ohio. From 1994 to 1999, he was a member of the board of directors of Elbit Ltd. 
During 1992 and 1993, Mr. Arad served as director general of the Israel Ministry of Communications. From 1990 to 
1992, he was a member of the Tel-Aviv law firm of Herzog, Fox, Ne’eman. Mr. Arad served as Israel’s ambassador to 
the United States from 1987 to 1990 and as Israel’s ambassador to Mexico from 1983 to 1987. Ambassador Arad 
holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and international relations and an L.L.B. degree from the Hebrew 
University. Mr. Arad serves on the Audit Committee and the Financial Statements Review Committee of the Board.

Avraham Asheri. Avraham Asheri has served as an economic advisor and a director of several 

companies since 1998. He currently serves on the boards of directors of Elron Electronic Industries Ltd., Koor 
Industries Ltd., Mikronet Ltd. and Radware Ltd. Mr. Asheri was president and chief executive officer of Israel 
Discount Bank from 1991 until 1998, and executive vice president and member of its management committee from 
1983 until 1991. Prior to that, he served for 23 years at the Israel Ministry of Industry and Trade and at the Israel 
Ministry of Finance, including as director general of the Israel Ministry of Industry and Trade, managing director of 
the Israel Investment Center and Trade Commissioner of Israel to the United States. Mr. Asheri holds a bachelor’s 
degree in economics and political science from the Hebrew University. Mr. Asheri serves as chair of the Corporate 
Governance and Nominating Committee and as a member of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and 
the Financial Statements Review Committee of the Board. He is considered by the Board to have financial and 
accounting expertise under the Companies Law.

56

 
 
 
 
 
Rina Baum. Rina Baum is vice president for investments of FEL and since 1986 has served as director 

and general manager of Unico Investment Company Ltd. She serves as a director of Dan Hotels, Etanit Building 
Products Ltd. and Incotec Ltd., as well as in other managerial positions within the Federmann Group. She also serves 
as a director in Harel-PIA Mutual Funds Management Company Ltd. Mrs. Baum holds an L.L.B. degree from the 
Hebrew University.

David Federmann. David Federmann has served in various management capacities in FEL since 2000. 

He currently serves as chairman of the board of Freiberger Compound Materials GmbH (Freiberger) in Freiberg, 
Germany and as a member of the boards of directors of Dan Hotels and BGN Technologies (the technology transfer 
company of Ben-Gurion University). David Federmann is the son of Michael Federmann, chairman of the Board. Mr. 
Federmann holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and philosophy from New York University.

Dr. Yehoshua Gleitman (External Director). Dr. Yehoshua (Shuki) Gleitman has served since 2001 as 

the managing partner of Platinum VC, a venture capital firm. He currently serves as chairman of the board of 
directors of Capital Point Ltd. and is a director of Teuza – A Fairchild Technology Venture Ltd. From 2000 until 2005, 
he was the chief executive officer and a director of SFKT Ltd. From 1997 until 1999, Dr. Gleitman was the chief 
executive officer of Ampal-American Israel Corporation. Prior to that he served in various senior management 
positions in the Israeli government and in Israeli industry, including as director general and chief scientist of the Israel 
Ministry of Industry and Trade, chairman of the U.S.-Israel Industrial R&D Foundation, joint chairman of the U.S.-
Israel Science and Technology Commission, managing director of AIMS Ltd., vice president and general manager of 
Elop Electro-Optic Industries Ltd.’s (Elop) marine and aerial operations and head of the Laser Branch of the Israel 
Ministry of Defense. Dr. Gleitman serves as the honorary consul general of Singapore to Israel, is chairman of the 
executive board of Holon Institute of Technology and of the Association for the Establishment of the Yitzhak Rabin 
Center.  Dr. Gleitman holds bachelors of science, master of science and PhD degrees in physical chemistry from the 
Hebrew University. Dr. Gleitman serves as chair of the Audit Committee and of the Financial Statements Review 
Committee and as a member of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Compensation 
Committee of the Board. He is considered by the Board to have financial and accounting expertise under the 
Companies Law.

Yigal Ne’eman. Yigal Ne’eman has served as the general manager of the Academic College of Israel in 
Ramat Gan since 2010. From 1994 to 2010, he served as the chairman and president of the Israel College. From 1989 
to 1993, he served as chairman and as a shareholder of several industrial, commercial and service companies. Mr. 
Ne’eman served as the president and CEO of Tadiran Ltd (Tadiran) from 1981 to 1989. During that period he also 
served as chairman of the board of directors of Elisra Electronic Systems Ltd. and of Elop. Prior to that he held a 
number of management positions in the control and finance departments of Tadiran. Mr. Ne’eman completed his 
accounting studies at the Hebrew University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Ne’eman serves as a member 
of the Audit Committee, the Financial Statements Review Committee and the Corporate Governance and Nominating 
Committee of the Board. He is considered by the Board to have financial and accounting expertise under the 
Companies Law.

Dov Ninveh. Dov Ninveh has served as chief financial officer and a manager in FEL since 1994 and as 
general manager of Heris Aktiengesellschaft since  2012. He serves as a director of Dan Hotels and Etanit Ltd. and as 
a member of the board of Freiberger. Mr. Ninveh served as a director of Elop from 1996 until 2000. From 1989 to 
1994, he served as deputy general manager of Etanit Building Products Ltd. Mr. Ninveh holds a bachelor of science 
degree in economics and management from the Israel Institute of Technology (the Technion).

Dalia Rabin (External Director). Dalia Rabin has served since 2002 as the chairperson of the Yitzhak 
Rabin Center, a national institute dedicated to ensuring that former Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Yitzhak 
Rabin’s legacy continues to impact Israeli society through experiential educational programming, a national archive 
and a museum. She currently serves as a member of the board of directors of ACUM - Authors Composers and Music 
Publishers Society and of  Peilim Investment Portfolio Management Company Ltd.  Mrs. Rabin was a member of the 
Israeli government from 1999 until 2002. She was elected to the Knesset as a member of the Center Party in 1999 and 
served as chairperson of the Ethics Committee. She also served on the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, the 
Committee for the Advancement of the Status of Women, the State Control Committee and the Committee for the 
Advancement of the Status of the Child. In 2001, Mrs. Rabin was appointed Deputy Minister of Defense. She 
resigned in 2002 to head the Rabin Center. Prior to her election to the Knesset, Mrs. Rabin served as the legal advisor 
of the professional associations of the General Federation of Labor (the Histadrut). She also served for 14 years in the 
Tel-Aviv District Attorney’s Office in the Civil Division, specializing in labor law. Mrs. Rabin holds an L.L.B. degree 
from Tel-Aviv University. Mrs. Rabin serves as chair of the Compensation Committee and as a member of the Audit 

57

 
 
 
 
 
 
Committee, the Financial Statements Review Committee and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee 
of the Board.

Executive Officers

Our executive officers (the President and CEO and the management officials reporting to the President and 

CEO) as of February 28, 2014 are as follows:

Name
Bezhalel Machlis
Elad Aharonson

Jonathan Ariel
David Block Temin

Adi Dar

Itzhak Dvir
Jacob Gadot

Joseph Gaspar
Zeev Gofer

Dalia Gonen
Edgar Maimon

Ilan Pacholder

Gideon Sheffer

Yoram Shmuely

Udi Vered

Age
50
40

57
58

42

66
66

65
61

62
58

59

65

53

56

Position

President and Chief Executive Officer
Executive Vice President and General Manager – UAS
Division
Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer
Executive Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer and
Senior Counsel
Executive Vice President and General Manager –
Intelligence and Electro-optics - Elop Division
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Executive Vice President – International Marketing and
Business Development
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Executive Vice President – Strategic and Business
Development - North America
Executive Vice President – Human Resources
Executive Vice President and General Manager – EW and
SIGINT Elisra Division
Executive Vice President – Mergers and Acquisitions, Offset
and Financing
Executive Vice President – Strategic Planning and Business
Development – Israel
Executive Vice President and General Manager – Aerospace
Division
Executive Vice President and General Manager – Land and
C4I Division

Bezhalel Machlis. Bezhalel Machlis became  the Company’s President and CEO in April 2013, after 

serving as President-designee from January to March 2013. From 2008 until  2012, he served as executive vice 
president and general manager – land and C4I division, after serving as corporate vice president and general manager 
– land systems and C4I since 2004. In 2003, he served as corporate vice president and general manager – ground, C4I 
and battlefield systems. From 2000 until 2002, he served as vice president – battlefield and information systems. Mr. 
Machlis joined Elbit Ltd. in 1991 and held various management positions in the battlefield and information systems 
area. Prior to that, he served as an artillery officer in the IDF, where he holds the rank of colonel (reserves). Mr. 
Machlis holds a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering and a bachelor of arts degree in computer 
science from the Technion and an MBA from Tel-Aviv University. He is a graduate of Harvard University Business 
School's Advanced Management Program.

Elad Aharonson. Elad Aharonson was appointed as Executive Vice President and General Manager – 
UAS Division in 2011, after serving as vice president – UAV systems since 2009. He joined Elbit Systems in 2004 
and held various senior program management positions relating to UAS. Prior to that, Mr. Aharonson served as an 
officer in the IDF holding command positions in the Artillery Branch and in the Ground Forces’ UAV unit. Mr. 
Aharonson holds an L.L.B. degree in law and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Hebrew 
University.

Jonathan Ariel. Jonathan Ariel was appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer in  
2012, after serving as senior vice president and general counsel since 2008. He joined Elbit Systems in 1996 and has 
held several positions within the legal department, including vice president and general counsel of Elop. Prior to 

58

 
 
 
 
joining Elbit Systems, Mr. Ariel served as a legal advisor both in-house and in private law firms in Israel and the U.S. 
Mr. Ariel holds an L.L.B degree in law from Tel-Aviv University and is admitted to the Israeli Bar.

David Block Temin. David Block Temin has served as Executive Vice President, Chief Compliance 

Officer and Senior Counsel since  2012, after serving as executive vice president, chief legal officer and chief 
compliance officer since 2008.  Prior to that he served as corporate vice president and general counsel since 2000 and 
as general counsel since 1996. From 1987 to 1996, he was a legal advisor to Elbit Ltd. Prior to that, Mr. Block Temin 
was an attorney with law firms in New York City. Mr. Block Temin received a juris doctor degree as well as a master 
of arts degree in international relations from Stanford University and holds a bachelor of arts degree in political 
science from the University of Maryland. He is admitted to the Israeli and New York bars.

Adi Dar. Adi Dar was appointed as Executive Vice President and General Manager – Electro-optics - 
Elop Division in 2009, which was renamed Intelligence and Electro-optics - Elop Division in December 2013 and 
integrates Elbit Systems intelligence and cyber activities. From 2006 until his current appointment, he served as 
Elop’s vice president for business development. Prior to that he served in a number of management positions in Elbit 
Systems, which he joined in 2002. From 1999 until 2002, he was vice president for business development and 
marketing at Elron Telesoft Ltd. Mr. Dar holds a bachelors degree in industrial engineering from the Technion and an 
MBA from Tel-Aviv University.

Itzhak Dvir. Itzhak Dvir was appointed as an Executive Vice President in 2008 and has served as Chief 

Operating Officer since 2004.  During  2010, he also served as general manager (acting) of the UAS Division. He was 
appointed as a corporate vice president in 2000.  Mr. Dvir served as general manager – UAV, tactical and security 
systems from 2003 until 2004. From 2000 through 2002, he was general manager – C4I and battlefield systems. From 
1996 until 2000, he was vice president and division manager – UAV and C3 division. Mr. Dvir joined Elbit Ltd. in 
1989 and held various management positions, including vice president – UAV division, vice president – advance 
battlefield systems division and marketing director – battlefield systems division. Prior to that he served as a career 
officer in the IAF, retiring with the rank of colonel. Mr. Dvir holds a bachelor of science degree in aeronautical 
engineering from the Technion and a master of science degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Air Force 
Institute of Technology at Wright Patterson Air Force Base.

Jacob Gadot. Jacob Gadot was appointed as Executive Vice President – International Marketing and 

Business Development in 2009. From 2008 until his current appointment he was executive vice president – mergers 
and acquisitions, after serving as corporate vice president – mergers and acquisitions since 2000. He also served as 
chief technology officer from 2001 until 2005. Mr. Gadot held the position of vice president – mergers and 
acquisitions from 1998 to 2000 and vice president – business development from 1996 to 1998. Mr. Gadot joined Elbit 
Ltd. in 1983 and held various management positions, including vice president – international marketing and head of 
the airborne division. Prior to that, he worked for Motorola Israel, after serving for ten years as an officer in the IAF. 
Mr. Gadot holds a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from the Technion.

Joseph Gaspar. Joseph Gaspar was appointed as an Executive Vice President in 2008 and as Chief 

Financial Officer in 2001. He was appointed as a corporate vice president in 2000 and served as corporate vice 
president – strategy, technology and subsidiaries from 2000 until 2001. From 1996 until 2000, he held the position of 
corporate vice president, marketing and business development of Elop. Mr. Gaspar joined Elop in 1975 and held 
several management positions, including vice president and general manager of Elop’s optronics product division and 
co-manager of an Elop subsidiary in the United States. Mr. Gaspar holds a bachelor of science degree from the 
Technion in electronic engineering with advanced studies in digital signal processing and communication.

Zeev Gofer. Zeev Gofer was appointed as Executive Vice President – Strategic and Business 

Development – North America in 2009. From 2008 until his current appointment he was executive vice president – 
business development and marketing, after serving as corporate vice president – business development and marketing 
since 2003. He previously served as corporate vice president and as co-general manager – aircraft and helicopter 
upgrades and systems from 2000 until 2003. From 1999 until 2000, he was vice president – aircraft upgrades and 
airborne systems division, having served as division manager since 1996. He joined Elbit Ltd. in 1982 and held 
various management positions, including director of the aircraft upgrade division, director of a major aircraft upgrade 
program, director of avionics system engineering and technical manager of the Lavi aircraft avionics program. Mr. 
Gofer holds bachelor and master of science degrees in electronic engineering from the Technion and a master of 
science of management degree from the Polytechnic University of New York.

59

 
 
 
 
 
 
Dalia Gonen. Dalia Gonen was appointed as Executive Vice President – Human Resources in 2008 

after serving as vice president – human resources from 2000. She became director of human resources in 1996. Ms. 
Gonen joined Elbit Ltd. in 1971 and held various positions in the human resources department. Ms. Gonen holds a 
bachelor of arts degree in sociology from Haifa University and a master of science of management degree from the 
Polytechnic University of New York. 

Edgar Maimon. Edgar Maimon was appointed as Executive Vice President and General Manager – EW 

and SIGINT Elisra Division in February 2013. From 2005 until his current appointment Mr. Maimon served as vice 
president of marketing and business development at Elbit Systems EW and SIGINT – Elisra Ltd. (Elisra). He joined 
Elisra in 2004. Prior to that Mr. Maimon served for 26 years in the IAF, where he holds the rank of colonel (reserves). 
He served as the head of the IAF’s C4I systems engineering department and held several additional senior positions 
in the IAF. Mr. Maimon holds a bachelor of science degree in electronic engineering from Ben Gurion University.

Ilan Pacholder. Ilan Pacholder was appointed as Executive Vice President – Mergers and Acquisitions 
in 2009, in addition to his position as Executive Vice President – Offset and Financing to which he was appointed in 
2008. During 2007, he served as vice president and chief financial officer of Tadiran Communications Ltd. Mr. 
Pacholder served as corporate secretary and vice president – finance and capital markets of Elbit Systems from 2003 
until 2006. From 2001 until 2003, he served as vice president – finance. Mr. Pacholder joined Elbit Ltd. in 1994 and 
held various senior positions in the finance department. Prior to joining Elbit Ltd. he served as the chief financial 
officer for Sanyo Industries in New York. Before that Mr. Pacholder worked for Bank Leumi in New York and held 
the position of vice president in the international and domestic lending departments. Mr. Pacholder holds a bachelor 
of arts degree in accounting and economics from Queens College in New York and an MBA in finance and 
investments from Adelphi University. 

Gideon Sheffer. Gideon Sheffer was appointed as Executive Vice President – Strategic Planning and 

Business Development – Israel in 2009. From 2008 until his current position he served as executive vice president – 
strategic planning, after serving as corporate vice president – strategic planning since 2001. Prior to that he served as 
acting head of Israel’s National Security Council and as national security advisor to former Prime Minister Ehud 
Barak. In 1998, he completed 32 years of service in the IDF, retiring with the rank of major general. From 1995 to 
1998, he served on the general staff as head of the IDF’s human resources branch. Before that, he served as deputy 
commander of the IAF. Mr. Sheffer held a number of command positions in the IAF after serving as a fighter aircraft 
and helicopter pilot. Mr. Sheffer holds a bachelor’s degree in Israel studies from Bar Ilan University and is a graduate 
of the Harvard University Business School’s Advanced Management Program.

Yoram Shmuely. Yoram Shmuely was appointed as Executive Vice President and General Manager – 

Aerospace Division in April 2013, after serving as executive vice president and co-general manager of the aerospace 
division since 2008. Mr. Shmuely served as corporate vice president and co-general manager – airborne and helmet 
systems since 2003. He served as corporate vice president and general manager – helmet mounted systems from 2000 
until 2003. From 1998 until 2000, he was vice president – helmet mounted systems division. From its founding in 
1996 until 1998, he served as president of VSI. Mr. Shmuely joined Elbit Ltd. in 1990 and served as director of Elbit 
Ltd.’s helmet mounted display business. He served as a fighter aircraft pilot in the IAF. Mr. Shmuely holds a bachelor 
of science degree in electronic engineering from the Technion.

Udi Vered. Yehuda (Udi) Vered was appointed Executive Vice President and General Manager – Land 

and C4I Division in January 2013. From 2009 until his current appointment Mr. Vered served as executive vice 
president – service solutions as well as vice president – marketing for the land and C4I division. Prior to that, since 
2004 he served as chief financial officer and vice president for contracts and sales of the land and C4I division. Mr. 
Vered joined Elbit Systems in 2003 as vice president for contracts and sales and chief financial officer – ground, C4I 
and battlefield systems. Before that, he served as an aircrew officer in the IAF, where he holds the rank of colonel 
(reserves). Mr. Vered holds a bachelor of arts degree in management and economics from Tel-Aviv University, an 
MBA from Ben Gurion University and is a graduate of the Harvard University Business School’s Advanced 
Management Program.

President and CEO of Elbit Systems of America

Elbit Systems of America’s President and CEO reports to the board of directors of Elbit Systems of 

America in accordance with the provisions of the Special Security Agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense. 
(See Item 4. Information on the Company – U.S. Subsidiaries.) Raanan Horowitz serves as President and CEO of 
Elbit Systems of America.

60

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Raanan Horowitz. Raanan Horowitz was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Elbit 

Systems of America in 2007. He served as executive vice president and general manager of EFW from 2001 until his 
current appointment. From 1991 until 2001, Mr. Horowitz held various management positions with EFW and other 
U.S. subsidiaries of the Company. From 1989 to 1991, he served as a senior program manager for Elbit Ltd. Mr. 
Horowitz serves on the executive committee of the board of governors of the Aerospace Industries Association and is 
a member of the executive committee of the national board of directors of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Mr. 
Horowitz holds an MBA from the Seidman School of Business of Grand Valley State University in Allendale, 
Michigan. He also holds a master of science degree in electrical engineering and a bachelor of science degree in 
mechanical engineering from Tel-Aviv University.

Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers

Compensation Policy

Pursuant to a recent amendment to the Companies Law (the Amendment), a public company such as 

Elbit Systems is required to adopt a compensation policy regarding the terms of office and employment of its Office 
Holders (as defined in the Companies Law) (generally Elbit Systems' directors and executive officers), including 
compensation, equity-based awards, releases from liability, indemnification and insurance, severance and all other 
employment benefits (Employment Terms). In accordance with the Amendment, on January 7, 2014 our shareholders, 
following a favorable recommendation of the Compensation Committee of the Board and the approval of the Board 
as a whole, approved a compensation policy for the Company's executive officers and directors (the Compensation 
Policy). The Compensation Policy applies to any agreement in connection with Employment Terms entered into by 
the Company with an Office Holder following approval of the Compensation Policy by the Company's shareholders. 
The Compensation Policy will continue to be in effect until the earlier of its modification or expiration date, as the 
case may be, in accordance with the requirements of the Amendment.

The Compensation Policy is a reflection of the long-time practices and strategy of the Company and is 
intended to align with the Company's strategy to attract, motivate and retain highly experienced personnel who will 
provide leadership for the Company's success and act in the best interest of the Company and its stakeholders while 
supporting a performance culture that is based on merit, differentiates and rewards excellent performance, while 
recognizing the Company's core values  

Pursuant to the Amendment, an arrangement in connection with Employment Terms between Elbit 

Systems and an  Office Holder (other than the Company's CEO and directors), which is consistent with the 
Compensation Policy requires the approval of both the Compensation Committee and the Board as a whole. 
Arrangements in connection with Employment Terms between Elbit Systems and its CEO or a director, as well as an 
arrangement in connection with Employment Terms with any Office Holder, which is not consistent with the 
Compensation Policy, requires in addition to the approval of the Compensation Committee and of the Board as a 
whole, also the approval of the majority of Elbit Systems' shareholders. With respect to such arrangement with Elbit 
Systems' CEO or in connection with such arrangement with an Office Holder of Elbit Systems that is not consistent 
with the Compensation Policy, the above-mentioned majority (i) must include a shareholder majority of the total 
votes of shareholders who are not controlling shareholders and do not have a Personal Interest (as defined in the 
Companies' Law) in the approval of the relevant arrangement and who participate in the voting, in person, by proxy 
or by written ballot, at the meeting (abstentions not taken into account); or (ii) the total number of votes of 
shareholders mentioned in (i) above that are voted against the approval of the compensation policy does not represent 
more than 2% of the total voting rights in Elbit Systems.

Under certain circumstances described in the Amendment, if the Employment Terms of an Office 

Holder who is not a director is not approved by Elbit Systems' shareholders with the applicable required majority as 
mentioned above, the Compensation Committee and the Board may nonetheless approve such arrangement. 

In addition, pursuant to the Amendment, changes determined by the Compensation Committee not to be 

material to the existing Employment Terms of an Office Holder who is not a director, requires only the approval of 
the Compensation Committee. 

For further information see below "Board Practices - Compensation Committee", Item 10 - Additional 
Information - General Provisions of Israeli Law and Related Provisions of Articles of Association - Office Holders; 
and Additional Information - Approval of Certain Transactions - Approval of Employment Terms of Office Holders.

61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aggregate Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers

The following table sets forth the aggregate compensation paid to all of our directors and executive 

officers as a group for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013:

All directors (consisting of 9 persons)

All executive officers (consisting of 20 persons)

Salaries,
Pension,
Directors’
Retirement
Fees
and
Commissions
Similar
and Bonuses
Benefits
(U.S. dollars in thousands)

$     315*

$        ----

 $14,310**

$8,859***

* 

Elbit Systems’ shareholders at the annual general shareholders meeting held in 2004 approved payment 
to directors thereafter in accordance with maximum regulatory rates payable to External Directors under 
Israeli law for companies similarly classified based on their shareholding equity. These rates were 
linked to the Israeli consumer price index. At an extraordinary general shareholders meeting held in 
2008, our shareholders approved increasing compensation, so long as such approval has not been 
replaced or revoked by the shareholders. to our External Directors and to other directors meeting the 
director independence criteria of Nasdaq, each of whom has additional duties under applicable non-
Israeli law. The increased compensation was consistent with amendments to Israeli law regarding 
compensation to External Directors who serve on the boards of “dual listed” companies, such as Elbit 
Systems, and are subject to corresponding additional duties.

As a result, External Directors and other such “independent” directors are and will be entitled, so long 
as the above-mentioned resolution adopted in 2008 is in effect, to an annual fee of NIS 116,966 (equal 
to approximately $32,490) and a per meeting fee of  NIS 2,573 (equal to approximately $714), which 
reflect the fees levels previously approved at the 2008 Shareholders’ Extraordinary General Meeting and 
linked to the Israeli consumer price index. The other directors are paid the following compensation: an 
annual fee of NIS 58,292 (equal to approximately $16,192) and a per meeting fee of NIS 2,199 (equal to 
approximately $611), which reflect the fees levels previously approved at the 2004 annual general 
shareholders meeting and linked to the Israeli consumer price index. Compensation payments to 
directors are made either directly to the director or to his or her employing company.

In compliance with the Companies Law, our Audit Committee and the Board approved, in meetings held 
in 2011 in accordance with the Israeli Companies Regulations (Relief from Related Parties’ 
Transactions), 5760-2000, payment of director’s compensation to Michael Federmann and to David 
Federmann in amounts equal to the compensation paid by the Company to other directors of the 
Company who are not “independent” directors, as specified above. 

** 

We recorded an amount of approximately $0.4 million in 2013 as compensation costs related to stock 
options granted to our executive officers under our 2007 Employee Stock Option Plan. No options were 
granted to executive officers under the Plan in 2012 or 2013. (See below “Share Ownership – Elbit 
Systems’ Stock Option Plans” and Item 18. Financial Statements - Notes 21(B), (C) and (D).)

In August 2012 our Board approved a “Phantom” Option Retention Plan for Senior Officers (the 
Phantom Plan). The purpose of the Phantom Plan is to provide an incentive to retain applicable senior 
officers of Elbit Systems and certain of our subsidiaries by strengthening the alignment of the Phantom 
Plan recipients’ financial interests with those of the Company and our shareholders. See Item 18. 
Financial Statements – Note 21(I). We recorded  amounts of approximately $0.3 million and $5.1 
million in 2012 and 2013, respectively, as compensation costs related to the tranches of phantom options 
granted to our executive officers under the Phantom Plan. 

*** 

During 2013 several of our executive officers retired, including the former President and CEO.

62

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Board Practices

Appointment of Directors

Other than the External Directors, our directors are elected by the shareholders at the annual general 

shareholders meeting. They hold office until the next annual general shareholders meeting, which is held at least once 
every calendar year but not more than 15 months after the previous general shareholders meeting. Between annual 
general shareholders meetings our Board may appoint new directors to fill vacancies.  The External Directors are  
elected at a general shareholders meeting as described under “External Directors” below. Our Articles of Association 
authorize a maximum of 17 and a minimum of five directors.

The Companies Law requires the board of directors of a public company, after considering the 
company’s type and size and the scope and complexity of its activities, to determine the minimum number of 
directors on the board having “financial and accounting expertise” as defined in the Companies Law. Our Board has 
adopted a policy pursuant to which it will include a minimum of two directors having financial and accounting 
expertise as defined under the Companies Law. Currently our Board has three directors who are considered by the 
Board to have financial and accounting expertise: Dr. Gleitman, Mr. Asheri and Mr. Ne’eman. In addition, the 
Companies Law provides that a person will not be elected and will not serve as a director in a public company if he or 
she does not have the required qualifications and the ability to dedicate an appropriate amount of time for the 
performance of his or her director position in the company, taking into consideration, among other factors, the special 
needs and size of the company. A general shareholders meeting of a company whose shares are publicly traded, at 
which the election of a director is to be considered, will not be held unless the nominee has declared to the company 
that he or she complies with the above-mentioned requirements, and the details of his or her applicable qualifications 
are provided, and in case such nominee is an "Independent Director" as defined in the Companies Law, that such 
nominee has also declared that he or she complies with the independence criteria under the Companies Law. Each of 
our elected directors has declared to our Board that he or she complies with the required qualifications under the 
Companies Law for appointment as a member of our Board, detailing his or her applicable qualifications, and that he 
or she is capable of dedicating the appropriate amount of time for the performance of his or her role as a member of 
our Board. In addition, our Independent Director also has declared that he complies with the criteria of an 
Independent Director under the Companies Law.

The current External Directors on our Board were each appointed at a general meeting of shareholders, 

for a three-year term, with their terms expiring as described under “External Directors” below. The other seven 
current directors were appointed at the annual general meeting of shareholders held in November 2013. There are no 
service contracts or similar arrangements with any director that provide for benefits upon termination of directorship.

Nasdaq’s director independence and related rules applicable to boards of directors apply to Elbit 

Systems. Under these rules, our Board is required to meet the Nasdaq director independence criteria. Also applicable 
are certain other rules regarding independent directors serving on a director nomination committee and the manner 
for approving the compensation to Elbit Systems’ CEO. Directors on our Board are recommended for appointment or 
election by the Board’s Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. (See below “Corporate Governance and 
Nominating Committee.”)

Substitute Directors. The Articles of Association provide that any director may appoint another person 

to serve as a substitute director. A substitute director must be qualified under the Companies Law to serve as a 
substitute of the relevant director, and, under the Companies Law, in case the substituted director is an "Independent 
Director" as defined in the Companies Law, the substitute director must also comply with the requirements of 
the Companies Law for Independent Directors. If his or her appointment is for more than one meeting it will be 
subject to the approval of the Board. Such person may not act as a substitute director for more than one director at the 
same time. In addition, a Board committee member may not substitute for another Board committee member in 
meetings of the applicable committee. The same rules, including compensation, will apply to a substitute director as 
to the director who appointed him or her, and the substitute director may participate in Board and Board committee 
meetings in the same manner as the appointing director (subject to any applicable independence criteria). Subject to 
the Companies Law, a director who has appointed a substitute director may revoke the appointment at any time. In 
addition, the office of a substitute director will be vacated at any time that the office of the director who appointed the 
substitute is vacated for any reason. Any appointment or revocation of the appointment of a substitute director will be 
made by notice in writing to the substitute director and Elbit Systems. The appointment or revocation, as the case 
may be, will become effective on the later of the date of receipt of the above notice or the date fixed in the notice.

63

 
 
 
 
 
 
External Directors

Under the Companies Law publicly held Israeli companies are required to appoint at least two “External 

Directors.” Among other requirements, for each publicly held company such as Elbit Systems, that is considered to 
have a controlling shareholder, a person may serve as an External Director:

(A)  if that person is not a relative of the controlling shareholder of that company, or if that person (and 
each of that person’s relatives, partners and employers), or any person to whom he or she is 
subordinated (directly or indirectly), or any entity controlled by that person, did not have, at any 
time during the two years preceding that person’s appointment as an External Director, any 
affiliation (as defined in the Companies Law) with any of:

(1) the applicable company;

(2) the controlling shareholder of the applicable company or any of his or her relatives on the date 

of appointment; or

(3) any entity controlled, on the date of such appointment or at any time within the preceding two 
years, by the applicable company or by the controlling shareholder of the applicable company;

(B)  if and so long as:

(1) no conflict of interest exists or may exist between his or her responsibilities as a member of the 

board of directors of the respective company and his or her other positions or business activities; 
or

(2) such position or business activities does not impair his or her ability to serve as a director; and

(C)  if and so long as:

(1) that person and each of that person’s relatives, partners and employers, or any person to whom 
he or she is subordinated directly or indirectly or any entity controlled by that person has no 
business or professional relationships with any of the persons or entities mentioned in (A) 
above, even if such relationship is not on a regular basis other than a negligible relationship; and

(2) no other consideration except as permitted under the Companies Law is paid to that person in 

connection with that person's position as a director in the relevant company.

In general, at least one External Director must have “financial and accounting expertise”, and the other 
External Director(s) must have “professional competence” as described below. However, in companies such as Elbit 
Systems that are “dual listed” (for example traded on a stock exchange in both Israel and the U.S.) if one or more 
other directors who meet the independence criteria applicable to members of the audit committee under the foreign 
applicable law (including stock exchange rules) have been determined by the board of directors to have “financial and 
accounting expertise” then it is permissible for any or all of the External Directors to have only “professional 
competence” as described below. Under the relevant regulations of the Companies Law, a director has “financial and 
accounting expertise” if he or she, based on his or her education, experience and qualifications, is highly skilled in 
respect of, and understands, business and accounting matters and financial statements, in a manner that enables him 
or her to have an in-depth understanding of the company’s financial statements and to stimulate discussion with 
respect to the manner in which the financial data is presented.

The evaluation of the “financial and accounting expertise” of a director is to be made by the board of 
directors taking into account the parameters specified in the relevant regulations of the Companies Law. A director 
has “professional competence” if he or she (1) has an academic degree in either economics, business administration, 
accounting, law or public administration or an academic degree in an area relevant to the company’s business, or (2) 
has at least five years experience in a senior position in the business management of any corporate entity with a 
substantial scope of business, in a senior position in public service or in the field of the applicable company’s 
business. The evaluation of the professional competence of a director is to be made by the board of directors.

64

 
 
 
 
According to the Companies Law and our Articles of Association, our External Directors serve for a 

three-year term following which they may stand for re-election for one additional term, or up to two additional terms  
of three years each. Re-election of an External Director for each additional period beyond the first period requires that 
he or she: (i) is recommended for re-election by one or more shareholders holding at least 1% of all voting rights of 
the relevant company; or (ii) is recommended for re-election by the board of directors of the relevant company, and, 
in each case the nomination is approved by the general meeting of shareholders of the relevant company with the 
applicable majority requirements as provided by the Companies Law. 

In addition, External Directors in companies such as Elbit Systems that are “dual listed” may stand for 
re-election to additional terms of up to three years each beyond the first three terms, subject to meeting the following 
conditions:

(1)  the audit committee and the board both determine that based upon the expertise and the unique 
contribution of the External Director to the work of the board and its committees, his or her re-
election for an additional term is for the benefit of the company;

(2)  his or her re-election is recommended by one or more shareholders holding at least 1% of all voting 

rights of the relevant company;

(3)  his or her re-election is approved at a general shareholders meeting by the special majority required 

for nomination of External Directors under the Companies Law; and

(4)  his or her terms of service as an External Director and the considerations of the audit committee 

and the board regarding his or her re-election were presented to the general meeting of shareholders 
prior to the vote on such approval.

Our Articles of Association allow the External Directors of the Company to be elected to more than 

three terms of service. According to our Articles of Association, any committee of the Board must include at least one 
External Director, and according to the Companies Law, all External Directors must be members of the Audit 
Committee and the Compensation Committee.

Yehoshua Gleitman and Dalia Rabin currently serve as our Board’s External Directors. Dr. Gleitman’s 

term of office ends in March 2016, and the term of office of Dalia Rabin ends in November 2016. Yehoshua Gleitman 
was determined by the Board to have “financial and accounting expertise” under Israeli law, and Dalia Rabin was 
determined by the Board to have the applicable “professional competence” to serve as an External Director.

Audit Committee. Yehoshua Gleitman (Chair), Moshe Arad, Avraham Asheri, Yigal Ne’eman and Dalia 

Rabin are members of the Audit Committee. 

In accordance with the Companies Law, an audit committee must consist of at least three directors qualified 

to serve as members of an audit committee under the Companies Law including all External Directors. The chair of 
the audit committee must be an External Director, and the majority of the members must qualify as being 
“Independent Directors” in accordance with the criteria of the Companies Law. In accordance with the applicable 
Nasdaq rules and those of the SEC, Elbit Systems Audit Committee must be comprised solely of independent 
directors, as defined by said rules. 

The Audit Committee operates in accordance with an Audit Committee Charter that provides the 

framework for its oversight functions consistent with Israeli and U.S. legal and regulatory requirements. All of the 
members of the Audit Committee meet the applicable requirements of the Companies Law and have been determined 
to be independent as defined by the applicable Nasdaq rules and those of the SEC. The Audit Committee meets from 
time to time in executive sessions and also conducts annual assessments of the sufficiency of its Charter and of the 
Committee’s compliance with its obligations. (See Item 16A. Audit Committee – Financial Expert and Item 16D. 
Exemptions from Listing Standards for Audit Committees.)

Financial Statements Review Committee. Yehoshua Gleitman (Chair), Moshe Arad, Avraham Asheri, 

Yigal Ne’eman and Dalia Rabin are members of the Board’s Financial Statements Review Committee. Pursuant to the 
Israeli Companies Regulations the financial reports of a public company such as Elbit Systems may be brought for 
discussion and approval of the board only after such committee has discussed and formulated recommendations to the 
board in connection with: (1) the valuations and estimates used in connection with the financial statements; (2) the 

65

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
internal controls related to financial reporting; (3) the completeness and appropriateness of disclosure in the financial 
statements; (4) the accounting policy adopted and accounting treatment applied in the material matters of the 
company; and (5) valuations, including the assumptions and estimates underlying them, on which data in the financial 
statements is provided. The chairperson of the committee must be an External Director, and the majority of its 
members  must be directors who meet certain independence requirements of the Companies Law, and, among other 
criteria, must be able to read and understand financial statements, with at least one of the members having “financial 
and accounting expertise” (as defined above). Yehoshua Gleitman, Avraham Asheri and Yigal Ne’eman have been 
determined by the Board to have “financial and accounting expertise”.

Compensation Committee

Dalia Rabin (Chair), Avraham Asheri and Yehoshua Gleitman are members of the Board’s 

Compensation Committee.  Pursuant to the Amendment (see above "Compensation to Directors and Executive 
Officers - Compensation Policy"), the compensation committee of a public company, such as Elbit Systems, is 
required to consist of at least three members and all of the external directors must be members of the committee (one 
of which to be appointed as the chairperson) and constitute the majority thereof. The remaining members must be 
directors who qualify to serve as members of the audit committee as defined in the Companies Law.  All of our 
Compensation Committee members have been determined to be eligible to be members of a compensation committee 
in accordance with the Amendment and also have been determined to be independent as defined by the applicable 
Nasdaq rules and those of the SEC.

In addition to its other roles, under the Amendment the compensation committee of a public company 

such as Elbit Systems is required:

(1)  to recommend to the board of directors the compensation policy for the company's Office Holders 
to be adopted by the company and to recommend to the board of directors, once every three years, 
regarding any extension or modifications of the current compensation policy that had been 
approved for a period of more than three years;

(2)  from time to time to recommend to the board of directors any updates required to the compensation 

policy and examine the implementation thereof;

(3)  to determine, with respect to the company's Office Holders, whether to approve their Employment 

Terms; and

(4)  in certain situations described in the Amendment, to determine whether to exempt the approval of 
Employment Terms  of a candidate for the position of  CEO of the company from the requirement 
to obtain shareholder approval.

According to the Amendment, Employment Terms of a public company’s Office Holders must be 

approved also by the board as a whole and, with respect to Employment Terms of the CEO or a director, also by the 
company's shareholders in accordance with the majority requirements of the Companies Law. (For further 
information see above "Compensation of Directors and Executive and Executive Officers - Compensation Policy";  
Item 10. Additional Information – General Provisions of Israeli Law and Related Provisions of Articles of Association 
– Office Holders; and  Additional Information - Approval of Certain Transactions - Approval of Employment Terms 
of Office Holders).

Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. Avraham Asheri (Chair), Yehoshua Gleitman, 

Yigal Ne’eman and Dalia Rabin are members of the Board’s Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. This 
Committee operates in accordance with a Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee Charter that specifies its 
oversight functions consistent with Israeli and U.S. legal and regulatory requirements. The role of the Corporate 
Governance and Nominating Committee is to assist the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities with respect to the 
qualification of candidates to become Board members and to monitor compliance with corporate governance 
requirements applicable to Board members. All of the members of the Corporate Governance and Nominating 
Committee have been determined to be independent as defined by the applicable Nasdaq rules and those of the SEC. 
A nominee to our Board must have such experience in business or financial matters as would make such nominee an 
asset to the Board. In recommending director candidates, our Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee 
takes into consideration such factors as it deems appropriate based on our current needs. These factors may include: 
professional and personal ethics and integrity; business, professional and industry knowledge, sophistication and 

66

 
 
 
 
 
contacts; the ability to make informed and independent judgments on a wide range of issues; relevant skills and 
experience demonstrated through business, professional, charitable or civic affairs; and the candidate’s ability to 
devote the required time and effort to serve on our Board. (See Item 16.G. Corporate Governance.)

Board Committee Membership

Financial Statements
Review Committee:

Yehoshua Gleitman
(Chair)
Moshe Arad
Avraham Asheri
Yigal Ne’eman
Dalia Rabin

Corporate
Governance and
Nominating
Committee:

Avraham Asheri
(Chair)
Yehoshua Gleitman
Yigal Ne’eman
Dalia Rabin

Compensation
Committee:

Dalia Rabin
(Chair)
Avraham Asheri
Yehoshua Gleitman

Audit Committee:

Yehoshua Gleitman
(Chair)
Moshe Arad
Avraham Asheri
Yigal Ne’eman
Dalia Rabin

Employees

Number of Employees. Most of our employees are based in Israel, and we have a significant number of 
employees in the United States. The total number of employees worldwide and the number of employees in the U.S. 
at the end of 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:

2013
2012
2011

Total
Employees

U.S.
Employees

11,674
12,134
12,545

1,620
1,772
1,980

Employment Contracts. The majority of our Israeli employees have individual employment contracts. 

However, by law some employees receive rights under a number of general collective bargaining agreements and 
under Israeli employment laws. See Item 4. Information on the Company – Conditions in Israel – Israeli Labor Laws. 
We believe our overall relationship with our employees is satisfactory.

Collective Bargaining Agreements. In Israel, several of our wholly-owned subsidiaries are each parties 
to collective bargaining agreements covering a portion of their employees. A total of approximately 2,300 employees 
in Israel are covered by such agreements that extend for various periods up to 2017. Approximately 245 of the 
employees at Elbit Systems of America’s operations are covered by collective bargaining agreements in effect 
through various periods through November  2014.

Share Ownership

Elbit Systems’ Stock Option Plans

2007 Employee Stock Option Plan. In 2007, our shareholders approved the 2007 Option Plan (the 

Plan). The purpose of the Plan is to provide an incentive to applicable employees of Elbit Systems and certain of our 
subsidiaries, who are expected to contribute to the Company’s future growth and success and to strengthen the 
alignment of the option recipients’ interests with those of the Company and our shareholders.  Approximately 200 
employees were granted options under the Plan.  Most of the options granted under the Plan have been exercised or 
expired. For details regarding the Plan, see Item 18. Financial Statements – Notes 21(B), (C) and (D). For the full text 
of the Plan as amended, see exhibit 4.3 – Amended 2007 Stock Option Plan to the post effective amendment to our 
registration statement on Form S-8. 

67

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 7. 

Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions.

Major Shareholders

Percentages

We had, as of February 28, 2014, 42,622,322 ordinary shares outstanding(1) . The following table sets forth 

specific information as of February 28, 2014, to the best of our knowledge, concerning:

• 

• 

beneficial ownership of more than 5% of our outstanding ordinary shares; and

the number of ordinary shares beneficially owned by all of our executive officers and directors as a group.

Name of Beneficial Owner

Federmann Enterprises Ltd.
99 Hayarkon Street
Tel-Aviv, Israel(2)

Heris Aktiengesellschaft
c/o 99 Hayarkon Street
Tel-Aviv, Israel
Psagot Investment House Ltd., as a group(4)
14 Ahad Ha'am Street
Tel-Aviv, Israel

All executive officers and directors as
a group (24 persons)

Amount
Owned

Percent of
Ordinary
Shares

19,580,342

45.94%

3,836,458 (3)

9.00%

2,131,721 (5)

5.01%

42,021 (6)

0.10%

(1)  The total number of ordinary shares excludes 1,408,921 ordinary shares held by us as treasury shares.

(2)  Federmann Enterprises Ltd. (FEL) owns our ordinary shares directly and indirectly through Heris 

Aktiengesellschaft (Heris) which is controlled by FEL. FEL is controlled by Beit Federmann Ltd. (BFL). 
BFL is controlled by Beit Bella Ltd. (BBL) and Beit Yekutiel Ltd. (BYL). Michael Federmann is the 
controlling shareholder of BBL and BYL. He is also the chairman of Elbit Systems’ Board and the chairman 
of the board and the chief executive officer of FEL. Therefore, Mr. Federmann controls, directly and 
indirectly, the vote of ordinary shares owned by Heris and FEL.

As of February 28, 2014, 4,655,448 ordinary shares held by FEL were pledged to Bank Leumi Le-Israel BM 
to guarantee loans provided to FEL in connection with FEL’s purchase in 2004 of our ordinary shares from 
Elron Electronics Industries Ltd. as well as to guarantee an increase of the loan provided to FEL according to 
an 2007 amendment to the loan agreement. In addition, 2,175,000 ordinary shares held by FEL were pledged 
in favor of Bank Hapoalim BM, in connection with FEL’s purchase in 2006 from Koor Industries Ltd. of 
2,350,000 of our ordinary shares.

(3)  The amount of ordinary shares owned by Heris is included in the amount of shares held by FEL as set forth in 

footnote (2) above.

(4)  The group includes Psagot Investment House Ltd. as well as certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, 

primarily mutual and investment funds.

(5)  Based on a report on Form 13G filed with the SEC by Psagot Investment House Ltd. on February 18, 2014.

(6)  This amount does not include: (i) any ordinary shares that may be deemed to be beneficially owned by 

Michael Federmann as described in footnote (2) above; and (ii) 5,898 ordinary shares underlying options that 
are currently exercisable or that will become exercisable within 60 days of February 28, 2014. A portion of 

68

 
 
 
the underlying options are “phantom options” or “cashless” options that have been calculated based on our 
February 28, 2014 closing share price on the TASE of $57.23. 

Rights in Shares, Significant Changes in Shareholders and Controlling Shareholders

Our controlling shareholders have the same rights as other holders of our ordinary shares. (See also Item 10. 

Additional Information – Provisions Relating to Major Shareholders. With respect to the Company’s repurchase of our ordinary 
shares see Item 16.E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers.)

The only changes in shareholdings by our controlling shareholders in the last three years were those relating to 

FEL as follows:

February 28, 2014

Shares
Owned

Shares
Owned

February 28, 2013
% of
Shares
Owned

Shares
Owned

February 29, 2012

February 28, 2011

Shares
Owned

% of
Shares
Owned

Shares Owned  

% of
Shares
Owned

FEL

19,580,342

45.94% 19,580,3421

46.72%

19,503,3802

45.97%

19,457,5663

45.50%

(1) 
(2) 
(3) 

Reflects incidental purchases by FEL of shares in open market transactions during March 2012 – February 2013.
Reflects incidental purchases by FEL of shares in open market transactions during May 2011 – February 2012.
Reflects incidental purchases by FEL of shares in open market transactions during May 2010 – February 2011.

As of February 28, 2014, approximately 7.96% of our outstanding ordinary shares were held in the United States by 

approximately 140 shareholders of record registered on the books of our transfer agent.

We are not aware of any arrangement which may result in a change in control of the Company.

Related Party Transactions

Transactions with Affiliated Companies. In the ordinary course of business, some of our subsidiaries and 

affiliates engage in business activities with each other. The purchases among our related parties are made at prices and on terms 
equivalent to those used in transacting business with unrelated parties under similar conditions. The sales among our related 
parties in respect to government defense contracts are made on the basis of costs incurred. (See Item 10. Additional Information 
– General Provisions of Israeli Law and Related Provisions of Articles of Association – Approval of Certain Transactions.)

Transactions with Office Holders. See below – Item 10. Additional Information –  General Provisions of Israeli 
Law and Related Provisions of Articles of Association - Office Holders and - Approval of Certain Transactions - Approval of 
Transactions and - Approval of Employment Terms of Office Holders. For information on the grant of options in Elbit Systems’ 
shares to officers and directors, see Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees – Share Ownership – Elbit Systems’ 
Stock Option Plans.

Item 8. 

Financial Information.

Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

See Item 18. Financial Statements.

Export Sales

Export sales constitute a significant portion of our sales. In 2013, export sales were approximately $2.2 billion, 

constituting approximately 76% of our total sales. (For further information regarding the allocation of our revenues by 
geographic region see Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – 2013 Compared to 2012 – Revenues.)

69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Legal Proceedings

Aminov. In November 2012, a claim in the amount of approximately $40 million regarding a commercial dispute 
was filed in the District Court of Tel-Aviv – Jaffa by Dr. Baruch Aminov against the Company, a European subsidiary of the 
Company and two of its officers. The Company believes that there is no merit to the allegations  and  responded accordingly to 
the court. During 2013, the plaintiff submitted a motion for exemption from payment of the required court fee.  The motion was 
dismissed by the District Court, and plaintiff's appeal against the decision of the District Court was denied.  Accordingly, the claim 
was dismissed due to plaintiff's non-payment of the court fee.  The plaintiff submitted a motion to the Israeli Supreme Court for 
leave to appeal against the District Court's decision and to obtain an exemption from depositing a guarantee.  The Supreme Court 
rejected plaintiff's motion for exemption to deposit a guarantee, and the motion for leave to appeal has not yet been considered.

IMOD – Program Cancellation. In November 2012, Elbit Systems and its subsidiary Elop filed a lawsuit against 
the Government of Israel, for damages and expenses caused in connection with the cancellation of export licenses for a project 
of a foreign customer. This followed the unsuccessful efforts to reach an appropriate compensatory settlement with the 
Government. The approximately $74 million lawsuit was filed with the District Court of the Central Region of Israel. Elbit 
Systems has been attempting on an ongoing basis to mitigate damages caused by the program cancellation through utilization 
on other programs of assets related to the canceled program.  The parties have temporarily suspended the legal proceedings 
pending discussions. See Item 18. Financial Statements - Note 1(C).

Pinpoint. In 2009, a claim in the amount of approximately $10 million was filed in the District Court – Central 

District of Israel by Pinpoint Advance Corporation (Pinpoint) and four of its founders against our Israeli subsidiary, Elbit 
Systems Holdings (1997) Ltd., as well as against one of our officers. Pinpoint is a special purpose acquisition company that 
was in negotiations with us and other shareholders of our subsidiary Kinetics, regarding the sale of shares in Kinetics during 
2008. The transaction was not completed and negotiations were terminated. Pinpoint claims that the agreement was completed 
and thus entered into effect. Alternatively, Pinpoint claims that our decision not to complete the agreement was made in bad 
faith, and that under the circumstances Pinpoint and its founders are entitled to pecuniary compensation equal to their rights 
and entitlements under the alleged breached contract. We believe there is no merit to the allegations made in the claim and have 
responded accordingly to the court. The claim is in the discovery stage, and Pinpoint has submitted various affidavits to which 
we are in the process of responding.

Credit Suisse. In 2009, Elbit Systems filed a claim in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois 

against Credit Suisse Group (CSG). The complaint sought to recover approximately $16 million that Elbit Systems believed 
was fraudulently obtained by CSG and by its subsidiary Credit Suisse Securities (USA) from Tadiran Communications Ltd. 
(Tadiran Communications) in 2007 in connection with auction rate securities purchased by Tadiran Communications through 
CSG. In 2008, Tadiran Communication was merged into Elbit Systems, and Tadiran Communications’ activities are currently 
performed as part of Elbit Systems’ wholly-owned Israeli subsidiary, Elbit Systems Land and C4I Ltd. CSG filed a motion to 
dismiss the claim based on a release signed by Tadiran Communications in 2007. In 2009, the case was moved to the U.S. 
District Court for the Southern District of New York. In January 2013, the court ruled in Elbit Systems’ favor on a motion to 
dismiss filed by CSG. In May 2013, the parties entered into a settlement agreement pursuant to which the claim was dismissed, 
and CSG paid an undisclosed amount to Elbit Systems.

ImageSat

In 2010, a claim was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York (New York State 

Court) by certain minority security holders of ImageSat International N.V. (ImageSat) against ImageSat, IAI, Elbit Systems and 
Elop claiming a breach of the Security Holders Agreement between various security holders of ImageSat, based on an alleged 
failure to appoint independent directors to the ImageSat board of directors. 

In 2010, Elbit Systems and Elop were served with an Application to Approve a Derivative Action (the 

Application) filed in the District Court of Petach Tikva, Israel, by certain minority shareholders of ImageSat. The Application 
named a number of respondents, including, among others, ImageSat, IAI, Elop, Elbit Systems and several former directors of 
ImageSat, including, among others, Michael Federmann, Joseph Ackerman and Joseph Gaspar (Elbit Systems, Elop and the 
above-named former directors are referred to as the Elbit Defendants). The Application requested the court to approve the filing 
of a derivative action on behalf of ImageSat for alleged breaches by some of the respondents of the applicants’ rights as 
minority shareholders in ImageSat. The claims contained various allegations that the defendants breached their fiduciary and/or 
contractual obligations to the detriment of the plaintiffs. In 2011, the court granted the Elbit Defendants motions to dismiss the 
Application, and in June 2011 the Applicants filed a Notice of Appeal of the court’s ruling with the Israeli Supreme Court. 

70

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In September 2013, IAI, Elbit Systems and Elop reached a settlement with certain security holders of ImageSat.  

As part of the settlement, the proceedings against Elbit Systems and Elop in New York and in Israel were dismissed with 
prejudice and without payment to any party.

In January 2012, a group of minority shareholders of ImageSat (the Petitioners), provided ImageSat with a letter 

of notice, according to which the Petitioners intended to file a petition before the Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curacao, 
Saint Maarten and of Bonaire, St. Eustatia, and Saba to make inquiry as to the policy and course of affairs at ImageSat and for 
other remedies authorized under the Civil Code of Curacao (the Letter of Notice). Although the Letter of Notice was directed at 
ImageSat, it contained various allegations against, among others, the Elbit Defendants (as described above in connection with 
the Israeli proceedings). The nature of the allegations was substantially similar to those previously made in the Israeli action as 
described above. In March 2013 the court denied the Petitioners’ request in the Letter of Notice.  The period for filing an appeal 
has lapsed with no appeal having been filed, and the case is therefore closed.

There are no remaining outstanding legal proceedings against Elbit Systems or Elop on any of our officers or 

directors in respect of ImageSat.

Other Legal Proceedings. The Company is involved in other legal proceedings from time to time. Based on the 

advice of our legal counsel, management believes such current proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our 
financial position or results of operations.

Dividend Distributions

We do not have a declared dividend policy. (Regarding declarations of dividends out of certain tax-exempt 

income see below Item 10. Additional Information – Taxation – Investment Law.) Our Articles of Association provide that the 
Board may approve dividend payments to shareholders out of surplus earnings as permitted by applicable law. To date we have 
consistently paid a quarterly dividend to our shareholders.

Our aggregate quarterly dividend payments for the last three full fiscal years were as follows:

2011

2012

2013

Significant Changes

$

$

$

1.44 per share

1.20 per share

1.20 per share

Other than those significant events described in this annual report, if any, there have not been any significant 

changes since December 31, 2013.

Item 9. 

The Offer and Listing.

Share Listings and Trading Prices

Our ordinary shares are listed on the TASE and are quoted on Nasdaq under the symbol “ESLT”.

71

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The high and low sale prices for our ordinary shares for the five most recent fiscal years are:

2009
2010
2011
2012
2013

Nasdaq

TASE(1)

High

Low

High

Low

$
$
$
$
$

70.50
66.65
56.75
42.09
61.08

$
$
$
$
$

40.50
46.80
35.35
29.59
37.08

$
$
$
$
$

69.78
65.69
55.36
39.87
61.20

$
$
$
$
$

40.27
46.70
34.29
29.02
37.06

The high and low quarterly sale prices for our ordinary shares for the two most recent full financial years and the 

next subsequent quarter are:

2012
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter

2013
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter

2014
First Quarter (through February 28, 2014)

Nasdaq

TASE(1)

High

Low

High

Low

$
$
$
$

$
$
$
$

$

40.99
37.83
34.58
40.20

43.60
47.47
55.34
61.08

$
$
$
$

$
$
$
$

34.37
32.42
29.59
33.80

37.08
40.60
42.46
51.66

61.46

$

54.95

$
$
$
$

$
$
$
$

$

39.87
35.07
33.99
37.26

42.92
45.70
54.03
61.20

$
$
$
$

$
$
$
$

34.14
33.69
29.02
34.05

37.06
40.64
42.05
51.80

61.35

$

55.61

The monthly high and low sale prices of our ordinary shares for the most recent six months are:

September 2013
October 2013
November 2013
December 2013
January 2014
February 2014

Nasdaq

TASE(1)

High

Low

High

Low

$
$
$
$
$
$

55.34
54.22
55.36
61.08
61.46
58.80

$
$
$
$
$
$

45.56
51.66
52.55
55.36
56.77
54.95

$
$
$
$
$
$

54.03
53.80
55.18
61.23
61.35
58.23

$
$
$
$
$
$

46.03
51.80
52.18
55.24
57.11
55.61

(1) 

The closing prices of our ordinary shares on the TASE have been translated into U.S. dollars using the daily 
representative rate of exchange of the NIS to the U.S. dollar as published by the Bank of Israel for the applicable 
day of the high/low amount in the specified period.

72

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 10. 

Additional Information.

General Provisions of Israeli Law and Related Provisions of Articles of Association

Israeli Companies Registrar. We are registered with the Israeli Companies Registrar. The registration number 

issued to us by the Companies Registrar is 52-004302-7.

The Companies Law and Restated Articles of Association. The Companies Law is the basic corporation law 

governing Israeli publicly and privately held companies. The Companies Law mandates specific provisions be included in an 
Israeli company’s articles of association, which are included in Elbit Systems' Restated Articles of Association (the Articles of 
Association).

Purpose. Elbit Systems’ purpose, as described in Article 3 of the Articles of Association, includes any objectives 

permitted by law.

Appointment and Removal of Directors. See Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees – Board of 

Directors.

Internal Auditor. Publicly held Israeli companies are required to appoint an internal auditor. The main role of the 
internal auditor is to examine whether the company’s activities comply with the law, integrity and orderly business procedures.  
The internal auditor operates in accordance with an audit committee charter that provides the framework for the committee's  
functions, consistent with applicable Israeli and U.S. laws and regulations. (See Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and 
Employees – Board Practices – Audit Committee.)

Office Holders

The Companies Law specifies the duty of care and fiduciary duties that an “Office Holder” owes to a company. 

An Office Holder is defined as a director, general manager, chief business manager, deputy general manager, vice general 
manager, any other person who fulfills these functions without regard to that person’s title or other manager directly 
subordinate to the general manager. Each person listed above as a director or executive officer in Item 6. Directors - Senior 
Management and Employees - Directors and Executive Officers, is an Office Holder of Elbit Systems.

Under the Companies Law, an Office Holder’s fiduciary duty includes the general duty to act in good faith and for 

the benefit of the company, avoiding any conflict of interest between the Officer Holder’s position in the company and his or 
her personal affairs. The fiduciary duty also includes avoiding any competition with the company and avoiding exploiting any 
business opportunity of the company in order to receive personal advantage for the Office Holder or others. Also, the Office 
Holder is required to disclose to the company any information or documents relating to the company’s affairs that the Officer 
Holder has received due to his or her position as an Office Holder. Under the Companies Law voting agreements among 
directors or a director’s failure to exercise independent judgment while voting are each considered a breach of fiduciary duty. 
The duty of care requires an Office Holder to act in a way that a reasonable Office Holder would act in the same position and 
under similar circumstances. This includes the duty to utilize reasonable means to obtain information regarding the advisability 
of a given action submitted for his or her approval or performed by virtue of his or her position and all other relevant 
information.

Some members of our Board are also directors of FEL or companies controlled by FEL. Therefore, in the event of 
an issue or transaction between Elbit Systems and any of those companies, those individuals who are affiliated with both of the 
applicable companies will be excluded from any decisions concerning such issue or transaction. In addition, an issue or 
transaction with any of such companies also requires authorization in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Law.  
(See below - "Approval of Certain Transactions" and "Provisions Relating to Major Shareholders").

       Arrangements in connection with the Employment Terms of Elbit Systems' Office Holders require special 
authorizations (see below "Approval of Certain Transactions - Approval of Employment Terms of Office Holders" and Item 6 - 
Directors, Senior Management and Employees - Compensation of Executive Officers and Directors - Compensation Policy .)

Other transactions with Office Holders and affiliates may also require authorization in accordance with the 

requirements of the Companies Law. (See below – Item 10. Additional Information – Approval of Certain Transactions. For 
information on the grant of options in Elbit Systems’ shares to executive officers and directors, see Item 6. Directors, Senior 
Management and Employees – Share Ownership – Elbit Systems’ Stock Option Plans).

73

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Approval of Certain Transactions

Approval Procedures. The Companies Law requires that certain transactions, actions and arrangements, mainly 

with related parties including Office Holders, be approved as provided for in the Companies Law and in a company’s articles of 
association and in many cases by the audit committee or the compensation committee and by the board of directors. Sometimes 
shareholder approval is also required.

Personal Interest and Extraordinary Transactions. The Companies Law requires that an Office Holder or a 

controlling shareholder (see “Provisions Relating to Major Shareholders” below) of a publicly traded company immediately 
disclose (and no later than the first board meeting the transaction is discussed) any “Personal Interest” that he or she may have 
and all related material information known to him or her, in connection with any existing or proposed transaction of the 
company. A person with a Personal Interest in any such transaction that is brought for approval of the audit committee or board 
of directors may not be present at the meeting where the transaction is being deliberated or approved (unless the chair of the 
audit committee or the board, as the case may be, determines that such person’s presence at the meeting is required for 
presentation of the relevant transaction) and, in case such person is a director, he or she may not vote on the matter, unless a 
majority of the members of the audit committee or of the board of directors (as the case may be) have a Personal Interest in the 
approval of the relevant transaction, in which case the directors having such Personal Interest may be present and may 
participate in the vote. In the event that the majority of the members of the board of directors have a Personal Interest in the 
relevant transaction, the approval of the shareholders is also required. Personal Interest also includes any interest held by the 
Office Holder’s spouse, siblings, parents, grandparents, descendants, spouse’s descendants, spouse’s siblings and parents and 
the spouses of any of them. It also includes an interest by any entity in which the Office Holder or his or her relative is a 5% or 
greater shareholder, director or general manager or in which he or she has the right to appoint at least one director or the general 
manager. An “extraordinary transaction” is other than in the ordinary course of business, other than on market terms or is likely 
to have a material impact on the company’s profitability, assets or liabilities.

Approval of Transactions

In accordance with the Companies Law the following approvals are required for approving a transaction  with an 
Office Holder, other than arrangements in connection with Employment Terms (Other Transaction) or a transaction in which an 
Office Holder has a Personal Interest:.

(1)  of the board of directors - for an Other Transaction that the audit committee has determined is not an 

extraordinary transaction, unless the company's articles of association provide otherwise;

(2)  of both the audit committee and the board of directors;

(i) 

(ii) 

(iii) 

for any Other  Transaction with an Office Holder or for a transaction in which an Office Holder has a 
Personal Interest that the audit committee determines to be an extraordinary transaction;

for material actions or arrangements that may otherwise be considered a breach of fiduciary duty of an 
Office Holder; or

for extraordinary transactions of a public company with its controlling shareholder or with another 
person in which the controlling shareholder has a Personal Interest, including a private offering in 
which the controlling shareholder has a Personal Interest, as well as an agreement of a public company 
with its controlling shareholder or his or her relatives, directly or indirectly, including through a 
company controlled by him or her, regarding the grant of services to the applicable company or 
regarding the terms of service and/or employment of the controlling shareholder or his or her relatives, 
as the case may be; or

(3)  of both the compensation committee and the board of directors,  with respect to Employment Terms of the 

controlling shareholder or his or her relatives as Office Holders of the company.

        Under a recent additional amendment to the Companies Law, the audit committee of a publicly held company 

such as Elbit Systems, is also required to determine whether to carry out competitive procedures or other procedures before any 
engagement in a transaction with a controlling shareholder or in which a controlling shareholder has a Personal Interest. The 

74

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
audit committee is also required to determine the approval procedures of non-extraordinary transactions with a controlling 
shareholder or in which a controlling shareholder has a Personal Interest that are not negligible.

Except for certain exemptions specified under the Companies Law, matters referred to herein also require 

shareholder approval, including, where applicable, by a specified percentage of non-interested shareholders. In addition, the 
Companies Law requires re-approval every three years with respect to some of the matters referred to above. Re-approval when 
applicable is required by the audit committee or the compensation committee, as the case may be, the board of directors and, 
except for certain specific exemptions, also by the shareholders. (See also “Provisions Relating to Major Shareholders” below.)

Approval of  Employment Terms of Office Holders

In accordance with the  Amendment (see Item 6. Directors, Senior Managers and Employees - Compensation of 

Directors and Executive Officers - Compensation Policy), approval by both the compensation committee and the board of 
directors is required for all arrangements regarding Employment Terms of an Office Holder.

In addition, an arrangement in connection with the Employment Terms of the CEO or a director of a public 
company or an arrangement regarding Employment Terms of any other Office Holder, which are not consistent with the 
approved compensation policy of that public company, also require approval by the majority of the company's shareholders.  
However, with respect to approval of Employment Terms of the CEO or of a director who is a controlling shareholder, or 
Employment Terms with any Office Holder that are not consistent with the approved compensation policy, shareholder 
approval must be by a special majority vote, such that either:

(1)  such majority includes a majority of the total votes of shareholders who have no Personal Interest in the 

approval of the transaction and who participate in the voting, in person, by proxy or by written ballot, at the 
meeting (abstentions not taken into account); or

(2)  the total number of votes of shareholders mentioned above that are voted against the transaction does not 

represent more than 2% of the total voting rights in the company.

In accordance with the Amendment,  the compensation committee may determine that an arrangement in 
connection with Employment Terms  of a candidate to the position of the CEO of a public company is exempt from the 
approval by the shareholders of the company, provided that: (i) the candidate for the position of CEO is considered to be 
"independent" based on criteria set forth in the Companies Law; (ii) the compensation committee determined, based on detailed 
reasons, that bringing the arrangement to the approval of the shareholders may compromise the entering into the arrangement; 
and (iii) the respective Employment Terms are consistent with the company's approved compensation policy.

In addition, pursuant to the Amendment, the compensation committee and the board of directors may approve 

Employment Terms of an Office Holders (other than CEO or directors) that are not in accordance with the company's approved 
compensation policy, even if the shareholders' do not approve such terms, provided that:

(1)  both the compensation committee and the board of directors re-discussed the relevant Employment Terms  

and decided to approve them despite the shareholders' objection, based on detailed reasons; and

(2)  the company is not a "Public Pyramid Held Company". For the purpose hereof, a "Public Pyramid Held 

Company" is a public company that is controlled by another public company (including by a company that 
only issued debentures to the public), which is also controlled by another public company (including a 
company that only issued debentures to the public) that has a controlling shareholder.

Changes of the terms of a current arrangement regarding Employment Terms  of an Office Holder (other than a 
director), may require only the approval of the compensation committee, if the compensation committee has determined that 
such changes are not material.

For further information see above "General Provisions of Israeli Law and Related Provisions of Articles of Association 

- Office Holders" and Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees - Compensation of Executive Officers and 
Directors - Compensation Policy.

75

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exemption, Insurance and Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Exemption, Insurance and Indemnification under the Companies Law

Under the Companies Law, an Israeli company may not exempt an Office Holder from liability with respect to a 

breach of his or her duty of loyalty, but may exempt in advance an Office Holder from his or her liability to the company, in 
whole or in part, with respect to a breach of his or her duty of care, provided that a relevant provision is included in the 
company’s articles of association. However, a company may not exempt in advance a director from his or her liability to the 
company with respect to a breach of duty of care in connection with a distribution made by the company.

The Companies Law permits a company to obtain an insurance policy covering liabilities of Office Holders 
resulting from a breach of the Office Holder’s duty of care to the company or to another person, provided that a relevant 
provision is included in the company’s articles of association. Insurance may also be obtained to cover liabilities from the 
breach of his or her fiduciary duty to the company, to the extent that the Office Holder acted in good faith and had reasonable 
cause to believe that the act would not prejudice the interests of the company. It may also cover monetary liabilities charged 
against an Office Holder while serving the company. In addition, the Israeli Securities Law – 1968 (Securities Law) permits 
that such insurance policy will cover a payment which an Office Holder is obligated to pay to an injured party as set forth in the 
relevant sections of the Securities Law as well as expenses incurred by an Office Holder in connection with certain proceedings 
that are specified in the Securities Law, including reasonable litigation expenses (including attorney's fees), provided that a 
relevant provision is included in the company's articles of association.

Under the Companies Law, a company may indemnify an Office Holder against any monetary liability incurred in 

his or her capacity as an Office Holder whether imposed on him or her in favor of another person pursuant to a judgment, a 
settlement or an arbitrator’s award approved by a court. A company can also indemnify an Office Holder against reasonable 
litigation expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred by him or her in his or her capacity as an Office Holder, in a proceeding 
instituted against him or her by the company, on its behalf or by a third party, or in connection with criminal proceedings in 
which the Office Holder was acquitted, or as a result of a conviction for a crime that does not require proof of criminal intent or 
in which an indictment was not brought against the Office Holder. In addition, a company may indemnify an Office Holder in 
respect of payments that the Office Holder is obligated to pay to an injured party as set forth in the relevant sections of the 
Securities Law, including reasonable litigation expenses (including attorney's fees). These indemnifications are subject to the 
inclusion of relevant provisions in the company’s articles of association.

Also under the Companies Law, provided that a relevant provision is included in the company’s articles of 

association, a company may indemnify an Office Holder against reasonable litigation expenses, including attorneys’ fees, 
incurred by him or her in his or her capacity as an Office Holder, in an investigation or proceeding by an authority authorized to 
conduct such investigation or proceeding in which no indictment was filed and no monetary payments in lieu of criminal 
proceedings were imposed against the Office Holder, or monetary payments in lieu of criminal proceedings were imposed on 
him or her provided that the alleged criminal offense does not require proof of criminal intent.

Under the Companies Law, a company may indemnify an Office Holder in respect of certain liabilities, either in 
advance of an event or following an event. If a company undertakes to indemnify an Office Holder in advance of an event, the 
indemnification, other than reasonable litigation expenses, must be limited to foreseeable events in light of the company’s 
actual activities at the time the company undertook such indemnification and also limited to reasonable amounts or criteria 
under the circumstances, as determined by the board of directors, and the undertaking to indemnity will specify any such 
events, amounts or criteria.

A company may not indemnify an Office Holder or enter into an insurance contract that would provide coverage 

for any monetary liability incurred or exempt an Office Holder from liability to the company with respect to each of the 
following:

(1)  a breach of fiduciary duty, except indemnification or insurance that provides coverage for a breach of a 

fiduciary duty to the company while acting in good faith and having reasonable cause to assume that such act 
would not prejudice the interests of the company;

(2)  a willful breach of the duty of care or reckless disregard for the circumstances or to the consequences of a 

breach of the duty of care other than mere negligence;

(3)  an act done with the intent to unlawfully realize a personal gain;

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(4)  a fine or monetary penalty imposed upon such Office Holder; or

(5)  certain monetary liabilities that are set forth in the Securities Law.

Insurance and Indemnification of Directors and Officers under the Articles of Association

In accordance with and subject to the provisions of the Companies Law and the Securities Law, Elbit Systems’ 

Articles of Association allow for directors and officers liability insurance, in respect of a liability or payment imposed on a 
director or officer as a result of an act carried out by such person in his or her capacity as a director or officer. This insurance 
may cover:

(1)  a breach of his or her duty of care to Elbit Systems or to another person;

(2)  a breach of his or her fiduciary duty to Elbit Systems, provided that the director or officer acted in good faith 

and had reasonable cause to assume that his or her act would not harm the interests of Elbit Systems;

(3)  a financial obligation imposed on him or her in favor of another person;

(4)  a payment that he or she is obligated to pay to an injured party as set forth in the relevant sections of the 

Securities Law;

(5)  expenses incurred by him or her in connection with certain administrative proceedings specified in the 

Securities Law, including reasonable litigation expenses (including attorney's' fees); or

(6)  any other event for which insurance of a director or officer is or may be permitted.

In addition, in accordance with and subject to the Companies Law and the Securities Law, Elbit Systems’ Articles 
of Association permit indemnification, retroactively or in advance, of a director or officer against liability, payment or expense 
imposed or incurred by him or her as a result of an act carried out in his or her capacity as a director or officer, that may 
include:

(1)  a monetary liability imposed on the director or officer or paid by him or her in favor of a third party under a 
judgment, including a judgment by way of compromise or a judgment of an arbitrator approved by a court; 
provided however, that in case such undertaking is granted in advance it will be limited to events which, in 
the Board’s opinion, are foreseeable in light of the Elbit Systems’ actual activities at the time of granting the 
obligation to indemnify, and to a sum or criteria as the Board deems reasonable under the circumstances, and 
the undertaking to indemnify will specify the aforementioned events and sum or criteria;

(2)  a payment imposed on him or her in favor of an injured party in the circumstances specified in the Securities 

Law;

(3)  reasonable litigation expenses (including attorney's fees), incurred by a director or officer as a result of an 
investigation or proceeding conducted against him or her by an authority authorized to conduct such 
investigation or procedure, provided that such investigation or procedure: (i) concludes without the filing of 
an indictment against the director or officer and without imposition of monetary payment in lieu of criminal 
proceedings; or (ii) concludes with imposing on the director or officer monetary payment in lieu of criminal 
proceedings, provided that the alleged criminal offense in question does not require proof of criminal intent 
or was incurred by the director or officer in connection with a monetary sanction imposed by the Companies 
Law or the Securities Law;

(4)  expenses incurred by a director or a officer in connection with certain administrative proceedings set forth in 

the Securities Law, including reasonable litigation expenses (including attorney's' fees);

(5)  reasonable litigation expenses (including attorney's fees), expended by the director or officer or imposed on 

him or her by the court for:

(i) 

(ii) 

proceedings issued against him or her by or on Elbit Systems’ behalf or by a third party;

criminal proceedings from which the director or officer was acquitted; or
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(iii) 

criminal proceedings in which he or she was convicted of an offense that does not require proof of 
criminal intent; or

(6)  any other liability or expense for which it is or may be permissible to indemnify a director or an officer.

The Articles of Association permit the grant of similar indemnification to any person acting on behalf or at the 

request of Elbit Systems as a director or officer of another company in which Elbit Systems is directly or indirectly a 
shareholder or has any other interest.

However, any indemnification so granted by Elbit Systems may not exceed 25% of Elbit Systems’ consolidated 

shareholders equity as reflected in our most recent consolidated financial statements published prior to the date of the 
indemnification payment.

In 2011, Elbit Systems’ Audit Committee, Board and shareholders approved the grant to members of our Board of 

indemnification letters reflecting the above conditions and limitations. Similar letters were also approved by the Audit 
Committee and the Board for grant to Office Holders of Elbit Systems who are not directors.

In August 2009, a general meeting of Elbit Systems’ shareholders approved a framework resolution that allows 
Elbit Systems to purchase directors and officers (D&O) liability insurance that meets the framework resolution’s terms. The 
framework resolution covers a five-year period beginning in August 2009, or until the close of our shareholders’ annual general 
meeting to be held in 2014, whichever occurs later, and allows for an aggregate increase of insurance coverage of up to $70 
million (from the then current level of $45 million) for any year covered by the policy. As of February 28, 2014, the D&O 
policy’s limit of liability was up to $70 million. The framework resolution also allows for an increase of up to a maximum 
aggregate of 125% of the then current annual premium ($391,400). As of February 28, 2014, the annual premium was 
$400,000. The Audit Committee and the Board must approve that any purchase of D&O insurance falls within the terms of the 
framework resolution. 

In meetings held on November 12, 2013 and November 13, 2013, respectively, our Audit Committee and Board 
approved, in accordance with the Israeli Companies Regulations (Relief from Related Parties’ Transactions), 5760-2000, the 
inclusion of Michael Federmann and David Federmann (who may be considered direct or indirect controlling shareholders of 
the Company) in the D&O liability insurance policy to be purchased by the Company, subject to the above mentioned terms, 
for the Company’s other directors.

Rights, Preferences and Restrictions of Shares

Elbit Systems currently has one type of share, this being ordinary shares. The share capital of Elbit Systems is NIS 

80,000,000 divided into 80,000,000 ordinary shares of NIS 1 nominal (par) value each of which 42,622,322  ordinary shares 
were issued and outstanding as of February 28, 2014. All issued and outstanding ordinary shares are fully paid and non-
assessable.

Each ordinary share entitles its owner to receive notices of, to attend and to cast one vote at, a general meeting of 

shareholders.

Our Articles of Association do not grant shareholders any rights to share in our profits other than through 

dividends. Subject to Israeli law, dividends may be declared by our Board and paid to the shareholders according to their 
respective rights. In the event that we go into liquidation, any surplus remaining after the payment of liabilities is distributed to 
the shareholders in proportion to the amount paid by each on account of the nominal value of the shares paid. No account is 
taken of any premiums paid in excess of the nominal value.

Our Board may make calls upon shareholders in respect of sums unpaid on their shares. Our Articles of 

Association contain no provisions which discriminate against any existing or future shareholder as a result of said shareholder 
holding a substantial number of shares.

A change of Elbit Systems’ share capital, by way of increasing the share capital, creation of new shares, or 

cancellation of unissued registered shares (if there is no undertaking to allot such shares), requires a change to our Articles of 
Association and as such requires the vote of a special majority of the shareholders participating in a general meeting of 
shareholders (see “General Meetings of Shareholders” below.)

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If at any time our share capital is divided into different classes of shares, we may change the rights of shareholders 
by way of a resolution at a general meeting of shareholders, subject to the consent of the shareholders of the class whose rights 
are being impaired by the proposed change or subject to the adoption of a resolution by a special majority of the general 
meeting of the shareholders of such class, all of which is subject to other terms if and as provided by the terms of issuance of a 
particular class of shares.

Our ordinary shares do not have pre-emptive rights.

General Meetings of Shareholders

An annual general meeting of our shareholders must be held once in each year and not later than 15 months after 
the preceding annual general meeting. The Board determines the location of the meeting. All shareholders are entitled to attend 
and vote in person or by proxy at annual general meetings. Notice of annual general meetings may be sent by us by personal 
delivery or by sending it by prepaid registered mail. Such notice may be sent by cablegram, telex, facsimile or other electronic 
means provided confirmation is made by registered mail as stated above. Such notice should be sent to shareholders at the 
address in our records. Any general meeting that is not an annual general meeting is called an extraordinary general meeting. 
All shareholders are entitled to attend and vote in person or by proxy at extraordinary general meetings.

In general, subject to the Companies Law, ordinary resolutions in a general meeting require approval of a majority 

of the votes cast at the general meeting, whether in person or by proxy. (For information as to the required majority for the 
approval of related party transactions, see “Provisions Relating to Major Shareholders” below.) For information as to the 
required majority for the approval of certain transactions with Office Holders of a public company, see "Approval of Certain 
Transactions – Approval of Transactions" and "Approval of Employment Terms" above. However, under our Articles of 
Association, some resolutions require a special majority of at least 67% of all votes properly cast at a general meeting, without 
taking into account abstentions.

Our Board may convene an extraordinary general meeting when and as it sees fit. In addition the Board must, 
according to statute, convene an extraordinary general meeting if it receives a demand to do so from either: (i) at least two 
directors; (ii) at least one quarter of the members of the Board; or (iii) one or more shareholders who hold: (A) an aggregate of 
at least 5% of our issued share capital and at least 1% of all voting rights; or (B) at least 5% of all voting rights, and in such 
case the extraordinary meeting must be held not more than 56 days from the submission date of such request to the Board and 
not later than 35 days from the applicable notice to shareholders described below. Any demand by a person or persons, as 
described in (i), (ii) and/or (iii) of this paragraph, who demands that an extraordinary general meeting be convened, must be 
made in writing and sent to our registered office.

Subject to the provisions of our Articles of Association, as well as applicable law and regulations, including 

applicable laws and regulations of any stock market on which our shares are listed, notice of an annual general meeting and of 
an extraordinary general meeting must be sent at least 21 days (and in some cases at least 35 days) in advance to all 
shareholders recorded in our shareholders registry. Such notice must include the place, date and hour of the meeting, the agenda 
for the meeting, the proposed resolutions and instructions for proxy voting.

The quorum required for a meeting of shareholders, except in the case of certain extraordinary meetings convened 

in special circumstances, consists of at least two shareholders present in person or by proxy or other voting instrument and 
holding or representing between them at least one-third of the voting power. The chairman of our Board presides at each of our 
shareholders’ meetings. A meeting adjourned for lack of a quorum will be adjourned to the same day in the following week, at 
the same time and place, or to the day, time and place that the Board determines, with notice to the shareholders. At the 
reconvened meeting, if a quorum is not present within one-half hour from the time appointed for holding the adjourned 
meeting, the required quorum then is two shareholders, present in person or by proxy or other voting instrument, representing at 
least 10% of the voting power. Nasdaq Listing Rule 5620(c) provides that a company listed on the Nasdaq Global Select 
Market should have a quorum requirement for shareholder meetings of at least one-third of the company’s outstanding common 
voting stock. As described above, our general quorum requirement is consistent with the Nasdaq Listing Rule. However, in the 
case of an adjourned meeting, our Articles of Association, consistent with what is permissible under the Companies Law, 
provide for a 10% quorum requirement.

Limitations on Non-Israeli Shareholders

No limitations exist or are imposed by Israeli law or our constituent documents with regard to the rights of non-

Israeli shareholders or shareholders not resident in Israel to hold or exercise voting rights except for shareholders who are 
subjects of countries that are enemies of the State of Israel. (For a description of Israeli regulations relating to acquisitions of a 
79

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
controlling interest in Israeli "defense entities" see Item 4. Information on the Company – Governmental Regulation – Approval 
of Israeli Defense Acquisitions.)

Change of Control

Subject to certain exceptions, the Companies Law provides that a merger requires approval both by the board of 

directors and by the shareholders of each of the merging companies. In approving a merger, the board of directors must 
determine that there is no reasonable expectation that, as a result of the merger, the merged company will not be able to meet its 
obligations to its creditors. Creditors may seek a court order to enjoin or delay the merger if there is an expectation that the 
merged company will not be able to meet its obligations to its creditors. A court may also issue other instructions for the 
protection of the creditors’ rights in connection with a merger.

Under the Companies Law, an acquisition of shares in a public company must be made by means of a tender offer 
to all shareholders if, as a result of the acquisition, the purchaser would hold 25% or more or 45% or more (as the case may be) 
of the company’s voting rights. This rule does not apply if there is already another shareholder who holds 25% or more or 45% 
or more (as the case may be) of the company’s voting rights, nor does it apply to a purchase of shares by way of a “private 
offering” in certain circumstances provided under the Companies Law. (For information regarding Israeli law applicable to 
acquisition of Israeli “defense entities” see Item 4. Information on the Company – Governmental Regulations – Approval of 
Israeli Defense Acquisitions.)

Provisions Relating to Major Shareholders

We are required by law to maintain a separate registry of shareholders that hold 5% or more of either our issued 

shares or voting rights.

Under the Companies Law, the disclosure requirements with respect to the disclosure of a Personal Interest that 

apply to an Office Holder also apply to a controlling shareholder of a public company. A controlling shareholder is a 
shareholder who has the ability to direct the activities of a company, including a shareholder that holds 25% or more of the 
voting rights if no other shareholder owns more than 50% of the voting rights in the company, but excluding a shareholder 
whose power derives solely from his or her position as a director of the company or any other position with the company. 

Except for certain specified exemptions under the Companies Law, audit committee approval is required for  

extraordinary transactions, as defined by criteria established by the audit committee, with a controlling shareholder or in which 
a controlling shareholder has a Personal Interest, including a private offering in which the controlling shareholder has a 
Personal Interest, and an engagement of a public company with a controlling shareholder or his or her relative, directly or 
indirectly, including through a company controlled by such person, regarding the grant of services to the applicable company 
(and regarding his or her Employment Terms if the controlling shareholder is an employee of the company but he or she is not 
an Office Holder).  If the controlling shareholder is an Office Holder,  his or her Employment Terms must be approved by the 
compensation committee, the board of directors and the shareholders of the company, in that order. The shareholder approval 
must be by a majority vote, provided that either:

• 

• 

such majority includes a majority of the total votes of shareholders who have no Personal Interest in the 
approval of the transaction and who participate in the voting, in person, by proxy or by written ballot, at the 
meeting (abstentions not taken into account); or

the total number of votes of shareholders mentioned above that are voted against the transaction does not 
represent more than 2% of the total voting rights in the company.

In addition, the Companies Law requires that, except for certain exemptions, Other Transactions as described 

above whose terms are for a period of more than three years must be re-approved in same manner for every three-year period.

Also, under the Companies Law, each shareholder has a duty to act in good faith in exercising his or her rights and 

fulfilling his or her obligations toward the company and other shareholders and to refrain from abusing his or her power in the 
company, such as in certain shareholder votes. In addition, specified shareholders have a duty of fairness toward the company. 
These shareholders include any controlling shareholder, any shareholder who knows that it possesses the power to determine 
the outcome of a shareholder vote and any shareholder who, pursuant to the provisions of the articles of association, has the 
power to appoint or to prevent the appointment of an Office Holder or any other power of the shareholder with respect to the 
company.

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Borrowing Power

Our Articles of Association grant broad powers to the Board to have us borrow, repay borrowings, make 

guarantees and grant security interests in borrowings.

Exchange Controls and Other Limitations Affecting Security Holders

Non-residents of Israel may freely hold and trade our ordinary shares under general and specific permits issued 

under the Israeli Currency Control Law, 1978. Our Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association do not restrict the 
ownership of ordinary shares by non-residents of Israel. Neither the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association 
nor Israeli law restrict the voting rights of non-residents.

Under the general permit given through the Israeli Currency Control Law, 1978, non-residents of Israel who buy 

our ordinary shares inside or outside of Israel with any foreign currency are able to receive a number of types of distributions in 
freely repatriable U.S. dollars or specified other currencies. These distributions include dividends, proceeds from the sale of 
shares and any amounts payable on the dissolution, liquidation or winding-up of Elbit Systems.

Taxation

General

The following is a summary of some aspects of the current tax law applicable to companies in Israel, with special 

reference to its effect on Elbit Systems and our Israeli subsidiaries, and government programs from which Elbit Systems and 
some of our Israeli subsidiaries benefit.

The following also contains a discussion of specified Israeli and U.S. tax consequences to our shareholders. It also 

contains a discussion of the Israeli tax consequences to holders of our Series A Notes. See Item 5. Operating and Financial 
Review and Prospects – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Israeli Debt Offering. The Series A Notes are not registered for 
trading in the U.S. and may not be sold in the U.S. without registration or compliance with Regulation “S” under the Securities 
Act. Therefore, we have not included a discussion of U.S. tax consequences to holders of the Series A Notes. To the extent that 
the discussion is based on tax legislation that has not been subject to judicial or administrative interpretation, there can be no 
assurance that the views expressed in the discussion will be accepted by the tax authorities in question. The discussion is not 
intended, and should not be construed, as legal or professional tax advice and is not exhaustive of all possible tax 
considerations.

Effective Israeli Corporate Tax Rate. Elbit Systems’ income tax liability in Israel is based on our unconsolidated 
earnings and such earnings of our Israeli-based subsidiaries. It is determined in NIS and not in U.S. dollars. Tax liability of non-
Israeli subsidiaries is determined according to the laws of their respective countries of residence. As a result, the tax provision 
in Elbit Systems’ consolidated financial statements does not directly relate to income reported on these statements.

General Corporate Tax in Israel

Generally, Israeli companies were subject to corporate tax on taxable income and capital gains at the rate of 25% 

for the 2013 tax year. During 2013 the Law for Realignment of National Priorities (Amendments for Meeting the Budget 
Objectives for 2013 and 2014) -  2013 (the National Priorities Law) increased the corporate tax rate and capital gains tax to 
26.5% starting in 2014. The corporate income tax rates for the 2012 and 2011 tax years were 25% and 24%, respectively.

Under the Israeli Tax Ordinance, 1961( the Ordinance) transfer pricing rules require that cross-border transactions 

between related parties be carried out implementing an arm’s-length principle and reported and taxed accordingly.

A portion of our Israeli operations have been granted “Approved Enterprise”, “Privileged Enterprise” and 

“Preferred Enterprise” status, as described under “Investment Law” below. These operations are subject to taxation at reduced 
rates applicable to those types of enterprises. We cannot assure you that Elbit Systems or our Israeli subsidiaries will continue 
to qualify for such benefits, or benefits under the Law for Encouragement of Industry in the future.  We cannot assure you that 
we will continue to qualify as an Approved Enterprise, Privileged Enterprise or Preferred Enterprise, or that the benefits 
described above will be available in the future.

Industry Encouragement. Under the Law for the Encouragement of Industry (Taxes), 1969, a company qualifies 

as an “Industrial Company” if it is resident in Israel and at least 90% of its income (determined in Israeli currency) in a given 
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tax year, with some exceptions, comes from “Industrial Enterprises” owned by that company. An Industrial Enterprise is 
defined as an enterprise whose primary activity in a particular tax year is industrial manufacturing activity. We believe Elbit 
Systems qualifies as an Industrial Company. The principal benefits of this status are amortization of the cost of know-how and 
patents over an eight-year period, under certain interpretations, deduction of expenses incurred in connection with a public 
issuance of securities over a three-year period, accelerated depreciation for certain assets and an election under certain 
conditions to file a consolidated tax return with additional related Israeli Industrial Companies. Eligibility for the benefits under 
this law is not subject to receipt of prior approval from any governmental authority.  We cannot assure you that we will continue 
to qualify as an Industrial Company or that the benefits described above will be available in the future.

Investment Law

The Israeli Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959 (the Investment Law) provides tax benefits 
to companies that make capital investments in eligible fixed assets. Under the Investment Law prior to an amendment in 2005, 
companies could apply to the Investment Center to be granted “Approved Enterprise” status for certain of their activities. 
Following the 2005 amendment, the Investment Law allows a company to claim a “Privileged Enterprise” status without the 
need to obtain approval from the Investment Center, or an “Approved Enterprise” status by applying to receive Investment 
Center grants. Each approval for an Approved Enterprise and each Privileged Enterprise program relates to a specific 
investment program.

The benefits granted to an Approved Enterprise under the Investment Law prior to the 2005 amendment and to a 

Privileged Enterprise after the amendment include:

(1)  Exemption from corporate tax for periods ranging between two – ten years depending on specific conditions; 

and

(2)  Reduced corporate tax rates for several years thereafter depending on certain conditions.

In order to maintain the benefits under the Investment Law, a company must meet the criteria set forth in the 

applicable certificate of approval (for an Approved Enterprise) and certain requirements to establish that it contributes to the 
country’s economic growth and is a competitive factor for the Gross Domestic Product.

The benefits available to an Approved Enterprise and a Privileged Enterprise are conditioned upon terms stipulated in 

the Investment Law and the related regulations and the criteria set forth in the applicable certificate of approval (for an 
Approved Enterprise). If we do not fulfill these conditions, in whole or in part, the benefits can be cancelled, and we may be 
required to refund the amount of the benefits, linked to the Israeli consumer price index plus interest. We believe that our 
Approved Enterprise and Privileged Enterprise programs currently operate in compliance with all applicable conditions and 
criteria, but we cannot assure you that they will continue to do so in the future.

As of December 31, 2013,  some of our Israeli subsidiaries had active Privileged Enterprise programs eligible for 

tax benefits. These programs will expire during the years 2015 to 2021.

In January 2011, the Knesset enacted a reform to the Investment Law, effective January 2011. According to the 
reform a flat rate tax applies to companies eligible for the “Preferred Enterprise” status. In order to be eligible for Preferred 
Enterprise status, a company must meet minimum requirements to establish that it contributes to the country’s economic growth 
and is a competitive factor for the Gross Domestic Product. Benefits granted to a Preferred Enterprise include reduced and 
gradually decreasing tax rates. In peripheral regions (Development Area A) the reduced tax rate is 10% in 2011 - 2012, 7% in 
2013 - 2014 and 6% starting from 2015. In other regions the tax rate is 15% in 2011 - 2012, 12.5% in 2013 - 2014 and 12% 
starting from 2015. Following the enactment of the National Priorities Law, effective January 1, 2014, the reduced tax rate is 
9% in the Development Area A region and 16% in other regions.

Israeli companies which currently benefit from an Approved or Privileged Enterprise status and meet the criteria 

for qualification as a Preferred Enterprise can elect to apply the Preferred Enterprise benefits by waiving their benefits under 
the Approved and Privileged Enterprise status. Elbit Systems and several of our Israeli subsidiaries have elected the Preferred 
Enterprise status.

 A distribution from income exempt under the Approved Enterprise programs benefits will subject the exempt 

income to corporate tax at the reduced corporate income tax rates pertaining to the Approved Enterprise programs. A 
distribution (including repurchase of shares) (See Item 16.E. Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated 
Purchasers - for more information regarding our repurchase of shares) from income exempt under the Privileged Enterprise 

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programs will subject the exempt income to tax at the reduced corporate income tax rates pertaining to the Privileged Enterprise 
programs upon distribution or complete liquidation. Distributed amounts will be subject to a 15% withholding tax, provided 
however, that income distributed from Preferred Enterprise programs starting from 2014 will be subject to a 20% withholding 
tax.

A distribution from a Preferred Enterprise out of the “Preferred Income” made through December 31, 2013, was 

subject to a 15% withholding tax for Israeli-resident individuals and non-Israeli residents (subject to applicable treaty rates) and 
effective January 1, 2014, will be subject to a 20% withholding tax for Israeli-resident individuals and non-Israeli residents 
(subject to applicable treaty rates). A distribution from a Preferred Enterprise out of the “Preferred Income” would be exempt 
from withholding tax for an Israeli-resident company. A company electing to waive its Privileged Enterprise or Approved 
Enterprise status through June 30, 2015 may distribute “Approved Income” or “Privileged Income” subject to a 15% 
withholding tax for Israeli resident individuals and non-Israeli residents (subject to applicable treaty rates) and exempt from 
withholding tax for an Israeli-resident company. Nonetheless, a distribution from income exempt under Privileged Enterprise 
and Approved Enterprise programs will subject the exempt income to tax at the reduced corporate income tax rates pertaining 
to the Privileged Enterprise and Approved Enterprise programs upon distribution, or complete liquidation in the case of a 
Privileged Enterprise’s exempt income.

Elbit Systems’ Board and our Israeli subsidiaries’ boards of directors have decided that their respective policy is 

not to declare dividends out of such tax-exempt income. Accordingly, no deferred income taxes have been provided on income 
attributable to these companies’ Approved Enterprises and Privileged Enterprises, as such retained earnings are essentially 
permanent in duration.

The 2005 amendment to the Investment Law treats the repurchase of shares out of Privileged Enterprise tax exempt 
income as a deemed-dividend. Through December 31, 2013, we repurchased 1,408,921 ordinary shares in a total amount of 
approximately $40 million. Our retained earnings attributed to taxable income are higher than the total shares repurchased and, 
therefore, should not trigger a deemed-dividend event. See Item 16.E and Item 18. Financial Statements - Note 21(G) for 
further information regarding our repurchase program. 

In November 2012, the Knesset passed amendment 69 to the Investment Law (the Trapped Earnings Law) which 
provides a temporary, partial, relief from taxation on a distribution from exempt income for companies which elected the relief 
through November 2013. The Trapped Earnings Law allows a company to qualify a portion of its exempt income (Elected 
Earnings) for a reduced tax rate ranging between 17.5% and 6%. While the reduced tax is payable within 30 days of election, 
an electing company is not required to actually distribute the Elected Earnings within a certain period of time. The applicable 
rate is based on a linear formula involving the portion of Elected Earnings to exempt income and the applicable tax rate 
prescribed in the Investment Law. A company electing to qualify its exempt income must undertake to make designated 
investments in productive fixed assets, research and development or wages of new employees (Designated Investment). The 
Designated Investment amount is defined by a formula which considers the portion of Elected Earnings to the exempt income 
and the applicable tax rate prescribed by the Investment Law.

In addition to the reduced tax rate a distribution of Elected Earnings would be subject to a 15% withholding tax. 

The Trapped Earnings Law provides an exemption from the 15% withholding tax for a distribution to an Israeli resident 
company from companies which have elected the Privileged Enterprise status and waived their Approved Enterprise and 
privileged Enterprise Status through June 2015.

Elbit Systems and our Israeli subsidiaries have not made an election for the relief  under the Trapped Earnings 

Law.

Capital Gains to a Shareholder

Capital gains to Israeli residents. Following the amendment in the Tax Burden Reform, starting January 1, 2012, 

the tax rate on capital gains to a “non-principal” individual shareholder (those persons holding less than 10% of our ordinary 
shares) is 25%, and 30% to an individual “principal” shareholder. In addition, the Tax Burden Reform also eliminates the 
differentiation between real gain earned prior and post January 1, 2003 for shares listed on a stock exchange prior to January 1, 
2012. The real gain is based on the difference between the adjusted average value of the shares during the last three trading 
days before January 1, 2003 (or the adjusted original cost if it is higher than the adjusted average value), or the purchase price 
when the shares were bought after January 1, 2003 and the value of the shares at the date of sale.  Dealers in securities in Israel 
are taxed at regular tax rates applicable to business income. Companies resident in Israel are taxed at rates applicable to capital 
gains.

83

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital gains to non-residents of Israel. Gains on the sale of ordinary shares traded on the TASE and on Nasdaq 

held by non-Israeli resident investors for tax purposes will generally be exempt from Israeli capital gains tax, subject to the 
provisions of the Israeli tax legislation. However, non-Israeli corporations will not be entitled to such exemption if an Israeli 
resident (i) has a controlling interest of 25% or more in such non-Israeli corporation, or (ii) is the beneficiary or is entitled to 
25% or more of the revenues or profits of such non-Israeli corporation, whether directly or indirectly.

Capital Gains to a Holder of Series A Notes

Capital gains to Israeli residents. A capital gain for an individual derived from the sale of a debenture that is not 

linked to an index, such as our Series A Notes, will be taxable at a rate not to exceed 15% in case of a “non-principal” 
individual  note holder, or 20% in the case of a “principal” individual note holder. Tax payers claiming a deduction of real 
interest expenses and linkage differences on debentures such as the Series A Notes will be taxed at a rate of 30% on their real 
capital gains. Dealers in securities in Israel are taxed at regular tax rates applicable to business income. Companies resident in 
Israel are taxed at rates applicable to capital gains.

Capital gains to non-residents of Israel. Gains on the sale of securities traded on the TASE, such as our Series A 
Notes, held by non-Israeli resident investors for tax purposes will generally be exempt from Israeli capital gains tax, subject to 
the provisions of the Israeli tax legislation. However, non-Israeli corporations will not be entitled to such exemption if an Israeli 
resident: (i) has a controlling interest of 25% or more in such non-Israeli corporation; or (ii) is the beneficiary or is entitled to 
25% or more of the revenues or profits of such non-Israeli corporation, whether directly or indirectly.

Taxation on Dividends Paid to a Shareholder

Income tax for individual Israeli residents. Residents of Israel are subject to income tax on distributions of 

dividends other than bonus shares (stock dividends). Following the amendment in the Tax Burden Reform, effective January 1, 
2012, the tax rate on dividend income to a “non-principal” individual shareholder is 25% and 30% to an individual “principal” 
shareholder. The paying company withholds at source income tax at the rate of 25% or 30% in the case of a “principal 
shareholder”. A company whose stock is traded on a stock exchange withholds tax at the rate of 25% from dividends paid to a 
“principal” shareholder for shares registered and held by a registration company.

Generally, through 2013, dividends distributed from taxable income accrued during the period of benefit of an 

Approved Enterprise, Privileged Enterprise or Preferred Enterprise (see above “Investment Law”) are taxable at the rate of 15% 
if the dividend is distributed during the tax benefit period under the Investment Law or within 12 years after that period (this 
limitation does not apply if the company qualifies as a foreign investors’ company according to the Investment Law).  
Following the enactment of the National Priorities Law, effective January 1, 2014, dividends distributed from "Preferred 
Income" under Preferred Enterprise status are subject to a withholding tax rate of 20%.  These rates are the final tax on 
dividends.

Income tax for non-residents of Israel. Non-residents of Israel are subject to income tax on distributions of 

dividends other than bonus shares (stock dividends). Following the Tax Burden Reform, effective January 1, 2012, the tax rate 
on dividend income to a "non-principal" non-resident of Israel shareholder is 25% and 30% to a "principal" shareholder 
(including a foreign company as opposed to an Israeli company). The paying company withholds at source income tax at the 
rate of 25% for a “non-principal” shareholder, or 30% for a "principal" shareholder. A company whose stock is traded on a 
stock exchange will withhold tax at the rate of 25% from dividend paid to a "principal" shareholder for shares registered and 
held by a registration company, unless a lower rate is applicable under a double taxation treaty. Accordingly, Elbit Systems 
withholds income tax at the source. Generally, dividends distributed from taxable income accrued during the period of benefit 
of an Approved Enterprise, Privileged Enterprise or Preferred Enterprise are taxable at the rate of 15% if the dividend is 
distributed during the tax benefit period under the Investment Law or within 12 years after the period (this limitation does not 
apply if the company qualifies as a foreign investors’ company according to the Investment Law).  Following the enactment of 
the National Priorities Law, effective January 1, 2014, dividends distributed from "Preferred Income" under a Preferred 
Enterprise status are subject to a withholding tax rate of 20% (unless a lower treaty rate applies).  These rates are the final taxes 
in Israel on dividends for individual and corporate non-residents of Israel. Foreign residents who have Israeli derived income 
for which tax was withheld at the source are generally exempt from the duty to file tax returns in Israel for such income. This 
includes income from Israeli derived interest, dividends and royalties.

Taxation of Interest Income of Holders of Series A Notes

Income tax for Israeli residents. Israeli resident individuals are tax exempt on the linkage differences derived 

from the debenture principal, under certain conditions. An individual is taxable at a rate of 15% on interest or discount fees 

84

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
originating from debentures which are not linked to the index, whether in whole or in part, such as the Series A Notes. 
Following the amendment in the Tax Burden Reform, effective January 1, 2012, the tax rate on interest income or discount fees 
originating from fully index-linked debentures, including debentures linked to a foreign currency is 25% in case of a "non-
principal" note holder. These tax rates will not apply if any of the following conditions are met: (1) the interest represents 
income from a “business” or is recorded in the individual’s books of account or is required to be so recorded; (2) the individual 
has claimed deduction of linkage differences and interest expenses on the debentures; (3) the individual is a “principal” 
individual note holder; or (4) the individual is employed by a corporation that paid the interest, is a supplier of goods or 
services to the corporation, or has other special relations with the corporation, unless the tax assessing officer is satisfied that 
the interest rate has been established in good faith and regardless of the existence of any such relations between the individual 
and the corporation. In these cases, the individual will be taxed at the marginal tax rate. The paying company will deduct tax at 
a rate of 15% on interest in respect of unlinked debentures, such as the Series A Notes, a rate of 25% in the case of linked 
debentures, and the maximum tax rate will apply in the case of an individual who is a "principal" individual note holder, an 
individual employed by the interest-paying-corporation, or a supplier of goods or services to the corporation. The tax rate 
applicable to interest income (including linkage differences) or discount fees of an Israeli resident corporation is the corporate 
tax rate. The paying company will deduct tax at the corporate tax rate.

Income tax for foreign residents. Commencing January 1, 2009, interest, discount fees or linkage differences 
paid to a foreign resident on debentures listed on the TASE and issued by an Israeli resident corporation, such as our Series A 
Notes, are typically exempt from Israeli tax, provided that the income is not produced by the foreign resident’s permanent 
establishment in Israel. The tax exemption will not apply in the following circumstances: (1) the foreign resident is a 
“principal” shareholder or note holder of the issuing company; (2) the foreign resident is a relative, as defined in the Ordinance, 
of the issuing company; (3) the foreign resident is an employee, a supplier of goods or services or has special relations with 
respect to the issuing company (unless it is demonstrated that the interest rate or discount fees have been determined in good 
faith and regardless of the existence of any special relations); or (4) a foreign resident company held by Israeli residents. If the 
tax exemption does not apply as above, the tax rate applicable to interest income received by foreign residents (individuals and 
corporations) originating from securities will be established in accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance, or in 
accordance with the provisions of the relevant treaty for the avoidance of double taxation signed between the State of Israel and 
the foreign resident’s country of residence. In such case, the paying company will withhold tax according to the rates prescribed 
in the Ordinance as above, and this rate may be reduced subject to the relevant treaty for the avoidance of double taxation. As 
indicated above, the Series A Notes are not registered under the Securities Act and may not be offered or sold in the United 
States or to U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation “S” under the Securities Act) without registration under the Securities Act or 
an exception from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

Israeli Tax on United States Shareholders

Dividends paid by Elbit Systems to an individual shareholder resident in the United States are generally subject to 

withholding tax deducted at source in Israel. Israel and the United States are parties to a tax treaty. Under the treaty, the 
withholding tax rate on a dividend is normally 25% or 15% in connection with an Approved Enterprise, Privileged Enterprise 
or Preferred Enterprise. (See above “Investment Law.”)

A U.S. corporation would have a reduced withholding tax rate on dividends if it were to own 10% or more of 

Elbit Systems’ voting shares under specified conditions. The reduced withholding tax rate on the dividend would be 12.5%. The 
U.S. corporation must own at least 10% of the voting shares during a portion of Elbit Systems’ tax year  in which the payment 
of the dividend occurs but prior to the payment date and during the entire prior tax year. The reduced rate is also subject to two 
other conditions. First, not more than 25% of Elbit Systems’ gross income for the prior tax year may consist of interest, other 
than interest received from banking, financing or similar businesses or from certain subsidiaries. Second, the dividend may not 
be derived from income during any period for which Elbit Systems is entitled to the reduced tax rate applicable to an Approved 
Enterprise / Privileged Enterprise. In this case the withholding tax rate would be 15%.

Under the terms of the tax treaty, Israel may tax capital gains realized by shareholders resident in the United 

States on a sale of ordinary shares of Elbit Systems if certain conditions exist, however, such right is subject to the following 
exemption.  Since Elbit Systems’ ordinary shares are traded on the TASE and on Nasdaq, gains on the sale of ordinary shares 
held by non-Israeli resident investors for tax purposes generally will be exempt from Israeli capital gains tax, subject to the 
provisions of the Israeli tax legislation. 

Subject to certain conditions and limitations, any Israeli tax withheld or paid with respect to dividends on ordinary 

shares generally will be eligible for credit against a U.S. shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability at such U.S. 
shareholder’s election. The U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (the Code) provides limitations on the amount of 
foreign tax credits that a U.S. shareholder may claim, including extensive separate computation rules under which foreign tax 
85

 
 
 
 
 
 
credits allowable with respect to specific categories of income cannot exceed the U.S. federal income taxes otherwise payable 
with respect to each such category of income. U.S. shareholders that do not elect to claim a foreign tax credit may instead claim 
a deduction for Israeli income tax withheld or paid, but only for a year in which these U.S. shareholders elect to do so for all 
foreign income taxes. Dividends with respect to the ordinary shares will generally be classified as foreign source “passive 
income” for the purpose of computing a U.S. shareholder’s foreign tax credit limitations for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. 
The rules relating to foreign tax credits are complex, and each U.S. holder of our ordinary shares should consult his or her tax 
advisor to determine whether and if he or she would be entitled to this credit.

This summary of Israeli taxation is based on existing treaties, laws, regulations and judicial and 

administrative interpretations thereof. There can be no assurance that any of these may not be amended or repealed, 
possibly with retroactive effect, or that a tax authority may take a contrary position. Also, this summary does not 
address the tax consequences that may be applicable to specific persons based on their individual circumstances. It also 
does not address any local or other foreign tax consequences. A shareholder or holder of Series A Notes should consult 
his or her own tax advisor as to the specific tax consequences of purchasing, holding or transferring shares or Series A 
Notes of Elbit Systems.

United States Federal Income Tax Considerations

General

The following is a summary of material U.S. federal income tax considerations regarding the acquisition, 

ownership and disposition of Elbit Systems’ ordinary shares by a “U.S. Shareholder”, which, for these purposes, means a 
beneficial owner of an ordinary share who is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

(1) 

a citizen or individual resident of the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

(2) 

a corporation (or an entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or 
organized in or under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof (including the 
District of Columbia);

(3) 

an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

(4) 

a trust if (A) a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and (B) one 
or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all of the trust’s substantial decisions or if it has a valid 
election in place to be treated as a U.S. person.

If a partnership or other entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds ordinary shares 

of Elbit Systems, the tax treatment of a partner generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the 
partnership. A partner in a partnership that holds our ordinary shares is urged to consult its own tax advisor regarding the 
specific tax consequences of owning and disposing of our ordinary shares.

This summary is based on provisions of the Code, existing and proposed U.S. Treasury regulations, administrative 

pronouncements, rulings and judicial decisions in effect as of the date of this annual report. These authorities and their 
interpretation are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. In addition, this summary does not discuss all aspects of 
U.S. federal income taxation that may be applicable to investors in light of their particular circumstances or to investors who 
are subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law, including U.S. expatriates, insurance companies, banks, 
regulated investment companies, securities broker-dealers, financial institutions, tax-exempt organizations, persons holding 
ordinary shares as part of a straddle, hedging or conversion transaction, persons subject to the alternative minimum tax, persons 
who acquired their Elbit Systems’ ordinary shares pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as 
compensation, persons having a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar, persons owning (directly, indirectly or by 
attribution) 10% or more of our outstanding voting shares and persons not holding ordinary shares as capital assets.

Dividends

A U.S. Shareholder generally will be required to include in gross income, as ordinary income, the amount of any 

distributions paid on ordinary shares of Elbit Systems to the extent of Elbit Systems’ earnings and profits out of current or 
accumulated earnings and profits, including the amount of any Israeli taxes withheld in respect of such dividend. Dividends 
paid by Elbit Systems do not qualify for the dividends-received deduction applicable in certain cases to U.S. corporations.

86

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The amount of any distribution paid in NIS, including the amount of any Israeli withholding tax thereon, will be 

included in the gross income of a U.S. Shareholder of ordinary shares in an amount equal to the U.S. dollar value of the NIS 
calculated by reference to the spot rate of exchange in effect on the date the distribution is received by the U.S. Shareholder. If a 
U.S. Shareholder converts dividends paid in NIS into U.S. dollars on the day Elbit Systems distributes the dividends, the U.S. 
Shareholder generally should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss with respect to such conversion. If the 
NIS received in the distribution are not converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, any foreign currency gain or loss 
recognized upon a subsequent conversion or other disposition of the NIS will be treated as U.S. source ordinary income or loss. 
Special rules govern and special elections are available to accrual method taxpayers to determine the U.S. dollar amount that 
should be included in income in the case of taxes withheld in a foreign currency. Accrual basis taxpayers are urged to consult 
their own tax advisors regarding the requirements and the elections applicable in this regard.

Dividends paid by us to a U.S. Shareholder on our ordinary shares will be treated as foreign source income and 

will generally be categorized as “passive category income” for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. Subject to the limitations in the 
Code, as modified by the applicable tax treaty, a U.S. Shareholder may elect to claim a foreign tax credit against its U.S. federal 
income tax liability for Israeli income tax withheld from dividends received in respect of ordinary shares. U.S. Shareholders 
who do not elect to claim the foreign tax credit may instead claim a deduction for Israeli income tax withheld, but only for a 
year in which the U.S. Shareholder elects to do so with respect to all foreign income taxes. A deduction does not reduce U.S. 
tax on a dollar-for-dollar basis as it does for a tax credit. The deduction, however, is not subject to the limitations applicable to 
foreign tax credits. The rules relating to the determination of the foreign tax credit are complex. Accordingly, if you are a U.S. 
Shareholder of ordinary shares, you should consult your own tax advisor to determine whether and to what extent you would be 
entitled to the credit.

Certain U.S. Shareholders (including individuals) are eligible for reduced U.S. federal income tax rates in respect 
of “qualified dividend income.” Subject to applicable limitations, qualified dividend income included in income after December 
31, 2012 is generally subject to U.S. federal taxation at a maximum rate of 15%, or 20% in the case of taxpayers with annual 
taxable income that exceeds certain thresholds. For this purpose, qualified dividend income generally includes dividends paid 
by a non-U.S. corporation if, among other things, the U.S. Shareholder meets certain minimum holding periods and the non-
U.S. corporation satisfies certain requirements, including that either: (i) the shares with respect to which the dividend has been 
paid are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States; or (ii) the non-U.S. corporation is eligible for 
the benefits of a comprehensive U.S. income tax treaty (such as the U.S. Treaty), which provides for the exchange of 
information. We currently believe that dividends paid with respect to our ordinary shares should constitute qualified dividend 
income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We anticipate that our dividends will be reported as qualified dividends on Forms 
1099-DIV delivered to U.S. Shareholders. Each individual U.S. Shareholder of ordinary shares is urged to consult his or her 
own tax advisor regarding the availability to him of the reduced dividend tax rate in light of his or her own particular situation 
and regarding the computations of his or her foreign tax credit limitation with respect to any qualified dividend income paid by 
us, as applicable.

Sale, exchange or other disposition

Upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of ordinary shares, a U.S. Shareholder generally will recognize 

capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the U.S. dollar value of the amount realized on the sale, exchange or other 
disposition and the U.S. Shareholder’s adjusted tax basis, determined in U.S. dollars, of the ordinary shares. Any gain or loss 
recognized upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of the ordinary shares will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss 
if, at the time of the sale, exchange or other disposition, the holding period of the ordinary shares exceeds one year. In the case 
of individual U.S. Shareholders, capital gains generally are subject to U.S. federal income tax at preferential rates if specified 
minimum holding periods are met. The deductibility of capital losses by a U.S. Shareholder is subject to significant limitations. 
U.S. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors in this regard.

In general, gain or loss recognized by a U.S. Shareholder on the sale, exchange or other disposition of ordinary 
shares will be U.S. source income or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. Pursuant to the applicable tax treaty, however, 
gain from the sale or other disposition of ordinary shares by a holder who is a U.S. resident, for purposes of the applicable tax 
treaty, and who sells the ordinary shares within Israel, may be treated as foreign source income for U.S. foreign tax credit 
purposes.

U.S. Shareholders who hold ordinary shares through an Israeli stockbroker or other Israeli intermediary may be 

subject to an Israeli withholding tax on any capital gains recognized if the U.S. Shareholder does not obtain approval of an 
exemption from the Israeli Tax Authorities. U.S. Shareholders are advised that any Israeli tax paid under circumstances in 
which an exemption from such tax was available will not give rise to a deduction or credit for foreign taxes paid for U.S. 

87

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
federal income tax purposes. U.S. Shareholders are advised to consult their Israeli stockbroker or intermediary regarding the 
procedures for obtaining an exemption.

If a U.S. Shareholder receives NIS upon the sale of ordinary shares, that U.S. Shareholder may recognize ordinary 

income or loss as a result of currency fluctuations between the date of the sale of the ordinary shares and the date the sales 
proceeds are converted into U.S. dollars.

Passive Foreign Investment Company rules

A non-U.S. corporation will be classified as a Passive Foreign Investment Company (a PFIC) for any taxable year 

if at least 75% of its gross income consists of passive income (such as dividends, interest, rents, royalties - other than rents or 
royalties derived in the active conduct of a trade or business and received from an unrelated person - or gains on the disposition 
of certain minority interests), or at least 50% of the average value of its assets consists of assets that produce, or are held for the 
production of, passive income. We currently believe that we were not a PFIC for the year ended December 31, 2013. However, 
this conclusion is a factual determination that must be made at the close of each year and is based on, among other things, a 
valuation of our ordinary shares and assets, which will likely change from time to time. If we were characterized as a PFIC for 
any taxable year, a U.S. Shareholder would suffer adverse tax consequences. These consequences may include having gains 
realized on the disposition of ordinary shares treated as ordinary income rather than capital gains and being subject to punitive 
interest charges on certain dividends and on the proceeds of the sale or other disposition of the ordinary shares. Furthermore, 
dividends paid by a PFIC are not eligible to be treated as “qualified dividend income” (as discussed above).

The PFIC rules are complex. U.S. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the potential 

application of the PFIC rules to the ownership of our ordinary shares.

Informational reporting and backup withholding

Dividend payments with respect to ordinary shares and proceeds from the sale, exchange or other disposition of 
ordinary shares may be subject to informational reporting to the Internal Revenue Service (the IRS) and possible U.S. backup 
withholding at a current rate of 28%. Backup withholding will not apply, however, to a holder who timely furnishes a correct 
taxpayer identification number or certificate of foreign status and makes any other required certification or who is otherwise 
exempt from backup withholding. U.S. persons who are required to establish their exempt status generally must provide IRS 
Form W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification). Non-U.S. Shareholders generally will not be subject 
to U.S. informational reporting or backup withholding. However, such holders may be required to provide certification of non-
U.S. status (generally on IRS Form W-8BEN) in connection with payments received in the United States or through certain 
U.S.-related financial intermediaries.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld as backup withholding may be credited against a 
holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, and a holder may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing the 
appropriate claim for refund with the IRS and furnishing any required information.

Holders of our ordinary shares should consult their own tax advisors concerning the specific U.S. federal, 

state and local tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of the ordinary shares in light of their particular 
situations as well as any consequences arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction. In particular, U.S. 
Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors concerning whether they will be eligible for benefits under the 
above-mentioned tax treaty.

Documents on Display

We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In 

accordance with these requirements, we file reports and other information with the SEC. These materials, including this annual 
report and its exhibits, may be inspected and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room (the Public Reference Room) at 100 F 
Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, and copies of the materials may be obtained from the Public Reference Room at 
prescribed rates. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC in the 
United States at 1-800-SEC-0330.

88

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 11. 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

General

Market risks relating to our operations result primarily from changes in exchange rates and interest rates. We do 
not believe that we were exposed to any material market risk at December 31, 2013. We take various measures to compensate 
for the effects and fluctuation in both exchange rates and interest rates. We use financial instruments and derivatives in order to 
limit the exposure to risks deriving from changes in exchange rates and interest rates. The use of such instruments does not 
expose us to additional significant exchange rate or interest rate risks because the derivatives are covering expenses in the 
corresponding underlying assets, liabilities or forecasted transactions. No derivatives instruments are entered into for trading 
purposes.

Exchange Rate Risk Management

General

While our functional currency is the U.S. dollar, we also have some non-U.S. dollar or non-U.S. dollar linked 

currency exposures. These exposures are mainly derived from our revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies 
and non-U.S. dollar accounts receivable, payments to suppliers and subcontractors, obligations in other currencies and payroll 
related expenses incurred, mainly in NIS. Some subcontractors are paid in local currency under prime contracts where we are 
paid in U.S. dollars.

We take various measures to compensate for the effects of fluctuations in exchange rates. These measures include 
currency hedging transactions (in which we purchase foreign exchange contracts to reduce the volatility of cash flows primarily 
related to forecasted revenue denominated in certain foreign currencies) and attempts to maintain a balance between monetary 
assets and liabilities in our functional currencies. We also attempt to share currency risks with subcontractors on a “back-to-
back” basis, by having the subcontractor assume a proportional amount of the exchange risk.

We use currency hedging contracts to limit exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates associated 
with revenue denominated in a foreign currency, primarily GBP and Euro. We also use currency hedging contracts to hedge 
against anticipated costs to be incurred in a foreign currency, primarily NIS, and to limit our exposure to exchange rate 
fluctuations related to payroll expenses incurred in NIS. The objective of the foreign exchange contracts is to better ensure that 
the U.S. dollar-equivalent cash flows are not adversely affected by changes in U.S. dollar/foreign currency exchange rates. In 
accordance with ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging” (ASC 815), these contracts are designated as cash flow hedges. The gain 
on the effective portion of a cash flow hedge is initially reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income 
and subsequently reclassified into revenues when the hedged exposure affects revenues, or as financial expenses, if the hedged 
transaction becomes probable of not occurring. Any gain or loss after a hedge is de-designated, because the hedged transaction 
is no longer probable of occurring or related to an ineffective portion of a hedge, is recognized in “financial expenses, net” in 
our consolidated statements of income.

As of December 31, 2013, the principal amount of our outstanding forward contracts was $301.7 million. Most of 

these contracts met the requirements of hedge accounting.

The table below provides information regarding our derivatives instruments held in order to limit the exposure to 

exchange rate fluctuation as of December 31, 2013.

The table below does not include information regarding the cross currency interest rate swap transactions in order 

to effectively hedge the effect of interest and exchange rate differences resulting from the NIS Series A Notes.

89

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maturity Date - Notional Amount

2014

2015

2016

2017
( US dollars in millions)

2018
onwards

Fair Value at
December
31, 2013

Total

53.2
22.4
20.4
28.8
124.8

5.4
—
—
1.8
7.2

1.0
—
—
0.8
1.8

0.2
—
—
0.2
0.4

0.3
—
—
0.5
0.8

60.1
22.4
20.4
32.1
135.0

1.5
1.1
1.0
—
3.6

Maturity Date - Notional Amount

2014

2015

2016

2017
( US dollars in millions)

2018
onwards

Fair Value at
December
31, 2013

Total

91.6
19.3
3.1
114.0

27.2
0.3
0.7
28.2

8.8
—
0.7
9.5

5.9
—
—
5.9

9.0
(0.1)
0.2
9.1

142.5
19.5
4.7
166.7

(2.6)
(0.5)
(0.1)
(3.2)

Sell US$ and buy:
EUR
GBP
NIS
Other currencies
Total

Buy US$ and sell:
EUR
GBP
Other currencies
Total

At December 31, 2013, a 5% strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the currencies in which our derivative 

instruments were denominated would have resulted in an decrease in our unrealized gains by $3.6 million, and a 5% weakening 
in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the currencies in which our derivative instruments were denominated would have 
resulted in an increase in our unrealized gains of $3.6 million. This calculation assumes that each exchange rate would have 
changed in the same direction relative to the U.S. dollar. Consistent with the use of these contracts to neutralize the effect of 
exchange rate fluctuations, such unrealized losses or gains would be offset by corresponding gains or losses, respectively, in the 
remeasurement of the underlying transactions being hedged. When taken together, these forward currency contracts and the 
offsetting underlying commitments did not create material market risk.

Interest Rate Risk Management

On December 31, 2013, our liquid assets and obligations were comprised of cash and cash equivalents, bank 

deposits, short and long-term loans and Series A Notes. Our deposits are mainly in U.S. dollars.

In June 2010, we completed a public offering on the TASE of NIS 1.1 billion (approximately $283 million), 

payable in ten equal annual installments on June 30 of each of the years 2011 through 2020. The Series A Notes bear a fixed 
interest rate of 4.84% per annum, payable on June 30 and December 30 of each of the years 2010 through 2020. In March 
2012, we issued through a public offering on the TASE additional Series A Notes in the aggregate principal amount of NIS 807 
million (approximately $217 million), and in May 2012, we issued additional Series A Notes in an aggregate principal amount 
of NIS 92 million (approximately $24 million) through a private placement to Israeli institutional investors. We also entered 
into ten-year cross currency interest rate swap transactions in order to effectively hedge the effect of interest and exchange rate 
differences resulting from the NIS Series A Notes (including the additional Series A Notes that were issued in March and May 
2012). Under the cross currency interest rate swaps, the Company received fixed NIS at a rate of 4.84% on NIS 1.1 billion and 
pays floating six-month USD LIBOR + an average spread of 1.84% on $450 million, which reflects the U.S. dollar value of the 
Series A Notes on the specific dates the transactions were entered. (See above Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and 
Prospects – Israeli Debt Offering.)

The remaining debt is mainly in  loans in NIS at fixed interest rates, and loans in U.S. dollars at floating interest 
rates. In order to hedge the effect of the interest and exchange rate differences resulting from the NIS loans, we entered into a 
cross currency interest rate transaction. The majority of our borrowings (net of the effect of the cross currency interest rate 

90

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
swap transaction) are usually linked to the relevant LIBOR plus a spread of 1.35% - 3.28%, and therefore are exposed to 
changes in interest rates. Most of our loans will mature within the next two to three years.

Should interest rates either increase or decrease, such change may affect our results of operations due to changes 

in the cost of the liabilities and the return on the assets that are based on variable rates. At December 31, 2013, a 10% change in 
the then current interest rates would not have had a material impact on our financial results.

Item 12. 

Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities.

Not applicable.

Item 13. 

Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies.

Not applicable.

Item 14.  Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds.

Not applicable.

Item 15. 

Controls and Procedures.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures. We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure 

that information required to be disclosed in our periodic filings with the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported 
within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. These controls and procedures also provide that such 
information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief 
Financial Officer (CFO), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating 
the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed 
and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Also, management necessarily 
was required to use its judgment in evaluating the cost to benefit relationship of possible disclosure controls and procedures. As 
of December 31, 2013, we performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls 
and procedures. The evaluation was performed with the participation of senior management of major business areas and key 
corporate functions, and under the supervision of the CEO and CFO. Based on the evaluation, our management, including the 
CEO and CFO, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective. There have been no significant changes in 
our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls after the date we completed the 
evaluation.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial 

reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as 
amended, as a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the 
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and 
includes those policies and procedures that:

(1)  pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our transactions 
and dispositions of assets;

(2)  provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial 
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are 
being made in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and

(3)  provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or 
disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect 

misstatements including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of sound control procedures. 
Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risks that controls may become inadequate 
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

91

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our management, including our CEO and CFO, assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over 

financial reporting as of December 31, 2013. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework.” 
Based on this assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2013, our internal control over financial reporting is 
effective.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013 has been audited 
by Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer (Kost), an independent registered public accounting firm in Israel and a member of Ernst & 
Young Global (EY), as stated in their report included in Item 18. Financial Statements.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. During the period covered by this annual report, 

there have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 
15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to 
materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 16A.  Audit Committee Financial Expert.

Avraham Asheri, Yehoshua Gleitman and Yigal Ne’eman, members of our Audit Committee, each meets the 
criteria of an “Audit Committee Financial Expert” under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC, and each of their 
designations as an Audit Committee Financial Expert has been ratified by the Board. They are all “independent”, as that term is 
defined in the Nasdaq listing standards.

Item 16B.  Code of Ethics.

We have adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that is applicable to all our directors, officers and 

employees including our principal executive, financial and accounting officers and persons performing similar functions. The 
code of ethics was approved by our Board and covers areas of professional and business conduct. It is intended to promote 
honest and ethical behavior, including fair dealing and the ethical handling of conflicts of interest. The code of ethics includes a 
“whistleblower” process to encourage reports of violations. We provide training on our code of ethics to all of our employees. 
Our code of ethics is posted on our website: www.elbitsystems.com.

Item 16C.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

At the annual general shareholders meeting held in November 2013, our shareholders reappointed Kost to serve as 
our independent auditors. Kost and other EY affiliates billed the Company the following fees for professional services in each of 
the last two fiscal years: 

Year Ended December 31

2013

2012

Audit Fees
Tax Fees
Other Fees
Total

(U.S. dollars in thousands)
3,129
$
415
$
355
$
3,899
$

2,851
506
558
3,915

$
$
$
$

“Audit Fees” are the aggregate fees for the audit of our consolidated annual financial statements. This category also 
includes services generally provided by the independent auditor, such as consents and assistance with and review of documents 
filed with the SEC, as well as with documentation related to Sarbanes-Oxley Act implementation. It also includes fees billed for 
accounting consultations regarding the accounting treatment of matters that occur in the regular course of business, implications 
of new accounting pronouncements and other accounting issues that occur from time to time.

“Tax Fees” are the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered for tax compliance and tax advice, 

other than in connection with the audit. Tax compliance involves preparation of original and amended tax returns, tax planning 
and tax advice.

92

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
“Other Fees” are fees billed for services related to conceptual analysis of finance software.

Kost and other EY affiliates did not bill the Company for services other than the Audit Fees, Tax Fees and Other 

Fees described above for fiscal year 2013 or fiscal year 2012.

Our Audit Committee has adopted a pre-approval policy for the engagement of our independent accountant to 
perform permitted audit and non-audit services. Under this policy, which is designed to assure that such engagements do not 
impair the independence of our auditors, the Audit Committee pre-approves annually a range of specific audit and non-audit 
services in the categories of Audit Service, Audit-Related Services, Tax Services and other services that may be performed by 
our independent accountants, and the maximum pre-approved fees that may be paid as compensation for each pre-approved 
service in those categories. The Audit Committee is notified periodically and before commencement of any work in these 
categories. Any proposed services exceeding the pre-approved fees or which includes other scope of work requires specific pre-
approval by the Audit Committee. Accordingly, all of the above-mentioned independent audit fees were pre-approved by our 
Audit Committee.

Item 16D.  Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees.

Not applicable.

Item 16E.  Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers.

Reference is made to the disclosure relating to changes in shareholdings of major shareholders in Item 7 of this 

annual report on Form 20-F.

In September 2011, we announced that our Board authorized us to repurchase up to one million of our ordinary 

shares over the following 12 months, in open market purchases on the TASE. Set forth below is a summary of the ordinary 
shares repurchased by us during 2012 and the approximate maximum number of ordinary shares that may yet be purchased 
under the repurchase plan approved by our Board (the Plan):

Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
by the
Company
64,901
131,631
63,100

Average
Price Paid
Per Share
40.74
38.23
36.33
—
—
34.05
32.43
30.97
31.46

$
$
$
— $
— $
$
$
$
$

94,722
130,135
227,057
48,086

Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
as Part of
the Plan

64,901
131,631
63.100
—
—
94,722
130,135
227,057
48,086

Maximum
Number of
Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plan
694,731
563,100
500,000
500,000
500,000
405,278
275,143
48,086
—

Period

January 1 – January 31, 2012
February 1 – February 29, 2012
March 1 – March 31, 2012
April 1 – April 30, 2012
May 1 – May 31, 2012
June 1 – June 30, 2012
July 1 – July 31, 2012
August 1 – August 31, 2012
September 1 – September 30, 2012

No shares were repurchased during 2013.

Item 16F.  Changes in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant.

Not Applicable.

Item 16G.  Corporate Governance.

We may rely on certain Israel “home country” corporate governance practices which may not afford stockholders 

the same protection afforded to shareholders of U.S. companies. 

93

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As a foreign private issuer, Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5615(a)(3) allows us to follow Israeli corporate governance 

practices instead of certain Nasdaq Stock Market requirements. That rule requires that we provide Nasdaq with a letter from 
outside Israeli counsel stating that our corporate governance practices are not prohibited by Israeli law and disclose in our 
annual reports the Nasdaq requirements we do not follow and the equivalent Israeli requirement. In 2011, we notified Nasdaq 
of our intent to follow Israeli home country practice in connection with an amendment to our 2007 Stock Option Plan, which 
was approved by our board of directors as permitted by Israeli law without approval by our shareholders. See also “Item 3 – 
Key - Risk Factors - Risks Related to Our Israeli Operations.

In addition, as described above in “Item 10 – Additional Information – Memorandum and Articles of 

Association – Meetings of Shareholders”, under our corporate governance documents and applicable provisions of the Israeli 
Companies Law, the quorum requirement for an adjourned meeting of our shareholders differs from the relevant Nasdaq 
requirement.

Item 16H.  Mine Safety Disclosure.

Not applicable.

Item 17. 

Financial Statements.

Not applicable.

Item 18. 

Financial Statements.

See Consolidated Financial Statements attached to this annual report on Form 20-F.

94

 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 19. 

Exhibits.

(a)  Index to Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2013 and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Income
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Page
F-2
F-3

F-4
F-6
F-8
F-11
F-13
S-1

1.1

1.2

4.1

4.2

8

12.1

(b)  Exhibits

Elbit Systems’ Memorandum of Association(1)

Elbit Systems’ Restated Articles of Association(2)

Elbit Systems 2007 Stock Option Plan, as amended(3)

Elbit Systems’ Post Merger Stock Option Plan (Summary in English)(1)

Primary Operating Subsidiaries of Elbit Systems

Certification of Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002

12.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

13.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002

13.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

15.1

Consent of Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

Filed as an exhibit to Elbit Systems’ Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 0-28998) for the year ended 
December 31, 2000, which was filed with the SEC on April 5, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference.

Filed as an exhibit to Elbit Systems’ Report on Form 6-K for March 2008, which was filed by Elbit Systems with 
the SEC on March 26, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.

Filed as exhibit 4.3 to Elbit Systems’ post-effective amendment No. 1 to registration statement on Form S-8 (File 
No. 333-139512), which was filed by Elbit Systems with the SEC on December 1, 2011, and incorporated herein 
by reference.

95

 
 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant certifies that it 

meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the 
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date: March 19, 2014

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD.

/s/ BEZHALEL MACHLIS
Bezhalel Machlis

By:
Name
:
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

96

 
 
 
 
ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND
SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
as of December 31, 2013

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND
SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
as of December 31, 2013
in thousands of U.S. dollars

C O N T E N T S

REPORTS OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

F - 2 - F - 3

Page

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Statements of Income

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

Statements of Changes in Equity

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

F - 4 - F - 5

F - 6

F - 7

F - 8 - F - 10

F - 11 - F - 12

F - 13 - F - 64

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer
3 Aminadav St.
Tel-Aviv 6706703, Israel
Tel: 972 (3)6232525
Fax: 972 (3)5622555
www.ey.com

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of
Elbit Systems Ltd.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Elbit Systems Ltd. (“Elbit Systems”) and subsidiaries as of 
December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity and 
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013. Our audits also included the financial statement 
schedule listed in the index at Item 19. These consolidated financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of Elbit Systems’ 
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and schedule based on our 
audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements 
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures 
in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by 
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable 
basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated 
financial position of Elbit Systems and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the consolidated results of their 
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013, in conformity with U.S generally 
accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the 
basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Elbit 
Systems’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control-
Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (1992 framework), 
and our report dated March 18, 2014, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer
A member of Ernst & Young 
Global

Tel Aviv, Israel
March 18, 2014

F - 2

 
 
Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer
3 Aminadav St.
Tel-Aviv 6706703, Israel
Tel: 972 (3)6232525
Fax: 972 (3)5622555
www.ey.com

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of
Elbit Systems Ltd.

We have audited Elbit Systems Ltd.’s (“Elbit Systems”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based 
on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the 
Treadway  Commission  (1992  framework)  (the  “COSO  criteria”).  Elbit  Systems’  management  is  responsible  for  maintaining 
effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial 
reporting included in the Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to 
express an opinion on Elbit Systems’ internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control 
over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control 
over  financial  reporting,  assessing  the  risk  that  a  material  weakness  exists,  testing  and  evaluating  the  design  and  operating 
effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in 
the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability 
of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted 
accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain 
to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets 
of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial 
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are 
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable 
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that 
could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect  misstatements. Also, 
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because 
of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Elbit Systems maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting, as of December 
31, 2013, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the 
consolidated balance sheets of Elbit Systems and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated 
statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended 
December 31, 2013, and our report dated March 18, 2014, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Tel Aviv, Israel
March 18, 2014

Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer
A member of Ernst & Young 
Global

F - 3

 
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

U.S. dollars (In thousands, except share data)

CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term bank deposits
Available-for-sale marketable securities
Trade and unbilled receivables, net
Other receivables and prepaid expenses
Inventories, net of customer advances
Total current assets

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS AND RECEIVABLES:
Investments in affiliated companies, partnerships and other companies
Long-term trade and unbilled receivables
Long-term bank deposits and other receivables
Deferred income taxes, net
Severance pay fund

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

GOODWILL

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

December 31,

Note

2013

2012

(9)
(3)
(4)
(5)

(6)
(7)
(8)
(18F)
(2R)

(10)

(11)

(11)

$

193,737
20,549
51,076
823,245
151,367
756,032
1,996,006

$

199,241
15,444
50,111
688,129
180,103
751,247
1,884,275

131,362
242,576
52,983
35,695
323,388
786,004

126,482
229,687
19,269
31,465
302,680
709,583

481,408

501,286

501,793

500,598

167,957

214,963

  $ 3,933,168

$ 3,810,705

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

F - 4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

U.S. dollars (In thousands, except share data)

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Short-term bank credit and loans
Current maturities of long-term loans and Series A Notes
Trade payables
Other payables and accrued expenses
Customer advances in excess of costs incurred on contracts in progress
Total current liabilities

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Long-term loans, net of current maturities
Series A Notes, net of current maturities
Employee benefit liabilities
Deferred income taxes and tax liabilities, net
Customer advances in excess of costs incurred on contracts in progress
Other long-term liabilities

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

EQUITY:
Elbit Systems Ltd. equity:
Share capital:
Ordinary shares of 1 New Israeli Shekels (“NIS”) par value each; Authorized –
80,000,000 shares as of December 31, 2013 and 2012; Issued 43,996,420 and
43,290,666 shares as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively; Outstanding
42,587,499 and 41,881,745 shares as of December 31, 2013 and 2012,
respectively

Additional paid-in capital

Treasury shares – 1,408,921 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Retained earnings

Total Elbit Systems Ltd. equity

Non-controlling interests

December 31,

Note

2013

2012

181
90,056
260,975
704,450
453,382
1,509,044

173,745
408,610
407,661
48,787
156,497
55,735
1,251,035

(12)

$

— $

63,111
301,480
720,544
349,998
1,435,133

224,209
377,812
407,855
73,502
164,854
55,634
1,303,866

(13)
(14)

(15)
(16)
(2R)
(18F)
(14)

(20)

(21)

12,302

255,841

(40,428)

(25,219)

12,105

237,234

(40,428)

(33,544)

974,516

841,748

1,177,012

1,017,115

17,157
1,194,169

33,511
1,050,626

Total liabilities and equity

  $ 3,933,168

$ 3,810,705

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

F - 5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

U.S. dollars (In thousands, except per share data)

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Revenues
Cost of revenues
Gross profit
Operating expenses:

Research and development, net
Marketing and selling
General and administrative, net

Total operating expenses

Operating income
Financial expenses, net
Other income, net
Income before income taxes
Income taxes

Equity in net earnings of affiliated companies and partnerships
Income from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations and impairment, net

Net income

Less: net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interests
Net income attributable to Elbit Systems Ltd.’s shareholders

Note
(22)

(23)

(24)
(25)

(18D)

(6B)

(1D)

Earnings per share attributable to Elbit Systems Ltd.’s shareholders:

(21)

Basic net earnings per share:

Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

Total
Diluted net earnings per share:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

Total

Weighted average number of shares used in computation of basic
earnings per share
Weighted average number of shares used in computation of diluted
earnings per share
Amounts attributable to Elbit Systems Ltd.’s shareholders
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes
Discontinued operations, net of income taxes

Net income attributable to Elbit Systems Ltd.’s shareholders

Year ended December 31,
2012
$ 2,888,607
2,072,742
815,865

2011
$ 2,817,465
2,085,451
732,014

2013
$ 2,925,151
2,100,304
824,847

220,482
235,466
129,507
585,455

239,392
(37,310)
937
203,019
25,313
177,706

13,032
190,738
681
191,419
(8,002)
183,417

4.34
0.01
4.35

4.33
0.01
4.34

$

$

$

$

$

$

233,387
241,911
137,517
612,815

203,050
(26,086)
78
177,042
17,099
159,943

11,160
171,103
(616)
170,487
(2,608)
167,879

3.99
(0.01)
3.98

3.98
(0.01)
3.97

$

$

$

$

$

$

241,092
235,909
139,349
616,350

115,664
(13,569)
1,909
104,004
13,624
90,380

15,377
105,757
(15,977)
89,780
508
90,288

2.33
(0.22)
2.11

2.31
(0.22)
2.09

42,139

42,190

42,764

42,295

42,277

43,131

  $

  $

  $

  $

  $

  $

  $

  $

182,598
819
183,417

$

$

168,245
(366)
167,879

$

$

99,778
(9,490)
90,288

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

F - 6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Net income

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

Foreign currency translation differences

Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net of tax

Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of tax

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale marketable securities

Total comprehensive income

Year ended December 31,
2012

2011

2013

$

191,419

$

170,487

$

89,780

6,646

(16,301)

16,921

1,059

8,325

199,744

1,972

24,885

(4,956)

781

22,682

193,169

(5,597)

(20,025)

(15,807)

3,663

(37,766)

52,014

4

Less: comprehensive (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest

(8,546)

(4,128)

Comprehensive income attributable to Elbit Systems Ltd.'s shareholders

$

191,198

$

189,041

$

52,018

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

F - 7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Number of
outstanding
shares

Share
capital

Additional
paid–in
capital

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)

Retained
earnings

Treasury
shares

Non–
controlling
interest

Total
equity

Balance as of January 1, 2011

42,693,340

$

12,050

$

281,594

$

(18,460) $

695,830

$

(4,321) $

38,758

$

1,005,451

Exercise of options

154,816

Stock-based compensation

Tax benefit in respect of options
exercised

Dividends paid

—

—

—

Purchase of treasury shares

(240,368)

Purchase of subsidiaries shares
from non-controlling interest, net

Other comprehensive income, net
of tax benefit of $10,400

Net income attributable to non-
controlling interests

Net loss attributable to non-
controlling interest from
discontinued operation

Net income attributable to Elbit
Systems Ltd.'s shareholders

—

—

—

—

—

43

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

3,790

1,996

169

—

—

(55,142)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(37,766)

—

—

—

—

—

—

(61,633)

—

—

—

—

—

90,288

—

—

—

—

(10,101)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

3,833

1,996

169

(61,633)

(10,101)

(15,858)

(71,000)

504

(37,262)

(508)

(508)

6,487

6,487

—

90,288

Balance as of December 31, 2011

42,607,788

$

12,093

$

232,407

$

(56,226) $

724,485

$ (14,422) $

29,383

$

927,720

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

F - 8

 
 
 
 
 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Number of
outstanding
shares

Share
capital

Additional
paid–in
capital

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)

Retained
earnings

Treasury
shares

Non–
controlling
interest

Total
equity

Balance as of January 1,
2012

42,607,788

$

12,093

$

232,407

$

(56,226) $

724,485

$

(14,422) $

29,383

$

927,720

Exercise of options

33,589

Stock-based compensation

Tax benefit in respect of
options exercised

—

—

Purchase of treasury shares

(759,632)

Dividends paid

Other comprehensive
income, net of tax expense
of $1,574

Net income attributable to
non-controlling interests

Net income attributable to
Elbit Systems Ltd.'s
shareholders

Balance as of December
31, 2012

—

—

—

—

12

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1,340

3,326

161

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

22,682

—

—

—

—

—

—

(50,616)

—

—

167,879

—

—

—

(26,006)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1,352

3,326

161

(26,006)

(50,616)

1,520

24,202

2,608

2,608

—

167,879

41,881,745

$

12,105

$

237,234

$

(33,544) $

841,748

$

(40,428) $

33,511

$

1,050,626

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

F - 9

 
 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Number of
outstanding
shares

Share
capital

Additional
paid–in
capital

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)

Retained
earnings

Treasury
shares

Non–
controlling
interest

Total
equity

Balance as of January
1, 2013

41,881,745

$

12,105

$

237,234

$

(33,544) $

841,748

$

(40,428) $

33,511

$

1,050,626

Exercise of options

705,754

197

18,167

Stock-based
compensation

Tax benefit in respect of
options exercised

Dividends paid

Purchase of treasury
shares

Other comprehensive
income, net of tax benefit
of $11,241

Net income attributable
to non- controlling
interests

Net income attributable
to Elbit Systems Ltd.'s
shareholders

Balance as of December
31, 2013

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

440

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

8,325

—

—

—

—

—

(50,649)

—

—

—

183,417

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

18,364

440

—

(24,900)

(75,549)

—

544

—

8,869

8,002

8,002

—

183,417

42,587,499

$

12,302

$

255,841

$

(25,219) $

974,516

$

(40,428) $

17,157

$

1,194,169

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

F - 10

 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net income

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

Write-off impairment and discontinued operations, net

Stock-based compensation

Amortization of Series A Notes discount (premium) and related issuance costs, net

Deferred income taxes and reserve, net

Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment

Loss (gain) on sale of investment

Equity in net earnings of affiliated companies and partnerships, net of dividend received(*)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of amounts acquired:

Increase in short and long-term trade receivables, and prepaid expenses

Decrease (increase) in inventories, net

Increase (decrease) in trade payables, other payables and accrued expenses

Severance, pension and termination indemnities, net

Increase (decrease) in advances received from customers

Net cash provided by operating activities

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Acquisitions of subsidiaries and business operations (Schedule A)

Investments in affiliated companies and other companies

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

Proceeds from sale of investments

Investment in long-term deposits

Proceeds from sale of long-term deposits

Investment in short-term deposits and available-for-sale marketable securities

Proceeds from sale of short-term deposits and available-for-sale marketable securities

Net cash used in investing activities

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from exercise of options

Purchase of non-controlling interests

Repayment of long-term loans

Proceeds from long-term loans

Proceeds from issuance of Series A Notes

Series A Notes issuance costs

Purchase of treasury shares

Repayment of Series A Notes

Purchase of convertible debentures of a subsidiary

Dividends paid (**)

Tax benefit in respect of options exercised

Change in short-term bank credit and  loans, net

Net cash used in financing activities

Year ended December 31,

2013

2012

2011

$

191,419

$

170,487

$

89,780

129,348

138,796

254

440

(92)

221

(147)

873

468

(108,337)

(4,785)

55,935

(3,595)

(95,027)

166,975

616

3,028

153

6,579

1,197

(829)

(1,602)

(91,988)

10,022

(75,426)

(10,612)

47,961

198,382

150,618

15,977

1,996

422

(8,777)

(1,645)

2,189

(270)

(65,062)

(95,363)

17,225

1,879

81,946

190,915

(63,019)

(81,637)

(121,977)

—

(6,222)

3,755

3,550

(2,076)

795

(50,975)

42,899

(71,293)

18,364

—

(230,532)

242,247

—

—

—

(55,535)

—

(75,549)

—

(181)

(101,186)

—

(4,241)

7,335

705

(779)

2,849

(340,899)

299,029

(117,638)

1,352

—

(319,601)

122,038

246,973

(2,035)

(26,006)

(53,530)

—

(50,616)

161

(2,817)

(84,081)

(12,173)

(13,555)

15,059

329

(609)

40,396

(88,842)

126,306

(55,066)

3,833

(71,000)

(73,666)

172,303

—

—

(10,101)

(29,998)

(2,121)

(61,633)

169

(12,117)

(84,331)

51,518

151,059

202,577

15,107

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE END OF THE YEAR

(*) Dividend received from affiliated companies and partnership

(5,504)

199,241

193,737

13,500

$

$

$

(3,336)

202,577

199,241

9,558

$

$

$

$

$

$

(**) Dividend paid in 2013 includes approximately $ 24,900 dividend paid by subsidiary to non-controlling interests.

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

F - 11

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW ACTIVITIES:
Cash paid during the year for:

Income taxes, net

Interest

Year ended December 31,

2013

2012

2011

$

$

33,223

6,046

$

$

5,734

19,168

$

$

18,955

10,258

Year ended December 31,
2012

2011

2013

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW ACTIVITIES:
SCHEDULE A:
Acquisitions of subsidiaries and business operations
Estimated net fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of
acquisition was as follows:
Working capital, net (excluding cash and cash equivalents)
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Deferred income taxes
Long-term liabilities

$

$

— $
—
—
—
—
— $

— $
—
—
—
—
— $

306
1,938
17,993
(1,171)
(6,893)
12,173

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

F - 12

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 1 - 

GENERAL

A.  GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Elbit Systems Ltd. (“Elbit Systems”) is an Israeli corporation, 45.94% owned by the Federmann Group. Elbit 
Systems’ shares are traded on the Nasdaq National Market in the United States (“Nasdaq”) and on the Tel Aviv 
Stock Exchange (“TASE”). Elbit Systems and its subsidiaries (collectively the “Company”) are engaged mainly 
in the field of defense electronics, homeland security and commercial aviation. Elbit Systems’ principal wholly-
owned subsidiaries are the Elbit Systems of America, LLC (“ESA”) companies, Elbit Systems Electro-Optics  
Elop Ltd. (“Elop”), Elbit Systems Land and C4I Ltd. (“ESLC”) and Elbit Systems EW and SIGINT – Elisra Ltd. 
(“Elisra”).

 B.  SALES TO GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES

A majority of the Company’s revenues are derived from direct or indirect sales to governments or to governmental 
agencies. As a result, a substantial portion of the Company’s sales is subject to the special risks associated with 
sales to governments or to governmental agencies. These risks include, among others, the dependency on the 
resources  allocated  by  governments  to  defense  programs,  changes  in  governmental  priorities,  changes  in 
governmental  registration,  changes  in  governmental  regulations  and  changes  in  governmental  approvals 
regarding export licenses required for the Company’s products and for its suppliers. As for major customers, 
refer to Note 22(C).

 C.  CESSATION OF PROGRAM

In December 2011, the Israeli Government, due to political considerations, did not renew the Company’s export 
authorization to complete performance under an approximately $90,000 contract to supply systems to a foreign 
customer. As a result of the cessation of the program, and in accordance with the Company's legal advisors' 
opinion, in 2011 the Company established a reserve for potential liability to this customer by recording an expense 
of approximately $72,800 ($62,000 net of taxes), which was included in cost of goods sold. In May 2012, the 
foreign customer claimed approximately $33,600 in advance and performance guarantees, which the Company 
had previously deposited for the customer's benefit as security for the Company's performance. In November 
2012, following discussions with the Israeli Government regarding a possible compensatory settlement (which 
discussions did not result in an agreement regarding such settlement), the Company filed a lawsuit against the 
Government of Israel to recover damages and resulting expenses in the amount of approximately $74,000 in 
connection with the cancellation of the export authorization. The lawsuit was filed with the District Court of the 
Central Region of Israel. The Company has been attempting on an ongoing basis to mitigate damages caused 
by the program cancellation through utilization on other programs of assets related to the canceled program.  
The parties have temporarily suspended the legal proceedings pending discussions between the parties. See Note 
20(C)(2).

F - 13

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 1 - 

GENERAL (Cont.)

D.  DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Fraser-Volpe  LLC  (“FV”)  was  a  U.S.  company  held  approximately  59.4%  by  the  Company  through  the 
Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary ITL Optronics Inc. (“ITL”).  ITL and FV were acquired by the Company 
in the fourth quarter of 2010, as part of the acquisition of the Mikal group of companies, with the balance of 
ITL’s shares being acquired in the first quarter of 2011. During 2011, the Company recognized an impairment 
loss of approximately $16,000 on its holdings in FV, of which the non-controlling interest was approximately 
$6,500  and  net  loss  attributed  to  the  Company  in  the  financial  statements  related  to  the  above  mentioned 
impairment was approximately $9,500. Since the acquisition date, Company’s management was committed to 
selling its holdings in FV. Accordingly, FV was classified in the consolidated financial statements as held-for-
sale, discontinued operations, in accordance with the criteria set in ASC 360-10-45-9, and the operating results 
and the cash flows for the three years ended at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were classified as discontinued 
operations,  in  accordance  with ASC  205-20,  “Discontinued  Operations”.  In  the  second  quarter  of  2013  the 
Company sold its holdings in FV and recognized a gain of approximately 700 in discontinued operations.

The  results  of  operations  and  cash  flows  of  the  discontinued  operations,  for  each  of  the  three  years  ended 
December 31, 2013, were immaterial.

E.  SALE OF CERTAIN ASSETS

In 2013 the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, ESA, sold certain assets related to cabin pressurization control 
systems ("KAPS"), which were part of its Commercial Aviation Systems activities. As a result of the sale, the 
Company recorded an operating pre-tax gain of $3,800 which was included in cost of revenues. 

Note 2 - 

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting 
principles (“U.S. GAAP”).

A.  USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires 
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and 
accompanying notes. The most significant assumptions are employed in estimates used in determining values 
of intangible assets, warranty and contract loss accruals, legal contingencies, tax assets and tax liabilities, stock-
based compensation costs, retirement and post-retirement benefits (including the actuarial assumptions), financial 
instruments with no observable market quotes, as well as in estimates used in applying the revenue recognition 
policy. Actual results may differ from estimated results.

B.  FUNCTIONAL CURRENCY

The Company’s revenues are generated mainly in U.S. dollars. In addition, most of the Company’s costs are 
incurred in U.S. dollars. The Company’s management believes that the U.S. dollar is the primary currency of 
the economic environment in which the Company operates. Thus, the functional and reporting currency of the 
Company is the U.S. dollar.

Transactions and balances of the Company and certain subsidiaries, which are denominated in other currencies, 
have been remeasured into U.S. dollars in accordance with principles set forth in ASC 830, “Foreign Currency 
Matters”. All exchange gains and losses from the remeasurement mentioned above are reflected in the statement 
of income as financial expenses or income, as appropriate.

F - 14

 
 
ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)

B.  FUNCTIONAL CURRENCY (Cont.)

For those foreign subsidiaries and investees whose functional currency has been determined to be other than the 
U.S. dollar, assets and liabilities are translated at year-end exchange rates, and statement of income items are 
translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the year. Resulting translation differences are recorded 
as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income in equity.

C.  PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Elbit Systems and its wholly and majority-owned 
subsidiaries.

Intercompany transactions and balances, including profit from intercompany yet realized outside the Company, 
have been eliminated upon consolidation.

D.  COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The Company accounts for comprehensive income in accordance with ASC 220, "Comprehensive Income". 
This statement establishes standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components. 
Comprehensive income generally represents all changes in shareholders' equity during the period except those 
resulting from investments by, or distributions to, shareholders.

In  June  2011,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  2011-5,  “Comprehensive  Income  (Topic  220):  Presentation  of 
Comprehensive Income”, which is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011. 
Accordingly, the Company adopted ASU 2011-5 on January 1, 2012. This guidance eliminates the option to 
present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in shareholders’ 
equity. Upon adoption of the new guidance, the Company elected to present a separate statement of consolidated 
comprehensive income.

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes, in the amount of $12,604 and 
$23,744 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were as follows:

Foreign currency translation differences

Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net of $24 tax benefit

Pension and post-retirement benefit plans, net of $12,580 tax benefit

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale marketable securities

Year ended December 31,

2013

2012

$

1,457

$

(5,189)

(1,530)

(25,433)

287

14,771

(42,354)

(772)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes

$

(25,219) $

(33,544)

F - 15

 
 
 
 
ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)

E.  BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

The Company applies ASC 805, “Business Combinations”. ASC 805 requires recognition of assets acquired, 
liabilities assumed, and non-controlling interest in the acquire at the acquisition date, measured at their fair values 
as of that date. This ASC also requires the fair value of acquired in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) 
to be recorded as intangibles with indefinite lives, contingent consideration to be recorded on the acquisition 
date, and restructuring and acquisition-related deal costs to be expensed as incurred. Any excess of the fair value 
of net assets acquired over purchase price and any subsequent changes in estimated contingencies are to be 
recorded in earnings. In addition, changes in valuation allowance related to acquired deferred tax assets and in 
acquired income tax position are to be recognized in earnings.

F.  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash  equivalents  are  short-term  highly  liquid  investments  that  are  readily  convertible  to  cash  with  original 
maturities of three months or less, when purchased.

G.  SHORT-TERM BANK DEPOSITS

Short-term bank deposits are deposits with original maturities of more than three months but less than one year. 
The short-term bank deposits are presented at their cost, which approximates fair value.

H.  AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE MARKETABLE SECURITIES

The Company accounts for all its investments in debt securities and for investments in marketable equity securities 
of entities in which it does not have significant influence, in accordance with ASC 320, “Investments - Debt and 
Equity Securities”. The Company classifies all debt securities and marketable equity securities as “available-
for-sale”. All of the Company’s investments in available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value. Unrealized 
gains  and  losses  are  comprised  of  the  difference  between  fair  value  and  the  cost  of  such  securities  and  are 
recognized, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (“OCI”).

The amortized cost of debt securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to 
maturity. Such amortization together with interest and dividends on securities are included in "financial expenses, 
net".

The  Company  recognizes  an  impairment  charge  when  a  decline  in  the  fair  value  of  its  investments  in  debt 
securities below the cost basis of such securities is judged to be other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI“). 
Factors considered in making such a determination include the duration and severity of the impairment, the 
reason for the decline in value, the potential recovery period and if the entity has the intent to sell the debt 
security, or if it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its 
amortized cost basis. However, if an entity does not expect to sell a debt security, it will still need to evaluate 
expected cash flows to be received and determine if a credit loss exists. In the event of a credit loss, only the 
amount of impairment associated with the credit loss is recognized in earnings. Amounts relating to factors other 
than credit losses are recorded in OCI.

F - 16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)

I. 

INVENTORIES

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Inventory write-offs are provided to cover risks arising 
from slow-moving items or technological obsolescence for which recoverability is not probable.

Cost is determined as follows;

• 
• 

Raw materials using the average or FIFO cost method.
Work in progress:

•  Costs incurred on long-term contracts in progress include direct labor, material, subcontractors, other 

direct costs and an allocation of overheads, which represent recoverable costs incurred for 
production, allocable operating overhead cost and, where appropriate, research and development 
costs (See Note 2(V)).

•  Labor overhead is generally included on a basis of updated hourly rates and is allocated to each project 
according to the amount of hours expended. Material overhead is generally allocated to each project 
based on the value of direct material that is charged to the project.

Advances from customers are allocated to the applicable contract inventories and are deducted from the inventory 
balance. Advances in excess of related inventories are classified as liabilities.

Pre-contract costs are generally expensed, but can be deferred and included in inventory, only when such costs 
can  be  directly  associated  with  a  specific  anticipated  contract  and  if  their  recoverability  from  the  specific 
anticipated contract is probable according to the guidelines of ASC 605-35.

J. 

INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATED COMPANIES, PARTNERSHIPS AND OTHER COMPANIES

Investments in affiliated companies and partnerships that are not controlled but over which the Company can 
exercise significant influence (generally, entities in which the Company holds approximately between 20% to 
50%  of  the  voting  rights  of  the  investee)  are  presented  using  the  equity  method  of  accounting.  Profits  on 
intercompany sales, not realized outside the Company, are eliminated. The Company discontinues applying the 
equity method when its investment (including advances and loans) is reduced to zero and the Company has not 
guaranteed obligations of the affiliate or otherwise committed to provide further financial support to the affiliate.

Investments in preferred shares, which are not in substance common stock, are recorded on a cost basis according 
to ASC 323-10-15-13, “Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures-In-substance Common Stock” and ASC 
323-10-40-1, "Investment-Equity Method and Joint Ventures-Investee Capital Transactions".

A change in the Company’s proportionate share of an investee’s equity, resulting from issuance of common or 
in-substance common shares by the investee to third parties, is recorded as a gain or loss in the consolidated 
income statements in accordance with ASC 323-10-40-1.

Investments in non-marketable equity securities of entities in which the Company does not have control or the 
ability to exercise significant influence over their operation and financial policies, are recorded at cost (generally 
when the Company holds less than 20% of the voting rights).

Management  evaluates  investments  in  affiliated  companies,  partnerships  and  other  non-marketable  equity 
securities for evidence of other-than-temporary declines in value. Such evaluation is dependent on the specific 
facts and circumstances. Accordingly, in determining whether other-than-temporary declines exist, management 
evaluates various indicators for other-than-temporary declines and evaluates financial information (e.g. budgets, 
business plans, financial statements, etc.). During 2013 and 2012, no material impairment was recognized.

F - 17

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)

K. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

ASC  810-10,  “Consolidation”,  provides  a  framework  for  identifying  variable  interest  entities  (“VIEs”)  and 
determining  when  a  company  should  include  the  assets,  liabilities,  non-controlling  interests  and  results  of 
activities of a VIE in its consolidated financial statements. According to ASC 810-10, the Company consolidates 
a VIE when it has both (1) the power to direct the economically significant activities of the entity and (2) the 
obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the entity that could potentially be significant 
to the variable interest entity. The determination about whether the Company should consolidate a VIE is evaluated 
continuously as existing relationships change or future transactions occur.

The Company’s assessment of whether an entity is a VIE and the determination of the primary beneficiary is 
judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. Those include, among others, 
forecasted  cash  flows,  their  respective  probabilities  and  the  economic  value  of  certain  preference  rights.  In 
addition, such assessment also involves estimates of whether an entity can finance its current activities, until it 
reaches profitability, without additional subordinated financial support.

Also according to ASC 810, a non-controlling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated 
entity that should be reported as a separate component of equity in the consolidated financial statements. As 
such, changes in the parent’s ownership interest with no change of control are treated as equity transactions, 
rather than step acquisitions or dilution gains or losses. Losses of partially owned consolidated subsidiaries shall 
continue to be allocated to the non-controlling interests even when their investment was already reduced to zero.

UAV Tactical Systems Ltd. (“U-TacS”) in the U.K. is considered to be a VIE. As Elbit Systems is the primary 
beneficiary and has both the power to direct its activities and absorb the majority of its loss or right to majority 
of its earnings based upon holding the majority voting rights in U-TacS (51%), U-TacS is consolidated in the 
Company’s financial statements.

Tor - Advanced Flight Training Limited Partnership (“TOR”) is an Israeli limited partnership based in Tel-Aviv, 
Israel and considered to be a VIE. Although the Company currently holds a 100% interest in TOR, the 
Company is obligated under the partnership agreement to transfer 50% of the ownership to its partner. 
As the Company holds 50% of the contractual rights in TOR and is the primary beneficiary - TOR is consolidated 
in the Company’s financial statements.

L.  LONG-TERM RECEIVABLES

Long-term trade, unbilled and other receivables, with long-term payment terms, which are considered collectible, 
are recorded at their estimated present values (determined based on the market interest rates at the date of initial 
recognition).

M.  LONG-TERM BANK DEPOSITS

Long-term bank deposits are deposits with maturities of more than one year. These deposits are presented at cost 
and earn interest at market rates. Accumulated interest to be received over the next year is recorded as a current 
asset. The deposits and accumulated interest approximate fair value.

F - 18

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)

N.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and investment grants. For 
equipment produced for the Company’s own use, cost includes materials, labor and overhead (including interest 
costs, when applicable) but not in excess of the fair value of the equipment.

Depreciation is calculated by the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets at the following 
annual rates:

Buildings and leasehold improvements (*)

Instruments, machinery and equipment

Office furniture and other

Motor vehicles

%

2-20

3-33

4-33

12-33

(Mainly 15%)

(*) 

Prepayments for operating leases and leasehold improvements are amortized generally over the term 
of the lease or the useful life of the assets, whichever is shorter. 

O.  OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Other identifiable intangible assets mainly consist of purchased technology, customer relations and trademarks. 
These intangible assets are stated at cost net of accumulated amortization and impairments, and are amortized 
over their useful life using the straight-line method, or the accelerated method, whichever better reflects the 
applicable expected utilization pattern.

P. 

IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS

The Company’s long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment in accordance 
with ASC 360-10-35 “Property, Plant and Equipment – Subsequent Measurement” whenever events or changes 
in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.

Recoverability of assets (or assets group) to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount 
of an asset to the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If an asset is determined 
to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of 
the asset exceeds its fair value. For the year ended December 31, 2013, an  impairment charge in the amount of 
approximately $900 was recognized.  For each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2012 no 
material impairment has been identified.

As  required  by ASC  820,  “Fair  Value  Measurements”,  the  Company  applies  assumptions  that  marketplace 
participants would consider in determining the fair value of long-lived assets (or assets groups).

Q.  GOODWILL IMPAIRMENT

Goodwill is subject to an impairment test at the reporting unit level on an annual basis (or more frequently if 
impairment indicators arise).

F - 19

 
 
 
 
 
ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)

Q.  GOODWILL IMPAIRMENT (Cont.)

The Company identified several reporting units based on the guidance of ASC 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and 
Other”.

ASC  350  prescribes  a  two-phase  process  for  impairment  testing  of  goodwill.  The  first  phase  screens  for 
impairment, while the second phase (if necessary) measures impairment.

Goodwill impairment is deemed to exist if the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value. 
In such case, the second phase is then performed, and the Company measures impairment by comparing the 
carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill to the implied fair value of that goodwill. An impairment loss 
is recognized in an amount equal to the excess.  For each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 
2013, no material impairment losses have been identified.

As  required  by ASC  820,  “Fair Value  Measurements”,  the  Company  applies  assumptions  that  market  place 
participants would consider in determining the fair value of each reporting unit.

R.  SEVERANCE PAY

Elbit  Systems’  and  its  Israeli  subsidiaries’  obligations  for  severance  pay  are  calculated  pursuant  to  Israel’s 
Severance Pay Law based on the most recent salary of the employees multiplied by the number of years of 
employment, as of the balance sheet date and are presented on an undiscounted basis (the “Shut Down Method”). 
Employees are entitled to one month’s salary for each year of employment or a portion thereof. The obligation 
is provided by monthly deposits with insurance policies and by an accrual. The value of these policies is recorded 
as an asset on the Company’s balance sheet. The deposited funds may be withdrawn only upon the fulfillment 
of the obligation, pursuant to the Severance Pay Law or labor agreements. The value of the deposited funds is 
based on the cash surrender value of these policies and includes profits (or losses) accumulated to balance sheet 
date.

Elbit Systems and its Israeli subsidiaries have entered into an agreement with some of its employees implementing 
Section 14 of the Severance Pay Law and the General Approval of the Labor Minister dated June 30, 1998, 
issued in accordance to the said Section 14, mandating that upon termination of such employees’ employment, 
all the amounts accrued in their insurance policies shall be released to them. The severance pay liabilities and 
deposits covered by these plans are not reflected in the  balance sheet as the severance pay risks have been 
irrevocably transferred to the severance funds.

Severance pay expenses for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 amounted to approximately 
$54,544, $58,326 and $50,018, respectively.

S.  PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

The Company accounts, for its obligations for pension and other post-retirement benefits, in accordance with 
ASC 715, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits” (See Note 17).

F - 20

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)

T.  REVENUE RECOGNITION

The  Company  generates  revenues  principally  from  long-term  contracts  involving  the  design,  development, 
manufacture  and  integration  of  defense  systems  and  products.  In  addition,  to  a  lesser  extent,  the  Company 
provides non-defense systems and products as well as support and services for the Company's systems and 
products.

Revenues  from  long-term  contracts  are  recognized  primarily  using ASC  605-35,  “Construction-Type  and 
Production-Type Contracts”, according to which revenues are recognized on the Percentage-Of-Completion 
("POC") basis.

Sales  under  long-term  fixed-price  contracts  which  provide  for  a  substantial  level  of  development  efforts  in 
relation to total contract efforts are recorded using the cost-to-cost method of accounting as the basis to measure 
progress toward completing the contract and recognizing revenues using the POC basis. According to this method, 
sales and profits are recorded based on the ratio of costs incurred to estimated total costs at completion. In certain 
circumstances,  when  measuring  progress  toward  completion,  the  Company  considers  other  factors,  such  as 
achievement of performance milestones.

Sales  and  anticipated  profit  under  long-term  fixed-price  contracts  which  provide  for  a  substantial  level  of 
production effort are recorded on a POC basis, using the units-of-delivery as the basis to measure progress toward 
completing the contract and recognizing revenues. In certain circumstances, which involve long-term fixed-
price production type contracts for non-homogeneous units or small quantities of units, or when the achievement 
of performance milestones provides a more reliable and objective measure of the extent of progress toward 
completion, revenue is recognized based on the achievement of performance milestones.

Sales and anticipated profit under long-term fixed-price contracts that involve both development and production 
efforts are recorded using the cost-to-cost method and units-of-delivery method as applicable to each phase of 
the contract, as the basis to measure progress toward completion. In addition, when measuring progress toward 
completion under the development portion of the contract, in certain circumstances, the Company considers 
other factors, such as achievement of performance milestones.

The POC method of accounting requires management to estimate the cost and gross profit margin for each 
individual  contract.  Estimated  gross  profit  or  loss  from  long-term  contracts  may  change  due  to  differences 
between actual performance and original estimated forecasts.

Sales under cost-reimbursement-type contracts are recorded as costs are incurred. Applicable estimated profits 
are included in earnings in the proportion that incurred costs bear to total estimated costs.

Amounts representing contract change orders, claims or other items are included in sales only when they can be 
reliably estimated and realization is probable. Penalties and awards applicable to performance on contracts are 
considered in estimating sales and profit margins and are recorded when they are probable and there is sufficient 
information to assess anticipated contract performance.

Under the POC method the changes in estimated revenues and/or estimated project costs are recorded in the 
period the change in estimated total performance costs is reasonably determinable, based on the inception-to-
date effect of such changes (on a “cumulative catch-up” basis). The cumulative catch-up basis in the contract 
estimated total costs are charged to cost of revenues sold ("CORS") and is reflected in the reported gross profit 
in the consolidated financial statements. Changes in performance costs estimates, which result in an anticipated 
loss on contracts, are charged to CORS when they are probable and reasonably determinable by management. 
The Company reviews the actual costs and the estimated costs to complete  long-term contracts on a quarterly 
basis. In addition, the Company periodically monitors the impact of changes in estimated contract performance 
costs that result from cumulative catch-up cost adjustments on CORS.

F - 21

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)

T.  REVENUE RECOGNITION (Cont.)

The nature of the Company's numerous contracts is such that refinements of the estimated performance costs 
for a project  may occur for various reasons,  including: change orders, contract price adjustments, significant 
technical and development matters encountered in performance of contracts, provision for loss and contract costs 
changes that may occur in a situation where: (a) identified contract risks cannot be resolved within the cost 
estimates included in our contract estimated costs at completion  ("EAC"); (b) new or unforeseen risks or cost 
growth that must be incorporated into the contract EAC; or (c) gains or losses could be anticipated upon receipt 
of contractor or related to terminated contracts. 

These adjustments may result from positive program performance  as a decrease in CORS during the period. 
Likewise, these adjustments may result in an increase in CORS if the Company determines it will not be successful 
in mitigating these risks or realizing related opportunities.

The Company believes that the use of the percentage-of-completion method is appropriate as the Company has 
the  ability  to  make  reasonably  dependable  estimates of  the  extent  of  progress  towards  completion,  contract 
revenues and contract costs. In addition, contracts executed include provisions that clearly specify the enforceable 
rights regarding services to be provided and received by the parties to the contracts, the consideration to be 
exchanged and the manner and terms of settlement. In all cases, revenue is recognized when the Company expects 
to perform its contractual obligations and its customers are expected to satisfy their obligations under the contract.

Management  reviews  periodically  the  estimates  of  progress  towards  completion  and  project  costs.  These 
estimates are determined based on engineering estimates and past experience, by personnel having the appropriate 
authority and expertise to make reasonable estimates of the related costs. Such engineering estimates are reviewed  
for each specific contract by professional personnel from various disciplines within the organization. These 
estimates take into consideration the probability of achievement of certain milestones, as well as other factors 
that might impact the contract’s completion and project cost.

A number of internal and external factors affect the Company's cost estimates, including labor rates, estimated 
future prices of material, revised estimates of uncompleted work, efficiency variances, linkage to indices and 
exchange rates, customer specifications and testing requirement changes. If any of the above factors were to 
change,  or  if  different  assumptions  were  used  in  estimating  progress  cost  and  measuring  progress  towards 
completion, it is possible that materially different amounts would be reported in the Company’s consolidated 
financial statements.

The Company's CORS included net EAC adjustments resulting from changes in estimates of approximately 
$5,300 (0.25% of CORS and 0.64% of gross profit), $36,000 (1.74% of CORS and 4.41% of gross profit) and 
$26,800 (1.28% of CORS and 3.66% of gross profit) for the three years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 
2011, respectively.

These adjustments increased (decreased) our net income by approximately $4,600 ($0.11 per diluted share), 
$32,500 ($0.77 per diluted share) and $23,200 ($0.54 per diluted share) for the years ended December 31, 2013,  
2012 and  2011, respectively.

In certain circumstances, sales under short-term fixed-price production type contracts or sale of products are 
accounted for in accordance with SAB No. 104, “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements” (“SAB 104”), 
and recognized when all the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery 
has occurred, the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, no further obligation exists and collectability 
is reasonably assured.

F - 22

 
ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)

       T.  REVENUE RECOGNITION (Cont.)

In cases where the contract involves the delivery of products and performance of services, or other obligations 
such as buy-back (See Note 20(B)), the Company follows the guidelines specified in ASC 605-25, “Revenue 
Recognition  –  Multiple-Element Arrangements”  in  order  to  allocate  the  contract  consideration  between  the 
identified different elements using the relative selling price method. The selling price for each element would 
be allocated by using a hierarchy of: (1) Vendor Specific Objective Evidence (“VSOE”); (2) third-party evidence 
("TPE") of the selling price for that element; or (3) estimated selling price (“ESP”), for individual elements of 
an arrangement when VSOE or TPE of the selling price are unavailable.

The Company determines ESP for the purposes of allocating the consideration to individual elements of an 
arrangement by considering several external and internal factors including, but not limited to, pricing practices, 
margin objectives, geographies in which the Company offers products and services and internal costs.

The determination of ESP is judgmental and is made through consultation with and approval by management.

Service  revenues  include  contracts  primarily  for  rendering  of  services  other  than  associated  with  design, 
development or manufacturing and production activities. It may be a stand-alone service contract or a service 
element, which was separated from the design, development or production contract according to the criteria 
established  in  ASC  605-25.  Service  contracts  primarily  include  operation  and  maintenance  contracts, 
outsourcing-type arrangements, return and repair contracts , training, installation services, etc. Revenues from 
services were less than 10% of consolidated revenues in each of the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 
2011.

Such service revenues are usually recognized in accordance with SAB 104 ratably over the service period, which 
may extend beyond the typical three years after delivery of the product, and when all other revenue recognition 
criteria are met. Buy-back obligations are recognized upon fulfillment, generally when the related products have 
been delivered or services have been rendered. In addition, where applicable, the Company recognizes service 
revenues upon achievement of performance milestones.

As for research and development costs accounted for as contract costs refer to Note 2(V).

U.  WARRANTY

The Company estimates the costs that may be incurred under its basic warranty. Such costs are: (1) estimated 
as part of the total contract’s cost or (2) recorded as a liability at the time revenue for delivered products is 
recognized. The specific terms and conditions of those warranties vary depending upon the product sold and the 
country in which the Company does business. Factors that affect the Company’s warranty cost include the number 
of delivered products, engineering estimates and anticipated rates of warranty claims. The Company periodically 
assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty cost and adjusts the amount as necessary.

Changes in the Company’s provision for warranty, which is included in other payables and accrued expenses in 
the Balance Sheet, are as follows:

Balance, at January 1

Warranties issued during the year

Reduction due to warranties forfeited or claimed during the year (*)

Balance, at December 31

2013

2012

$

189,713

$

176,831

75,782

(86,418)
179,077

$

81,952

(69,070)

$

189,713

F - 23

 
 
ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)

U.  WARRANTY (Cont.)

*   In 2013 the Company recognized in CORS, income of approximately $16 million as a result of the elimination 
of  a  reserve  for  warranty  obligation  that  was  originally  recorded  in  connection  with  an  acquisition  of  a 
company in 2010. This warranty obligation, which related to a project delivered to a foreign customer, reached 
its statute of limitations in the foreign customer's country. 

V.  RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS

Research and development costs, net of participation grants, include costs incurred for independent research and 
development and bid and proposal efforts and are expensed as incurred unless the costs are related to certain 
contractual  arrangements  which  are  recorded  as  part  of  cost  of  revenues,  over  the  period  that  revenue  is 
recognized, consistent with the Company’s revenue recognition accounting policy. The Company does not have 
significant stand-alone research and development arrangements performed for others.

The Company has certain research and development contractual arrangements that meet the requirements for 
best  efforts  research  and  development  accounting. Accordingly,  the  amounts  funded  by  the  customer  are 
recognized as an offset to its research and development expenses rather than as contract revenues.

Elbit  Systems  and  certain  Israeli  subsidiaries  receive  grants  (mainly  royalty-bearing)  from  the  Israeli  Chief 
Scientist’s Office (“OCS”) and from other sources for the purpose of partially funding approved research and 
development projects. The grants are not to be repaid, but instead Elbit Systems and certain Israeli subsidiaries 
are obliged to pay royalties as a percentage of future sales if and when sales from the funded projects are generated. 
These grants are recognized as a deduction from research and development costs at the time the applicable entity 
is entitled to such grants on the basis of the research and development costs incurred. Since the payment of 
royalties is not probable when the grants are received, the Company records a liability in the amount of the 
estimated royalties for each individual contract, when the related revenues are recognized, as part of cost of 
revenues. For more information regarding OCS royalties’ commitments see Note 20(A).

W.  INCOME TAXES

The Company accounts for income taxes and uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740, “Income 
Taxes”. This guidance prescribes the use of the liability method whereby deferred tax asset and liability account 
balances are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities 
and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected 
to reverse. The Company provides a valuation allowance, if necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts 
that are more likely than not to be realized.

The Company established reserves for uncertain tax positions based on the evaluation of whether or not the 
Company’s uncertain tax position is “more likely than not” to be sustained upon examination. The Company 
records interest and penalties pertaining to its uncertain tax positions in the financial statements as income tax 
expense.

X.  CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISKS

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally 
of cash and cash equivalents, short and long-term deposits, marketable securities and trade receivables.

The majority of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents and short and long-term deposits are invested with 
major banks mainly in Israel and the United States. Deposits in the U.S. may be in excess of insured limits and 
are not insured in other jurisdictions. Management believes that the financial institutions that hold the Company’s 
investments have a high credit rating.

F - 24

 
 
ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)

X.  CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISKS (Cont.)

The Company's marketable securities include investments in corporate debentures, U.S. Treasury Bills, U.S. 
government agency debentures and Israeli Treasury Bills. The Company's investment policy limits the amount 
that the Company may invest in any one type of investment or issuer, thereby reducing credit risk concentrations.

The Company’s trade receivables are derived primarily from sales to large and stable customers and governments 
located mainly in Israel, the United States and Europe. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of 
its customers and has not experienced in recent years any unexpected material losses. An allowance for doubtful 
accounts  is  recognized  with  respect  to  those  amounts  that  the  Company  has  determined  to  be  doubtful  of 
collection. The Company entered into foreign exchange forward contracts, cross currency interest rate swaps 
and option strategies (together “derivative instruments”) intended to protect against the increase in the dollar 
equivalent  value  of  forecasted  non-dollar  currency  cash  flows  and  interest  as  applicable.  These  derivative 
instruments are designed to effectively hedge the Company’s non-dollar currency and interest rates exposures 
(See Note 2(AA)).

Y.      DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The  Company  accounts  for  derivatives  and  hedging  based  on ASC  815,  “Derivatives  and  Hedging”,  which 
requires the Company to recognize all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. If a derivative meets the 
definition of a cash flow hedge and is so designated, changes in the fair value of the derivative will be recognized 
in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a 
derivative’s change in fair value is recognized immediately in earnings. If a derivative does not meet the definition 
of a hedge, the changes in the fair value are included immediately in earnings in “Financial income (expenses), 
net”, in each reporting period (See Note 24).

As part of its hedging strategy, the Company enters into forward exchange contracts in order to protect the 
Company from the risk that the eventual dollar cash flows from the sale to international customers and purchase 
of products from international vendors will be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates.

The Company also enters into forward exchange contracts and options strategies in order to limit the exposure 
to exchange rate fluctuation associated with payroll expenses mainly incurred in NIS.

In connection with the issuance of the NIS 1.1 billion Series A Notes in 2010 and the issuance of an additional 
NIS 0.9 billion Series A Notes in 2012 on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (See Note 16), the Company entered 
into cross-currency interest rate swap transactions with a notional principal of the NIS 1.1 billion and NIS 0.9 
billion to effectively hedge the effect of interest and exchange rate difference from the NIS Series A Notes. The 
cross currency interest rate swap instruments effectively convert the fixed interest rate of the debt to a floating 
interest rate. The terms of the swap agreements substantially match the terms of the debt. Under the terms of the 
swap agreements, the Company receives interest payments semi-annually in NIS at an annual rate of 4.84% on 
the notional principal and pays interest semi-annually in U.S. Dollars at an annual weighted rate of six-month 
LIBOR plus 1.84% on the notional principal. The swap agreements are designated as a fair value hedge. The 
gains and losses related to changes in the fair value of the cross-currency interest rate swaps are included in 
interest expense and substantially offset changes in the fair value of the hedged portion of the underlying hedged 
Series A Notes.

Z. 

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company accounts for share-based arrangements under ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation”, 
which requires all share-based payments, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the 
income statement based on their fair values.

F - 25

 
ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)

Z. 

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Cont.)

The fair value based cost of employee stock options is estimated at the grant date using a lattice-based option 
valuation model with the following weighted average assumptions:

Dividend yield
Expected volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Expected life
Forfeiture rate
Suboptimal factor

2013

2012

2011

2.56%
34.29%
0.87%
4 years
0.56%
1.75

2.45%
36.07%
0.83%
4 years
0.56%
1.75

2.23%
31.59%
2.01%
4 years
0.56%
1.75

Because lattice-based option valuation models incorporate ranges of assumptions for inputs, the average of those 
ranges are disclosed. Expected volatilities are based on implied volatilities from traded options on Elbit Systems’ 
stock, historical volatility of the stock and other factors. The Company uses historical data to estimate option 
exercise and employee termination within the valuation model. The expected term of options granted is derived 
from the output of the option valuation model and represents the period of time that options granted are expected 
to be outstanding. The average of the range, given above, results from certain groups of employees exhibiting 
different behavior. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the 
U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for periods within the contractual life of the option. The 
dividend yield assumption is based on historical dividends.

AA.  FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, short-term bank deposits, trade receivables, short-term bank 
credit  and  loans  and  trade  payables  approximate  their  fair  values  due  to  the  short-term  maturities  of  such 
instruments.

The fair value of long-term loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using current interest rates 
for loans of similar terms and maturities. The carrying amount of the long-term loans approximates their fair 
value.

As of December 31, 2013, the fair value of the Series A Notes, based on quoted market price of the Tel-Aviv 
Stock Exchange, was approximately $457,136.

The Company accounts for certain assets and liabilities at fair value under ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements 
and Disclosures”. Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or 
paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-
based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing 
an asset or a liability.

The hierarchy below lists three levels of fair value based on the extent to which inputs used in measuring fair 
value are observable in the market. The Company categorizes each of its fair value measurements in one of these 
three levels based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

F - 26

 
ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)

AA.  FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Cont.)

The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value are as follows:

Level 1 - Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active 
markets;

Level 2 - Includes other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace, other than quoted 
prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices 
for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions, or other 
inputs that are observable (model-derived valuations in which significant inputs are observable), or can be derived 
principally from or corroborated by observable market data; and

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.

The availability of observable inputs can vary from instrument to instrument and is affected by a wide variety 
of  factors,  including,  for  example,  the  type  of  instrument,  the  liquidity  of  markets  and  other  characteristics 
particular to the transaction. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or 
unobservable  in  the  market,  the  determination  of  fair  value  requires  more  judgment  and  the  instrument  are 
categorized as Level 3.

The Company’s cross-currency interest rate swaps are valued under an income approach using industry-standard 
models that consider various assumptions, including time value, volatility factors, current market and contractual 
prices for the underlying, and counterparty non-performance risk. Substantially all of these assumptions are 
observable in the marketplace throughout the full term of the instruments, can be derived from observable data 
or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace and accordingly are 
categorized as Level 2.

The  Company  measures  its  marketable  equity  securities,  debt  securities  and  foreign  currency  derivative 
instruments at fair value.  Government debt securities are classified within Level 1. The Company's corporate 
debt marketable securities trade in markets that are not considered to be active, but are valued based on quoted 
market  prices,  broker  or  dealer  quotations,  or  alternative  pricing  sources  with  reasonable  levels  of  price 
transparency and accordingly are categorized as Level 2.

The Company’s foreign currency derivative instruments are classified within Level 2 when the valuation inputs 
are based on quoted prices and market observable data of similar instruments and in Level 3 when valuation 
inputs are based on significant unobservable data.

F - 27

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)

AA.  FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Cont.)

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:

Fair value measurement at

December 31, 2013 using

Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
 (Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobserva
ble
Inputs
(Level 3)

$

$

5,919
—
—
—

$

— $

45,157
5,000
58,154

—
5,919

$

(4,766)
103,545

$

—
—
—
—

—
—

Fair value measurement at
December 31, 2012 using

Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
 (Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobserva
ble
Inputs
(Level 3)

$

$

12,620
—
—
—

$

— $

37,441
24,738
22,415

—
12,620

$

(4,992)
79,602

$

—
—
—
—

—
—

Description of Assets
Available-for-sale marketable debt securities:
Government bonds
Corporate bonds
Foreign currency derivatives and option contracts
Cross-currency interest rate swap
Liabilities
Foreign currency derivative and option contracts
Total

Description of Assets
Available-for-sale marketable debt securities:
Government bonds
Corporate bonds
Foreign currency derivatives and option contracts
Cross-currency interest rate swap
Liabilities
Foreign currency derivative and option contracts
Total

F - 28

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)

AB.  TRANSFERS OF FINANCIAL ASSETS

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

ASC 860, "Transfers and Servicing", establishes a standard for determining when a transfer of financial assets 
should be accounted for as a sale. The Company's arrangements are such that the underlying conditions are met 
for the transfer of financial assets to qualify for accounting as a sale. The transfers of financial assets are typically 
performed by the factoring of receivables to an Israeli financial institution. In 2013, the Company sold rights to 
receive payments from the Israeli Ministry of Defense ("IMOD") to an Israeli financial institution in a total 
amount of $161,693. Control and risk of these rights were fully transferred in accordance with ASC 860.

The Company's agreement pursuant to which the Company sells its trade receivables, are structured such that 
the Company (i) transfers the proprietary rights in the receivable from the Company to the financial institution; 
(ii) legally isolates the receivable from the Company's other assets, and presumptively puts the receivable beyond 
the lawful reach of the Company and its creditors, even in bankruptcy or other receivership; (iii) confers on the 
financial institution the right to pledge or exchange the receivable; and (iv) eliminates the Company's effective 
control over the receivable, in the sense that the Company is not entitled and shall not be obligated to repurchase 
the receivable other than in case of failure by the Company to fulfill its commercial obligation.

AC.  BASIC AND DILUTED NET EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted average number of outstanding ordinary shares 
during each year. Diluted earnings per share are computed based on the weighted average number of outstanding 
ordinary shares during each year, plus dilutive potential ordinary shares considered outstanding during the year. 
Outstanding stock options are excluded from the calculation of the diluted earnings per ordinary share when 
their effect is anti-dilutive.

The weighted average number of shares related to outstanding anti-dilutive stock options excluded from the 
calculations of diluted net earnings per share was 45,031, 125,709 and 76,815 for the years 2013, 2012 and 2011, 
respectively.

AD.  TREASURY SHARES

Elbit Systems’ shares held by Elbit Systems and its subsidiaries are recognized at cost and presented as a reduction 
of shareholders’ equity.

AE.  RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Effective  January  1,  2012,  the  Company  retrospectively  adopted  a  new  standard  issued  by  the  Financial 
Accounting Standards Board by presenting total comprehensive income and the components of net income and 
other comprehensive income (loss) in two separate but consecutive statements. The adoption of this guidance 
resulted  only  in  a  change  in  how  the  Company  presents  other  comprehensive  income  in  the  Company's 
consolidated financial statements and did not have any impact on the Company's results of operations, financial 
position or cash flows. Comparative prior periods amounts are also presented.

AF.  RECLASSIFICATIONS

Certain financial statement data for prior years has been reclassified to conform to current year financial statement 
presentation.

F - 29

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 3 -     TRADE AND UNBILLED RECEIVABLES, NET

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Receivables (1)
Unbilled receivables
Less – allowance for doubtful accounts

(1) Includes receivables due from affiliated companies

December 31,

2013
572,398
257,964
(7,117)
823,245

55,301

$

$

$

2012
454,641
242,616
(9,128)
688,129

20,623

$

$

$

Unbilled receivables on long-term contracts principally represent sales recorded under the percentage-of-completion 
method of accounting, when sales or revenues based on performance attainment, though appropriately recognized, 
cannot be billed yet under terms of the contract as of the balance sheet date. Accounts receivable include claims on 
items that the Company believes are earned, but are subject to uncertainty concerning determination of their ultimate 
realization. Such amounts were not material as of the balance sheet date. Trade receivables and unbilled receivables, 
other than those detailed under Note 7, are expected to be billed and collected during 2014.

Short and long-term receivables and unbilled receivables include receivables due from IMOD in the aggregate amounts 
of $502,378 and $417,536, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

As for long-term trade and unbilled receivables – see Note 7.

Note 4 -  OTHER RECEIVABLES AND PREPAID EXPENSES

Deferred income taxes, net

Prepaid expenses

Government institutions

Derivative instruments

Cross currency interest rate swap

Held-for-sale investment (*)

Other

(*)  See Note 1(D). 

December 31,

2013

2012

$

35,735

$

48,640

30,309

5,000

16,047

—

15,636

31,801

45,219

56,340

24,720

10,860

1,172

9,991

$

151,367

$

180,103

F - 30

 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 5 -  INVENTORIES, NET OF CUSTOMER ADVANCES

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Cost incurred on long-term contracts in progress

Raw materials

Advances to suppliers and subcontractors

Less -

Cost incurred on contracts in progress deducted from customer advances

Advances received from customers (*)

Provision for losses on long-term contracts

December 31,

2013

2012

$

836,414

$

832,642

118,820

40,116

995,350

68,170

95,131

76,017

119,416

35,857

987,915

68,306

104,297

64,065

  $

756,032

$

751,247

(*)  The Company has transferred legal title of inventories to certain customers as collateral for advances received. 
Advances are allocated to the relevant inventories on a per-project basis. In cases where advances are in excess 
of the inventories, the net amount is presented in customer advances (See Note 14).

Note 6 - 

INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATED COMPANIES, PARTNERSHIPS AND OTHER COMPANIES

A. 

INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATED COMPANIES:

Companies accounted for under the equity method

Companies accounted for on a cost basis

December 31,

2013

2012

$

$

125,816

$

122,237

5,546

4,245

131,362

$

126,482

B. 

INVESTMENT IN COMPANIES ACCOUNTED FOR UNDER THE EQUITY METHOD

SCD (1)
VSI/ RCEVS (2)
Opgal (3)
Netcity (4)
Other (5)

December 31,

2013

2012

73,007
12,535
14,452
12,307
13,515
125,816

$

$

68,692
16,715
13,470
12,129
11,231
122,237

$

$

(1) 

Semi  Conductor  Devices  (“SCD”)  is  an  Israeli  partnership,  held  50%  by  the  Company  and  50%  by  Rafael 
Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. (“Rafael”). SCD is engaged in the development and production of various 
thermal detectors and laser diodes. SCD is jointly controlled and therefore is not consolidated in the Company’s 
financial statements.

(2)  Vision Systems International LLC (“VSI”) and Rockwell Collins ESA Vision Systems LLC ("RCEVS") are U.S. 
limited liability companies, each held 50% by ESA and 50% by a subsidiary of Rockwell Collins Inc. VSI and 
RCEVS operate in the area of helmet mounted display systems for fixed-wing military aircraft. VSI and RCEVS 
are jointly controlled and therefore are not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements. 

F - 31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 6 - 

INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATED COMPANIES, PARTNERSHIPS AND OTHER COMPANIES (Cont.)

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

B. 

INVESTMENT IN COMPANIES ACCOUNTED FOR UNDER THE EQUITY METHOD (Cont.)

(3)  Opgal Optronics Industries Ltd. (“Opgal”) is an Israeli company owned 50.001% by the Company and 49.999% 
by Rafael. Opgal focuses mainly on commercial applications of thermal imaging and electro-optic technologies. 
The Company jointly controls Opgal with Rafael, and therefore Opgal is not consolidated in the Company’s 
financial statements.

(4)  UTI NETCITY Investments BV S.A ("Netcity") is a Romanian company held 40% by the Company. Netcity is 

engaged in the construction of fiber-telecommunication networks in Romania.

(5)  During 2013, the Company invested in a Korean joint stock corporation, Sharp Elbit Systems Aerospace, Inc. 
("SESA") approximately $2,500. SESA, based in South Korea, in which the Company holds 19%, is engaged 
in the areas of maintenance, repair, assembly and manufacturing of military aircraft avionics.  The Company 
invested approximately additional $1,900 through a convertible bond in SESA. The convertible bond can be 
converted  into  common  shares  of  SESA  following  a  two-year  vesting  period.  If  converted,  the  Company's 
holdings in SESA would reach 50%.

(6) 

Equity in net earnings of affiliated companies and partnerships is as follows:

Year ended December 31,

2013

2012

2011

SCD

VSI/RCEVS

Other

$

5,439

$

5,524

$

5,664

1,929

$

13,032

$

8,403
(2,767)
11,160

5,807

8,454

1,116

$

15,377

(7) 

 The summarized aggregate financial information of companies accounted for under the equity method is as       
follows:

Balance Sheet Information:

Current assets

Non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Shareholders' equity

$

$

$

December 31,

2013

284,545

106,563

391,108

153,301

42,674

195,133

$

$

$

2012

278,751

114,289

393,040

118,506

44,137

230,397

$

391,108

$

393,040

F - 32

 
 
 
                 
ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 6 - 

INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATED COMPANIES, PARTNERSHIPS AND OTHER COMPANIES (Cont.)

B. 

INVESTMENT IN COMPANIES ACCOUNTED FOR UNDER THE EQUITY METHOD (Cont.)

Income Statement Information:

Revenues

Gross profit

Net income

(8) 

See Note 20(E) for guarantees. 

Note 7 -  LONG-TERM TRADE AND UNBILLED RECEIVABLES

Receivables

Unbilled receivables

Year ended December 31,
2012

2011

2013

$

$

$

351,183

88,440

27,151

$

$

$

385,792

102,730

27,596

$

$

$

402,438

117,222

38,131

December 31,

2013

8,284

234,292

242,576

$

$

2012

201

229,486

229,687

$

$

The majority of the long-term unbilled receivables are expected to be billed and collected during the years 2015 - 2016. 
Long-term trade and unbilled receivables are mainly related to the IMOD.

Note 8 -  LONG-TERM BANK DEPOSITS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Restricted deposits with banks (1)
Cross-currency interest rate swap
Deposits with banks and other long-term receivables (2)

December 31,

2013

2012

$

$

1,152
42,107
9,724
52,983

$

$

854
11,555
6,860
19,269

(1)  Restricted deposits in respect of an issued bank guarantee.
(2)  Includes long-term balances of a non-qualified deferred compensation plan structured under Section 409A in 

the amount of $6,927 and $6,093 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively (See Note 17).

F - 33

 
 
 
 
 
 
ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 9 - 

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE MARKETABLE SECURITIES

As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the fair value, amortized cost and gross unrealized holding gains and losses 
of available-for-sale marketable securities were as follows:

Government debentures - fixed and floating
interest rate
Corporate debentures - fixed and floating
interest rate

Government debentures - fixed and floating
interest rate
Corporate debentures - fixed and floating
interest rate

Amortized
cost

$

$

5,849

44,940

50,789

Amortized
cost

$

$

12,428

36,901

49,329

December 31, 2013

Gross
unrealized
gains

Gross
unrealized
losses

Fair value

70

338

408

— $

5,919

(121)

45,157

(121)

$

51,076

December 31, 2012

Gross
unrealized
gains

Gross
unrealized
losses

Fair value

192

594

786

— $

12,620

(4)

37,491

(4)

$

50,111

The contractual maturities of the available-for-sale marketable securities in future years are as follows:

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019 and after

December 31,
2013

$

$

1,670

6,523

20,280

12,869

7,065

48,407

As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, interest receivable included in other receivables amounted to $548 and $537, 
respectively.

F - 34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 10 - 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Cost (1):

Land, buildings and leasehold improvements (2)

Instruments, machinery and equipment (3)

Office furniture and other

Motor vehicles and airplanes

Accumulated depreciation

Depreciated cost

December 31,

2013

2012

$

390,972

$

374,309

697,950

80,782

125,813

661,278

83,108

129,519

1,295,517

1,248,214

(814,109)
481,408

$

(746,928)
501,286

$

Depreciation expenses for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 amounted to $83,445, $89,551 and 
$93,666, respectively.

(1)  Net of investment grants received (mainly for instruments, machinery and equipment) in the amounts of $37,399 

and $36,990 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

(2)  Set forth below is additional information regarding the real estate owned or leased by the Company (in square 

feet):

Owned
Leased

Israel (a)

U.S. (b)

Other Countries (c)

2,178,000
1,889,000

714,000
634,000

891,000
308,000

(a)  Includes offices, development and engineering facilities, manufacturing facilities, maintenance facilities, hangar 

facilities and a landing strip in various locations in Israel used by Elbit Systems’ Israeli subsidiaries.

(b)  Includes offices, development and engineering facilities, manufacturing facilities and maintenance facilities of 

ESA primarily in Texas, New Hampshire, Florida, Alabama and Virginia.

(c)  Includes  offices,  design  and  engineering  facilities  and  manufacturing  facilities,  mainly  in  Europe,  Brazil, 

Australia and Asia.

(3)  Includes equipment produced by the Company for its own use in the aggregate amount of $239,333 and $239,758 

as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

As for pledges of assets – see Note 20(I).

F - 35

 
 
 
 
 
ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 11 -  GOODWILL AND OTHERINTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

A.  COMPOSITION OF IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS:

Original cost:
Technology
Customer relations
Trademarks and other

Accumulated amortization:
Technology
Customer relations
Trademarks and other

Amortized cost

B.  AMORTIZATION EXPENSES

Weighted
average

useful lives

$

10
6
11

  $

December 31,

2013

2012

254,839
201,962
64,489
521,290

161,838
157,137
34,358
353,333
167,957

$

$

254,798
201,809
65,002
521,609

140,233
137,356
29,057
306,646
214,963

Amortization expenses amounted to $45,903, $49,245 and $56,952 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 
2012 and 2011, respectively.

C.  AMORTIZATION EXPENSES FOR FIVE SUCCEEDING YEARS

The estimated aggregate amortization expenses for each of the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter areas 
follows:

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

and thereafter

D.  CHANGES IN GOODWILL

Changes in goodwill during 2013 are as follows:

Balance, at January 1,

Net translation differences (1)

Balance, at December 31,

$

41,790

36,781

26,908

16,601

11,821

34,056

2013
500,598

$

1,195

$

501,793

(1)  Foreign currency translation differences resulting from goodwill allocated to reporting units, whose functional 

currency has been determined to be other than the U.S. dollar.

F - 36

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 12 - 

SHORT-TERM BANK CREDIT AND LOANS

Short-term bank credit

Note 13 -  OTHER PAYABLES AND ACCRUED EXPENSES

December 31,

Interest %

2013

2012

3.42-5%

$

$

— $
— $

181

181

Payroll and related expenses

Provision for vacation pay

Provision for income tax, net of advances

Other income tax liabilities

Value added tax (“VAT”) payable

Provision for royalties

Provision for warranty

Derivative instruments

Deferred income tax, net

Provision for losses on long-term contracts (1)

Other (2)

December 31,

2013
159,840

$

2012

$

136,240

52,265

22,745

18,321

14,121

31,369

47,236

35,269

34,451

11,160

31,410

188,285

196,559

4,766

278

50,942

177,612

4,956

479

51,850

154,840

$

720,544

$

704,450

(1)  Includes a provision of $4,949 and $5,167 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to the cessation 

of a program with a foreign customer (See Note 1(C)).

(2)  Primarily includes provisions for estimated future costs in respect of (1) penalties and the probable loss from 
claims (legal or unasserted) in the ordinary course of business (e.g., damages caused by the items sold and claims 
as to the specific products ordered), and (2) unbilled services of service providers.

Note 14 -  CUSTOMER ADVANCES IN EXCESS OF COSTS INCURRED ON CONTRACTS IN PROGRESS

December 31,

2013
678,153

2012
782,482

$

$

164,854
95,131
418,168

156,497
104,297
521,688

68,170
349,998

$

68,306
453,382

$

Advances received
Less -

Advances presented under long-term liabilities
Advances deducted from inventories

Less -

Costs incurred on contracts in progress (See Note 5)

As for guarantees and liens, See Notes 20(E), 20(G) and 20(I).

F - 37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 15 -  LONG-TERM LOANS, NET OF CURRENT MATURITIES

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Currency
U.S. dollars
GBP
Other

Interest %
Libor +1.35-1.7%
Libor + 1.11-3.28%
Libor + 1.25-3.28

Long-term loans(*)

Less: current maturities

December 31,

Years of maturity
mainly 2-3
mainly 1-3

2013
$ 223,754
—
700
224,454
245
  $ 224,209

2012
$ 174,381
29,917
1,228
205,526
31,781
$ 173,745

(*) For covenants see Note 20(F).

As of December 31, 2013, the LIBOR annual rate for long-term loans denominated in U.S. dollars was 
0.17%-0.35%.

The maturities of these loans for periods after December 31, 2013, are as follows:

2014 - current maturities

2015

2016

2017

Note 16 - 

SERIES A NOTES, NET OF CURRENT MATURITIES

Series A Notes

Less – Current maturities

Carrying amount adjustments on Series A Notes (*)

Premium on Series A Notes, net

$

245

102,091

71,118

51,000

$

224,454

December 31,

2013

2012

$

$

423,509
(62,866)
16,573

596

450,040
(58,275)
16,158

687

$

377,812

$

408,610

(*)  As a result of fair value hedge accounting, described below, and in Notes 2(Y) and 2(AA). The carrying value 

of the Series A Notes is adjusted for changes in the interest rates.

In June 2010, the Company issued Series A Notes in the aggregate principal amount of NIS 1.1 billion (approximately 
$283,000), payable in 10 equal annual installments on June 30 of each of the years 2011 through 2020. The Series A 
Notes bear a fixed interest rate of 4.84% per annum, payable on June 30 and December 30 of each of the years 2010 
through 2020 (the first interest payment was made on December 30, 2010, and the last interest payment will be made 
on June 30, 2020). Debt issuance costs were approximately $2,530, of which $2,164 was allocated to the Series A Notes 
discount, and $366 was allocated to deferred issuance costs and are amortized as financial expenses over the term of 
the Series A Notes due in 2020.

F - 38

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 16 - 

SERIES A NOTES, NET OF CURRENT MATURITIES (Cont.)

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

In March 2012, the Company issued additional Series A Notes in the aggregate principal amount of NIS 807 million 
(approximately $217,420). The immediate gross proceeds received by the Company for the issuance of the March 2012 
Series A Notes were approximately NIS 831 million (approximately $224,000). Debt issuance costs were approximately 
$2,010, of which $1,795 was allocated to the Series A Notes discount, and $215 was allocated to deferred issuance 
costs  and  are  amortized  as  financial  expenses  over  the  term  of  the  Series A  Notes  due  in  2020.  Premium  was 
approximately $3,675 and is amortized as financial income over the term of the Series A Notes due in December 2020.

In  May  2012,  the  Company  issued  additional  Series A  Notes  in  an  aggregate  principal  amount  of  NIS  92  million 
(approximately $24,407) through a private placement to Israeli institutional investors. The immediate gross proceeds 
received  by  the  Company  for  the  issuance  of  the  May  2012  Series A  Notes  were  approximately  NIS  95  million 
(approximately $24,900). Debt issuance costs were approximately $94. These costs were allocated to deferred issuance 
costs  and  are  amortized  as  financial  expenses  over  the  term  of  the  Series A  Notes  due  in  2020.  Premium  was 
approximately $260 and is amortized as financial income over the term of the Series A Notes due in December 2020.

The 2010 Series A Notes together with the 2012 Series A Notes form one single series with the same terms and conditions.

The Series A Notes (principal and interest) are not linked to any currency or index. The Series A Notes are unsecured, 
non convertible and do not restrict the Company’s ability to issue additional notes of any class or distribute dividends 
in the future. There are no covenants on the Series A Notes. The Series A Notes are listed for trading on the Tel-Aviv 
Stock Exchange.

During  the  years  ended  December 31,  2013,  2012  and  2011,  the  Company  recorded  $9,715,  $10,787  and  $5,753, 
respectively, as interest expenses and $92, $153 and $422, respectively, as amortization of debt issuance costs and 
premium, net, on the Series A Notes.

The Company also entered into 10-year cross currency interest rate swap transactions in order to effectively hedge the 
effect of interest and exchange rate differences resulting from the 2010 NIS Series A Notes. Under the cross currency 
interest rate swaps, the Company will receive fixed NIS at a rate of 4.84% on NIS 1.1 billion and pay floating six-
month USD LIBOR + an average spread of 1.65% on $287,000, which reflects the U.S. dollar value of the Series A 
Notes on the specific dates the transactions were consumed. Both the debt and the swap instruments will pay semi-
annual coupons on June 30 and December 31. The purpose of these transactions was to convert the NIS fixed rate Series 
A Notes into USD LIBOR (6 months) floating rate obligations. As a result of these agreements, the Company is currently 
paying an effective interest rate of six-month LIBOR (0.45% at December 31, 2013) plus an average of 1.65% on the 
principal amount, as compared to the original 4.84% fixed rate. The above transactions qualify for fair value hedge 
accounting.

On April 2012 and May 2012 the Company entered into cross currency interest rate swap transactions in order to 
effectively hedge the effect of interest and exchange rate differences resulting from the 2012 issuance of Series A Notes. 
Under these cross currency interest rate swaps, the Company will receive fixed NIS at a rate of 4.84% on NIS 807 
million and NIS 92 million and pay floating six-month USD LIBOR + an average spread of 2.02% on $217,300 and 
2.285% on $24,100, respectively, which reflects the U.S. dollar value of the 2012 issued Series A Notes on the specific 
dates the transactions were consumed. Both the debt and the swap instruments will pay semi-annual coupons on June 
30 and December 31. The purpose of these transactions was to convert the NIS fixed rate Series A Notes into USD 
LIBOR (6 months) floating rate obligations. As a result of these agreements, the Company  is currently paying an 
effective  interest  rate  of  six-month  LIBOR  (0.45%  at  December 31,  2013)  plus  an  average  of  1.84%  on  the  2012 
principal amounts, as compared to the original 4.84% fixed rate. The above transactions qualify for fair value hedge 
accounting.

F - 39

 
 
ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 16 - 

SERIES A NOTES, NET OF CURRENT MATURITIES (Cont.)

Future principal payments for the Series A Notes are as follows:

2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019

current maturities

and thereafter

December 31,
2013

$

$

62,866
62,866
62,866
62,866
62,866
126,348
440,678

Note 17 -  BENEFIT PLANS AND OBLIGATIONS FOR TERMINATION INDEMNITY

The Company’s subsidiaries ESA, Telefunken and a European subsidiary sponsor benefit plans for their employees 
in the U.S., Germany and Belgium, respectively, as follows:

1.  Defined Benefit Retirement Plan based on Employer’s Contributions

a)  ESA has three defined benefit pension plans (the “Plans”) which cover the employees of ESA’s subsidiaries 
EFW and Kollsman. Monthly benefits are based on years of benefit service and annual compensation. Annual 
contributions to the Plans are determined using the unit credit actuarial cost method and are equal to or exceed 
the minimum required by law. Pension fund assets of the Plans are invested primarily in stocks, bonds and cash 
through a financial institution, as the investment manager of the Plans’ assets. Pension expense is allocated 
between cost of sales and general and administrative expenses, depending on the responsibilities of the employee. 
The measurement date for the EFW and Kollsman benefit obligation is December 31.

Participation in ESA’s qualified defined benefit plans was frozen as of January 1, 2010 for non-represented 
employees. Current participants will continue to accrue benefits; however no new non-represented employees 
will be allowed to enter the plan.

b)  Telefunken Radio Communication Systems GmbH & Co. (“Telefunken”), a wholly-owned German subsidiary, 
has mainly one defined benefit pension plan (the “P3-plan”) which covers all employees. The P3-plan provides 
for yearly cash balance credits equal to a percentage of a participant’s compensation, which accumulate together 
with  the  respective  interest  credits  on  the  employee’s  cash  balance  accounts.  In  case  of  an  insured  event 
(retirement, death or disability) the benefits can be paid as a lump sum, in installments or as a life-long annuity. 
The P3-plan is an unfunded plan.

c)  A wholly-owned European subsidiary in Belgium has a defined benefit pension plan, which is divided into 

two categories:

1)  Normal retirement benefit plan, with eligibility at age 65. The lump sum is based on employee contributions 
of 2% of the final pensionable salary up to a certain breakpoint, plus 6% exceeding the breakpoint at a 
maximum of 5% of pensionable salary, and the employer contributions, with a maximum of 40 years. The 
vested benefit is equal to the retirement benefit calculated with the pensionable salary and pensionable 
service observed at the date of leaving service.

2)  Pre-retirement death benefit to employees.

The plan is funded and includes profit sharing.

F - 40

 
 
ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 17 - BENEFIT PLANS AND OBLIGATIONS FOR TERMINATION INDEMNITY (Cont.)

The following table sets forth the Plans’ funded status and amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements 
for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:

Changes in benefit obligation:

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

Service cost

Interest cost

Exchange rate differences

Actuarial losses (gain)

Benefits paid

Benefit obligation at end of year
Changes in the Plans’ Assets:

Fair value of Plans’ assets at beginning of year

Actual return on Plans’ assets (net of expenses)

Employer contribution

Benefits paid

Fair value of Plans’ assets at end of year

Accrued benefit cost, end of year:

Funded status

Unrecognized net actuarial loss

Unrecognized prior service cost

Amount recognized in the statement of financial position:

Accrued benefit liability, current

Accrued benefit liability, non-current

Accumulated other comprehensive income, pre-tax

Net amount recognized

Components of the Plans’ net periodic pension cost:

Service cost

Interest cost

Expected return on  Plans’ assets

Amortization of prior service cost

Amortization of transition amount

Amortization of net actuarial loss

Total net periodic benefit cost

Additional information

Accumulated benefit obligation

F - 41

December 31,

2013

2012

$

177,090

$

153,097

9,368

6,830

1,060
(18,690)
(3,277)
172,381

101,794

9,957

6,768
(3,277)
115,242

$

$

(57,140)
38,281

409
(18,450) $

(671)
(56,469)
38,690
(18,450) $

9,709

6,567

299

10,747
(3,329)
177,090

81,780

11,002

12,341
(3,329)
101,794

(75,296)
63,178

498
(11,620)

(85)
(75,211)
63,676
(11,620)

$

$

$

$

Year ended December 31,

2013

2012

2011

$

9,368

$

9,709

$

8,205

6,830
(7,319)
—

91

4,483

13,453

164,696

$

$

6,567
(6,400)
172
(131)
4,107

14,024

167,667

$

$

6,361
(5,512)
104
(147)
1,988

10,999

144,682

$

$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 17 - BENEFIT PLANS AND OBLIGATIONS FOR TERMINATION INDEMNITY (Cont.)

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Weighted average assumptions:

Discount rate as of December 31

Expected long-term rate of return on Plans’ assets

Rate of compensation increase

Asset Allocation by Category as of December 31:

Asset Category:

Equity Securities

Debt Securities

Other

Total

December 31,

2013

2012

4.8%

7.0%

0.2%

4.1%

7.0%

2.2%

2013

2012

54.0%

34.3%

11.7%

57.5%

34.8%

7.7%

100.0%

100.0%

The  investment  policy  of  ESA  is  directed  toward  a  broad  range  of  securities. The  diversified  portfolio  seeks  to 
maximize investment return while minimizing the risk levels associated with investing. The investment policy is 
structured to consider the retirement plan’s obligations and the expected timing of benefit payments. The target asset 
allocation for the Plan years presented is as follows:

Asset Category:
Equity Securities
Debt Securities
Other
Total

The fair value of the asset values by category at December 31, 2013 is as follows:

2013

2012

49.7%
37.6%
12.7%
100.0%

50.0%
40.0%
10.0%
100.0%

Asset Category

Cash Equivalents:

Money Market Funds (a)

Fixed Income Securities:

Mutual Funds (b)

Equity Securities:
International Companies (c)

Mutual Funds (d)

Other

Total

Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservab
le Inputs
(Level 3)

Total

$

3,459

$

3,459

$

— $

39,613

39,613

2,356

56,447

13,367

2,356

56,447

13,367

—

—

—

—

$

115,242

$

115,242

$

— $

—

—

—

—

—

—

F - 42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 17 - BENEFIT PLANS AND OBLIGATIONS FOR TERMINATION INDEMNITY (Cont.)

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(a) 
(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

This category includes highly liquid daily traded cash-like vehicles.
This  category  invests  in  highly  liquid  diverse  mutual  funds  representing  a  diverse  offering  of  debt 
issuance.
This  category  represents  common  stocks  of  companies  domiciled  outside  of  the  U.S.;  they  can  be 
represented by ordinary shares or ADRs.
This category represents highly liquid diverse equity mutual funds of varying asset classes and styles.

In developing the overall expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption, ESA used a building block approach 
in which rates of return in excess of inflation were considered separately for equity securities, debt securities, real 
estate and all other assets. The excess returns were weighted by the representative target allocation and added along 
with an approximate rate of inflation to develop the overall expected long-term rate of return. It is the policy of ESA 
to meet the ERISA minimum contribution requirements for a Plan year. The minimum contribution requirements for 
the 2013 Plan year have been satisfied as of December 31, 2013. Benefit payments over the next five years are 
expected to be $4,736 in 2014, $5,371 in 2015, $5,961 in 2016, $6,641 in 2017 and $7,477 in 2018.

2.  Retiree Medical Plan

Effective January 1, 2003, ESA commenced offering retiree medical benefits to a limited number of retirees at EFW.

The measurement date for ESA benefit obligation is December 31. The following table sets forth the retiree medical 
plans’ funded status and amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 
2013 and 2012:

Change in Benefit Obligation:

Benefit obligation at beginning of period
Service cost
Interest cost
Actuarial (gain) loss
Employee contribution
Benefits paid
Benefit obligation at end of period

Change in Plan Assets:
Employer contribution
Employee contribution
Benefits paid
Fair value of plan assets at end of period

December 31,

2013

2012

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

2,783
214
88
(538)
23
(125)
2,445

102
23
(125)

— $

3,145
299
117
(688)
17
(107)
2,783

90
17
(107)
—

F - 43

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 17 - BENEFIT PLANS AND OBLIGATIONS FOR TERMINATION INDEMNITY (Cont.)

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Accrued benefit cost, end of period:

Funded status
Unrecognized net actuarial (gain) loss
Unrecognized prior service cost
Accrued benefit cost, end of period

Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position:

Accrued benefit liability, current
Accrued benefit liability, non-current
Accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss, pretax
Net amount recognized

Components of net periodic pension cost (for period):

Service cost
Interest cost
Amortization of prior service cost
Total net periodic benefit cost

Assumptions as of end of period:

Discount rate

Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year

Ultimate health care cost trend rate

Year ended December 31,

2013

2012

$

$

$

$

(2,445) $
(784)
—
(3,229) $

(145) $

(2,300)
(784)
(3,229) $

(2,783)
248
—
(2,535)

(175)
(2,608)
248
(2,535)

$

$

214
88
—
302

$

$

299
117
12
428

4.08%

7.50%

5.00%

3.78%

8.00%

5.00%

The effect of a 1% change in the health care cost trend rate at December 31, 2013 is as follows:

Net periodic benefit cost
Benefit obligation

3.  Defined Contribution Plan

1% increase
39
$
193
$

1% decrease
(34)
$
(173)
$

The  401(k)  savings  plan  (“401(k)  plan”)  is  a  defined  contribution  retirement  plan  that  covers  all  eligible  ESA 
employees, as defined in section 401(k) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Employees may elect to contribute a 
percentage of their annual gross compensation to the 401(k) plan. ESA may make discretionary matching contributions 
as determined by ESA. Total expense under the 401(k) plan amounted to $4,712, $4,436 and $4,356 for the years 
ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Expense for the deferred 401(k) plan is allocated between 
cost of sales and general and administrative expenses depending on the responsibilities of the related employees.

F - 44

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 17 - BENEFIT PLANS AND OBLIGATIONS FOR TERMINATION INDEMNITY (Cont.)

4.  Non-Qualified Defined Contribution Plan

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

In 2007, ESA implemented two new benefit plans for the executives of the organization. The non-qualified, defined 
contribution plan is structured under Section 409(A). The plan provides the employees at vice president level and 
above the opportunity to defer up to 100% of their salary to the 409(A) plan. ESA provides a match of 50 cents on 
the dollar up to 10% of the employees’ total salary and incentive based compensation. The contribution can be made 
into the 401(k) plan, the 409(A) plan or both plans. The purpose is to provide comparable defined contribution plan 
benefits for the senior management across three ESA locations. The 409(A) plan funds are contributed to several life 
insurance policies. Participant contributions to the plan were $880, $742 and $441 for the years ended December 31, 
2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and the total ESA contribution to the plan was $155 for 2013. The cash and cash 
surrender value of these life insurance policies at December 31, 2013 was $4,342. The total liability related to the 
409(A) plan was $4,647 at December 31, 2013.

The second plan implemented is a non-qualified, defined benefit plan for the top three executives of ESA. The plan 
provides a calculated, guaranteed payment in addition to their regular pension through the company upon retirement. 
The plan is funded with several life insurance policies. They are not segregated into a trust or otherwise effectively 
restricted. These policies are corporate owned assets that are subject to the claims of general creditors and cannot be 
considered as formal plan assets. The defined benefit plan put in place meets the ERISA definition of an unfunded 
deferred compensation plan maintained for the benefit of a select  group of management or highly compensated 
employees. The plan assets of life insurance policies have a cash surrender of $2,585 at December 31, 2013. Related 
liability for the pension payments is $3,225 at December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2013, all executives had 
partially vested balances in the plan.

Note 18 -  TAXES ON INCOME

A.  APPLICABLE TAX LAWS

(1)  Israeli Corporate Income Tax Rates

Corporate tax rates in Israel were 24% in 2011, 25% in 2012 and 25% in 2013.

During  2013  the  Law  for  Realignment  of  National  Priorities  (Amendments  for  Meeting  the  Budget 
Objectives for 2013 and 2014) - 2013 (the “National Priorities Law”) increased the corporate tax rate and 
capital gains tax to 26.5%, effective January 1, 2014.

During 2013 the Company recognized a tax benefit of approximately $2,300 from the implementation of 
the National Priorities Law by the Company and its Israeli subsidiaries, as well as tax rate changes affecting 
some of its foreign subsidiaries.

(2)  Tax benefits under Israel’s Law for the Encouragement of Industry (Taxes), 1969:

Elbit Systems and most of its subsidiaries in Israel currently qualify as “Industrial Companies”, as defined 
by the Law for the Encouragement of Industry (Taxes), 1969, and as such, these companies are entitled to 
certain tax benefits, mainly amortization of costs relating to know-how and patents over 8 years, accelerated 
depreciation and the right to deduct public issuance expenses for tax purposes.

F - 45

 
ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 18 - TAXES ON INCOME (Cont.)

A.  APPLICABLE TAX LAWS (Cont.)

(3)  Tax benefits under Israel’s Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959:

Elbit  Systems’  and  certain  of  its  Israeli  subsidiaries’  (“the  companies”)  operations  have  been  granted 
“Approved Enterprise” status under Israel’s Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959 (the 
“Law”). Accordingly, certain income of the companies derived from the “Approved Enterprise” programs 
is tax exempt for two years and subject to reduced tax rates of 25% for a five-year to eight-year periods or 
tax exempt for a ten-year period, commencing in the first year in which the companies had taxable income 
(limited to twelve years from commencement of production or fourteen years from the date of approval, 
whichever is earlier).

An Amendment to the Law from 2005 defines the “Privileged Enterprise” status rather than the previous 
“Approved  Enterprise”  status  and  limits  the  scope  of  enterprises  which  may  qualify  for  “Privileged 
Enterprise” status by setting criteria such as that at least 25% of the Privileged Enterprise program’s income 
be derived from exports. Additionally, the 2005 Amendment enacted major changes in the manner in which 
tax benefits are awarded under the Law so that companies no longer require an Investment Center approval 
in order to qualify for tax benefits. Similar criteria have been set for the “Preferred Enterprise” status which 
was added in an Amendment to the Law in 2011. Companies are not required to receive an Investment 
Center  approval  in  order  to  qualify  for  the  tax  benefits  under  the  Preferred  Enterprise  status,  however, 
companies which are under an Approved Enterprise or Privileged Enterprise program must waive their 
former benefits to elect the Preferred Enterprise benefits.

Tax-exempt income generated by the Company and certain of its Israeli subsidiaries’ Approved Enterprises 
and Privileged Enterprises will be subject to tax upon dividend distribution or complete liquidation. Income 
generated under a Preferred Enterprise is not subject to additional taxation to the Company or its Israeli 
subsidiaries upon distribution or complete liquidation.

The entitlement to the above benefits is subject to the companies’ fulfilling the conditions specified in the 
Law, and the regulations promulgated thereunder and the letters of approval for the specific investments in 
“Approved Enterprises”. In the event of failure to comply with these conditions, the benefits may be canceled 
and the companies may be required to refund the amount of the benefits, in whole or in part, including 
interest. As of December 31, 2013, the Company’s management believes that the Company and its Israeli 
subsidiaries have met all conditions of the Law and letters of approval.

As of December 31, 2013, the tax benefits for the Company’s Privileged Enterprise existing programs will 
expire within the period of 2015 to 2021.

As  of  December 31,  2013,  retained  earnings  of  the  Company  included  approximately  $697,000  in  tax-
exempt profits earned by the company’s “Approved Enterprises” and “Privileged Enterprises”. If the retained 
tax-exempt  income  is  distributed,  with  respect  to  the  “Approved  Enterprises”  and  the  “Privileged 
Enterprises”, it would be taxed at the corporate tax rate applicable to such profits as if the Company had 
not elected the alternative tax benefits track (currently – 25%), and an income tax liability would be incurred 
of approximately $174,000 as of December 31, 2013.

The companies’ boards of directors have decided that their policy is not to declare dividends out of such 
tax-exempt  income.  Accordingly,  no  deferred  income  taxes  have  been  provided  on  exempt  income 
attributable to the companies’ “Approved Enterprises” and “Privileged Enterprise”, as such retained earnings 
are essentially permanent in duration.

In Israel, income from sources other than the “Approved Enterprise”, “Privileged Enterprise” and Preferred 
Enterprise during the benefit period will be subject to tax at the regular corporate tax rate.

F - 46

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 18 - TAXES ON INCOME (Cont.)

A.  APPLICABLE TAX LAWS (Cont.)

Since the Company and its Israeli subsidiaries are operating under more than one program, and since part 
of their taxable income is not entitled to tax benefits under the Law and is taxed at the regular tax rates, the 
effective tax rate is the result of a weighted combination of the various applicable rates and tax exemptions, 
and the computation is made for income derived from each program on the basis of formulas specified in 
the law.

In January 2011, the Knesset enacted a reform to the Law, effective January 2011. According to the reform 
a flat rate tax would apply to companies eligible for the “Preferred Enterprise” status. In order to be eligible 
for a Preferred Enterprise status, a company must meet minimum requirements to establish that it contributes 
to the country’s economic growth and is a competitive factor for the Gross Domestic Product (a competitive 
enterprise).

Israeli companies which currently benefit from an Approved or Privileged Enterprise status and meet the 
criteria for qualification as a Preferred Enterprise can elect to apply the new Preferred Enterprise benefits 
by waiving their benefits under the Approved and Privileged Enterprise status. The Company and several 
of our Israeli subsidiaries have elected the Preferred Enterprise status.

Benefits granted to a Preferred Enterprise include reduced and gradually decreasing tax rates. In peripheral 
regions (Development Area A) the reduced tax rate was 10% in 2012 and 7% in 2013. In other regions the 
tax rate was 15% in 2012, and 12.5% in 2013. Following the enactment of the National Priorities Law, 
effective January 1, 2014, the reduced tax rate is 9% in the Development Area A regions and 16% in other 
regions. Preferred Enterprises in peripheral regions are eligible for Investment Center grants, as well as the 
applicable reduced tax rates.

A distribution from a Preferred Enterprise out of the “Preferred Income” through December 31, 2013, was 
 subject to 15% withholding tax for Israeli-resident individuals and non-Israeli residents (subject to applicable 
treaty rates) and effective January 1, 2014, subject  to 20% withholding tax for Israeli-resident individuals 
and non-Israeli residents (subject to applicable treaty rates).
 A distribution from a Preferred Enterprise out of the “Preferred Income” would be exempt from withholding 
tax for an Israeli-resident company. A company electing to waive its Privileged Enterprise or Approved 
Enterprise status through June 30, 2015 may distribute “Approved Income” or “Privileged Income” subject 
to 15% withholding tax for Israeli resident individuals and non-Israeli residents (subject to applicable treaty 
rates) and exempt from withholding tax for an Israeli-resident company. Nonetheless, a distribution from 
income exempt under Privileged Enterprise and Approved Enterprise programs will subject the exempt 
income to tax at the reduced corporate income tax rates pertaining to the Privileged Enterprise and Approved 
Enterprise programs upon distribution, or complete liquidation in the case of a Privileged Enterprise’s exempt 
income.

B.  NON – ISRAELI SUBSIDIARIES

Non-Israeli subsidiaries are generally taxed based upon tax laws applicable in their countries of residence.

F - 47

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 18 - TAXES ON INCOME (Cont.)

C.  INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES ON INCOME

Income before taxes on income:

Domestic

Foreign

D.  TAXES ON INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Current taxes:

Domestic

Foreign

Adjustment for previous years:

Domestic

Foreign

Deferred income taxes:

Domestic

Foreign

Total taxes on income from continuing operations

Total:

Domestic

Foreign

Total taxes on income from continuing operations

Year ended December 31,

2013

2012

2011

$

$

156,328

46,691

203,019

$

$

159,330

17,712

177,042

$

$

95,226

8,778

104,004

Year ended December 31,

2013

2012

2011

$

30,775

$

12,957

$

13,896

16,137

46,912

(1,823)
(123)
(1,946)

(14,664)
(4,989)
(19,653)
25,313

6,454

19,411

(4,898)
(633)
(5,531)

6,686
(3,467)
3,219

$

17,099

$

1,328

15,224

2,009
(2,308)
(299)

(2,861)
1,560
(1,301)
13,624

14,288

11,025

25,313

$

$

14,745

2,354

17,099

$

$

13,044

580

13,624

$

$

$

F - 48

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 18 - TAXES ON INCOME (Cont.)

E. UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

2013

2012

Balance at the beginning of the year

$

52,598

$

Additions related to interest and currency translation

Additions based on tax positions taken during a prior period

Reductions related to tax positions taken during a prior period

Reductions related to settlement of tax matters

Additions based on tax positions taken during the current period

Reductions related to a lapse of applicable statute of limitation

6,303

18,729
(12,070)
(14,691)
12,878
(895)

Balance at the end of the year

$

62,852

$

53,183

3,695

5,925
(8,660)
(117)
5,998
(7,426)
52,598

At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had a liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $62,852 and 
$52,598, respectively, including an accrual of $6,333 and $8,449 for the payment of related interest and penalties, 
respectively. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision 
for income taxes.

During 2013 the Company and certain of its subsidiaries settled certain income tax matters pertaining to multiple 
years in Israel and Europe. Certain Israeli subsidiaries of the company are currently undergoing tax audits by 
the Israeli Tax Authority.  As a result of the settlement of the tax matters, the Company recorded an income of 
approximately $3,600  in the statements of income in “taxes on income”.

Following the examination by the Israeli Tax Authority the Company has applied some of the items for which 
settlement was reached to subsequent outstanding years. 

The Company operates in multiple jurisdictions throughout the world, and its tax returns are periodically audited 
or subject to review by both domestic and foreign authorities.

As a result of ongoing examinations, tax proceedings in certain countries, and additions to unrecognized tax 
benefits for positions taken and interest and penalties, if any, arising in 2013, it is not possible to estimate the 
potential net increase or decrease to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months.

F - 49

 
ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 18 - TAXES ON INCOME (Cont.)

F.  DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

Significant components of net deferred tax assets and liabilities are based on separate tax jurisdictions as follows:

Deferred (1)
 Tax Asset (Liability)
Non-
current

Current

Total

$

36,191

$

14,384

$

21,807

5,751

5,329

31,039

22,816

101,126
(9,358)
91,768

(26,958)
(21,353)
(1,265)
(49,576)
42,192

$

$

5,751

102

12,601

3,311

36,149
(414)
35,735

—
(78)
(200)
(278)
35,457

$

—

5,227

18,438

19,505

64,977
(8,944)
56,033

(26,958)
(21,275)
(1,065)
(49,298)
6,735

$

38,743

$

10,451

$

28,292

6,345

7,414

17,819

22,282

92,603
(4,372)
88,231

(33,064)

(18,882)
(4,134)

(56,080)
32,151

6,345

1,317

6,899

7,399

32,411
(610)
31,801

—

6,097

10,920

14,883

60,192
(3,762)
56,430

—

(33,064)

(18)
(461)

(479)
31,322

$

$

(18,864)
(3,673)

(55,601)
829

As of December 31, 2013

Deferred tax assets:

Reserves and allowances

Inventory allowances

Property, plant and equipment

Other assets

Net operating loss carry-forwards

Valuation allowance

Net deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities:

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Reserves and allowances

Net deferred tax assets

As of December 31, 2012

Deferred tax assets:

Reserves and allowances

Inventory allowances

Property, plant and equipment

Other

Net operating loss carry-forwards

Valuation allowance

Net deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities:

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Reserves and allowances

Net deferred tax assets

$

F - 50

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 18 - TAXES ON INCOME (Cont.)

F.  DEFERRED INCOME TAXES (Cont.)

The deferred taxes, net are reflected in the balance sheet as follows:

Current deferred income tax assets (Note 4)

Current deferred income tax liabilities (Note 13)

Non-current deferred income tax assets

Non-current deferred income tax liabilities

G.  CARRY-FORWARD TAX LOSSES

December 31,

2013

2012

$

$

$

$

35,735

278

35,695

28,969

$

$

$

$

31,801

479

31,465

30,639

       As of December 31, 2013, Elbit Systems’ Israeli subsidiaries had estimated total available carry-forward tax 
losses of approximately $160,000 and its non-Israeli subsidiaries had estimated available carry-forward tax 
losses of approximately $52,000.

H.  RECONCILIATION

       Reconciliation of the actual tax expense as reported in the statements of operations to the amount computed 

by applying the Israeli statutory tax rate is as follows:

Income before taxes as reported in the consolidated statements of
income

Statutory tax rate

Theoretical tax expense

Tax benefit arising from reduced rate as an “Approved and
Privileged Enterprise” and other tax benefits (*)

Tax adjustment in respect of different tax rates for foreign
subsidiaries

Changes in carry-forward losses and valuation allowances

Increase in taxes resulting from non-deductible expenses

Difference in basis of measurement for financial reporting and
tax return purposes

Taxes in respect of prior years

Other differences, net (**)

Actual tax expenses

Effective tax rate

Year ended December 31,

2013

2012

2011

$ 203,019

$ 177,042

$ 104,004

25%

25%

24%

$

50,755

$

44,261

$

24,961

(27,151)

(26,098)

(11,451)

1,716

4,986

112

(431)
(1,946)
(2,728)
25,313

5,469

1,643

1,426

(3,240)
(5,531)
(831)
17,099

$

$

2,721
(125)
1,105

(2,375)
(299)
(913)
13,624

12.47%

9.66%

13.10%

$

(*) Net earnings per share – amounts of the benefit resulting from the Approved and Privileged Enterprises

Basic

Diluted

$

$

0.64

0.64

$

$

0.62

0.62

$

$

0.27

0.27

(**) "Other differences, net" in 2013 includes a benefit of $2,300 resulting from tax rate changes in Israel 
and other jurisdictions. 

F - 51

 
 
 
 
 
 
ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 18 - TAXES ON INCOME (Cont.)

I.   FINAL TAX ASSESSMENTS

Final tax assessments have been received by the Company up to and including the tax year ended December
31, 2010 and by certain subsidiaries, for the years 2005 - 2011.

Note 19 -  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

A.  FAIR VALUE OF DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

Derivative financial instruments are presented as other assets or other payables. For asset derivatives and liability 
derivatives, the fair value of the Company’s outstanding derivative instruments as of December 31, 2013 and 
December 31, 2012 is summarized below:

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

Foreign exchange contracts
Cross-currency interest rate swaps

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

Foreign exchange contracts

Asset Derivatives (*)

Liability Derivatives (**)

December 31,
2013

December 31,
2012

December 31,
2013

December 31,
2012

$

$

3,589
58,154
61,743

1,411
1,411

$

$

21,100
22,415
43,515

3,638
3,638

$

$

3,924
—
3,924

842
842

$

$

3,095
—
3,095

1,897
1,897

(*)  Presented as part of other  receivables and long term other receivables.
(**) Presented as part of other payables and long term other payables.

B.  EFFECT ON CASH FLOW HEDGING

The  effect  of  derivative  instruments  on  cash  flow  hedging  and  the  relationship  between  income  and  other 
comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is summarized below:

Gain (Loss) Recognized
in Other Comprehensive
Income on Effective-
Portion of Derivative, net
December 31,
December 31,
2012
2013

Gain (loss) on Effective 
Portion
of Derivative Reclassified
from Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income (*)
December 31,
December 31,
2012
2013

Ineffective Portion of Gain
(loss) of Derivative and
Amount Excluded from
Effectiveness Testing
Recognized in Income (**)
December 31,
December 31,
2012
2013

Derivatives designated as
hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts

$

13,491

$

12,277

$

(30,591) $

(15,831) $

(688) $

180

(*)  Presented as part of revenues/cost of sales
(**) Presented as part of financial income (expenses), net

F - 52

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 19 - DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Cont.)

C.  NET EFFECT OF CROSS-CURRENCY SWAPS

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

The  annual  net  effect  of  the  cross-currency  swaps  was  approximately  $44,836  of  gain,  of  which  approximately 
$33,963 was offset against exchange rate difference, related to Series A Notes and long term loans are approximately 
$10,873 was offset against interest expenses.

D.  FORWARD CONTRACTS

The notional amounts of outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 
2012, is summarized below:

Euro

GBP

NIS

Other

Forward contracts

Buy

Sell

December 31,

December 31,

$

2013

2012

$

$

60,076

22,432

20,400

32,087

60,665

45,262

386,017

4,344

2013
142,451

19,545

—

4,682

2012

$

131,696

28,268

—

14,871

$

134,995

$

496,288

$

166,678

$

174,835

Note 20 -  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

A.  ROYALTY COMMITMENTS

Elbit Systems and certain Israeli subsidiaries partially finance their research and development expenditures under 
grant programs sponsored by the OCS for the support of research and development activities conducted in Israel. At 
the time the grants were received from the OCS, successful development of the related projects was not assured.

In exchange for participation in the programs by the OCS, Elbit Systems and the subsidiaries agreed to pay 2% - 5% 
of total sales of products developed within the framework of these programs. The royalties will be paid up to a 
maximum amount equaling 100% to 150% of the grants provided by the OCS, linked to the dollar and for grants 
received after January 1, 1999 and also bearing annual interest at a rate based on LIBOR. The obligation to pay these 
royalties is contingent on actual sales of the products, and in the absence of such sales payment of royalties is not 
required.

In some cases, the Government of Israel’s participation (through the OCS) is subject to export sales or other conditions. 
The maximum amount of royalties is increased in the event of production outside of Israel.

Elbit Systems and certain of its subsidiaries may also be obligated to pay certain amounts to the IMOD and others 
on certain sales including sales resulting from the development of certain technologies.

Royalties' expenses amounted to $5,496, $2,976 and $2,523 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

F - 53

 
 
 
 
 
 
ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 20 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Cont.)

B.  COMMITMENTS IN RESPECT OF LONG-TERM PROJECTS

In connection with projects in certain countries, Elbit Systems and some of its subsidiaries have entered and may 
enter in the future into “buy-back” or “offset” agreements, required by a number of the Company’s customers for 
these projects as a condition to the Company obtaining orders for its products and services. These agreements are 
customary in the Company’s industry and are designed to facilitate economic flow back (buy-back) and/or technology 
transfer to businesses or government agencies in the applicable country.

These commitments may be satisfied by the Company’s placement of direct work or vendor orders for supplies and/
or services, transfer of technology, investments or other forms of assistance in the applicable country. The buy-back 
rules and regulations, as well as the underlying contracts, may differ from one country to another. The ability to fulfill 
the  buy-back  obligations  may  depend,  among  other  things,  on  the  availability  of  local  suppliers  with  sufficient 
capability to meet our requirements and which are competitive in cost, quality and schedule. In certain cases, the 
Company’s commitments may also be satisfied through transactions conducted by other parties.

The Company does not commit to buy-back agreements until orders for its products or services are definitive, but 
in some cases the orders for the Company’s products or services may become effective only after the Company’s 
corresponding buy-back commitments are in effect.

Buy-back programs generally extend at least over the relevant commercial contract period and may provide for 
penalties in the event the Company fails to perform in accordance with buy-back requirements. In some cases the 
Company provides guarantees in connection with the performance of its buy-back obligations.

Should the Company be unable to meet such obligations it may be subject to contractual penalties,  our guarantees 
may be drawn upon and its chances of receiving additional business from the applicable customers could be reduced 
or, in certain cases, eliminated.

At December 31, 2013, the Company had outstanding buy-back obligations totaling approximately $1,014,000 that 
extend through 2023.

C.  LEGAL CLAIMS

Elbit Systems and its subsidiaries are involved in legal claims arising in the ordinary course of business, including 
claims by employees, consultants and others. The Company’s management, based on the opinion of its legal counsel, 
believes that the financial impact for the settlement of such claims in excess of the accruals recorded in the financial 
statements will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.

(1)  In November 2012, a claim in the amount of approximately $40,000 regarding a commercial dispute was 
filed in the District Court of Tel-Aviv – Jaffa by Dr. Baruch Aminov against the Company, a European subsidiary 
of the Company and two of its officers. The Company believes that there is no merit to the allegations and  
responded accordingly to the court. During 2013, the plaintiff submitted a motion for exemption from payment 
of the required court fee. The motion was dismissed by the District Court, and plaintiff's appeal against the 
decision of the District Court was denied. Accordingly, the claim was dismissed due to plaintiff's non-payment 
of the court fee. The plaintiff submitted a motion to the Israeli Supreme Court for leave to appeal against the 
District Court's decision and to obtain a exemption from depositing a guarantee. The Supreme Court rejected 
plaintiff's motion for exemption to deposit a guarantee, and the motion for leave to appeal has not yet been 
considered.

F - 54

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 20 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Cont.)

C.  LEGAL CLAIMS (Cont.)

(2)  In November 2012, Elbit Systems and its subsidiary Elop filed a lawsuit against the Government of Israel, 
for damages and expenses caused in connection with the cancellation of export licenses for a project of a foreign 
customer. This  followed  the  unsuccessful  efforts  to  reach  an  appropriate  compensatory  settlement  with  the 
Government. The approximately $74,000 lawsuit was filed with the District Court of the Central Region of 
Israel.  Elbit  Systems  has  been  attempting  on  an  ongoing  basis  to  mitigate  damages  caused  by  the  program 
cancellation through utilization on other programs of assets related to the canceled program.  The parties have 
temporarily suspended the legal proceedings pending discussions between the parties (See also Note 1(C)).

(3)  In 2009, a claim in the amount of approximately $10,000 was filed in the District Court – Central District 
of Israel by Pinpoint Advance Corporation (“Pinpoint”) and four of its founders against Elbit Systems Holdings 
(1997) Ltd., as well as against a Company officer. Pinpoint is a special purpose acquisition company that was 
in negotiations with the Company and other shareholders of Kinetics, regarding the sale of shares in Kinetics 
during 2008. The transaction was not completed and negotiations were terminated. Pinpoint claims that the 
agreement was completed and thus entered into effect. Alternatively, Pinpoint claims that the Company’s decision 
not to complete the agreement was made in bad faith, and that under the circumstances Pinpoint and its founders 
are entitled to pecuniary compensation equal to their rights and entitlements under the alleged breached contract. 
The Company believes there is no merit to the allegations made in the claim and has responded accordingly to 
the court. Pinpoint has submitted various affidavits to which we are in the process of responding.

(4)  In 2009, Elbit Systems filed a claim in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois against 
Credit  Suisse  Group  (“CSG”).  The  complaint  sought  to  recover  approximately  $16,000  that  Elbit  Systems 
believes was fraudulently obtained by CSG and by its subsidiary Credit Suisse Securities (USA) from Tadiran 
Communications Ltd. (“Tadiran Communications”) in 2007 in connection with auction rate securities purchased 
by Tadiran Communications through CSG. In 2008, Tadiran Communication was merged into Elbit Systems, 
and Tadiran Communications’ activities are currently performed as part of Elbit Systems’ wholly-owned Israeli 
subsidiary, Elbit Systems Land and C4I Ltd. CSG filed a motion to dismiss the claim based on a release signed 
by Tadiran Communications in 2007. In 2009, the case was moved to the U.S. District Court for the Southern 
District of New York. In January 2013, the court ruled in Elbit Systems’ favor on the motion to dismiss filed by 
CSG.  In May 2013, the parties entered into a settlement agreement pursuant to which the claim was dismissed.  
As  a  result  of  the  settlement  the  Company  recorded  in  its  2013  income  statements  income  in  general  and 
administrative expenses.

(5)  In 2010, a claim was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York by certain 
minority security holders of ImageSat International N.V ("ImageSat") against ImageSat, IAI, Elbit Systems and 
Elop claiming a breach of the Security Holders Agreement between various security holders of ImageSat, based 
on an alleged failure to appoint independent directors to the ImageSat board of directors. Elop held approximately 
14% (7% on a fully diluted basis) of ImageSat’s issued share capital and was entitled to nominate one director 
to ImageSat’s board. 

In  2010,  Elbit  Systems  and  Elop  were  served  with  an  Application  to  Approve  a  Derivative  Action  (the 
“Application”) filed in the District Court of Petach Tikva, Israel, by certain minority shareholders of ImageSat. 
The Application named a number of respondents, including, among others, ImageSat, IAI, Elop, Elbit Systems 
and several former directors of ImageSat, including, among others, Michael Federmann, Joseph Ackerman and 
Joseph  Gaspar  (Elbit  Systems,  Elop  and  the  above-named  former  directors  are  referred  to  as  the  “Elbit 
Defendants”). The Application  requested  the  court  to  approve  the  filing  of  a  derivative  action  on  behalf  of 
ImageSat for alleged breaches by some of the respondents of the applicants’ rights as minority shareholders in 
ImageSat. The claims contained various allegations that the defendants breached their fiduciary and/or contractual 
obligations to the detriment of the plaintiffs. In 2011, the court granted the Elbit Defendants motions to dismiss 
the Application, and in June 2011 the Applicants filed a Notice of Appeal of the court’s ruling with the Israeli 
Supreme Court. 

F - 55

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 20 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Cont.)

C.  LEGAL CLAIMS (Cont.)

In September 2013, IAI, Elbit Systems and Elop reached a settlement with certain security holders of ImageSat.  
As part of the settlement, the proceedings against Elbit Systems and Elop in New York and in Israel were dismissed 
with prejudice and without payment to any party.

In January 2012, a group of minority shareholders of ImageSat (the “Petitioners”), provided ImageSat with a 
letter of notice, according to which the Petitioners intended to file a petition before the Joint Court of Justice of 
Aruba, Curacao, Saint Maarten and of Bonaire, St. Eustatia, and Sabato to make inquiry as to the policy and 
course of affairs at ImageSat and for other remedies authorized under the Civil Code of Curacao (the “Letter of 
Notice”). Although the Letter of Notice was directed at ImageSat, it contained various allegations against, among 
others, the Elbit Defendants (as described above in connection with the Israeli proceedings). The nature of the 
allegations was substantially similar to previously made in the Israeli action as described above. In March 2013, 
the court denied the Petitioners' request in the Letter of Notice. The  period for filing an appeal has elapsed with 
no appeal having been filed, and the case is therefore closed.

There are no remaining outstanding legal proceedings against Elbit Systems or Elop on any of their officers or 
directors in respect of ImageSat.

(6)  The Company is involved in other legal proceedings from time to time. Based on the advice of legal counsel, 
management believes such current proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial 
position or results of operations.

D.  LEASE COMMITMENTS

The  future  minimum  lease  commitments  of  the  Company  under  various  non-cancelable  operating  lease 
agreements in respect of premises, motor vehicles and office equipment as of December 31, 2013, are as follows:

2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019 and thereafter (*)

$

$

27,181
21,010
17,113
14,096
13,264
87,842
180,506

Lease expenses for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 amounted to $17,074, $16,466 and 
$17,837, respectively.

(*)  During 2012 the Company entered into lease agreement for a new complex with Ogen Yielding Real Estate 
Ltd. The lease period of the new complex is 15 years that will begin after the conclusion of the construction 
during 2015. The expected lease fee will be approximately $3,000 per annum.

E.  GUARANTEES

(1)  As of December 31, 2013, guarantees in the amount of approximately $945,300 were issued by banks on 
behalf of Company’s entities mainly in order to secure certain advances from customers and performance bonds.

F - 56

 
ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 20 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Cont.)

E.  GUARANTEES (Cont.)

(2)  Elbit Systems has provided, on a basis proportional basis to its ownership interest, guarantees for three of 
its investees in respect of credit lines granted to them by banks amounting to $7,249 as of December 31, 2013 
(2012 - $7,514). The guarantees will exist as long as the credit lines are in effect. Elbit Systems would be liable 
under the guarantee for any debt for which the investees would be in default under the terms of the credit lines. 
The fair value of such guarantees, as of December 31, 2013, was not material.

In 2012, the Company recorded an accrual for a contingent liability of $2,100, regarding a guarantee that was 
provided on a basis proportional to the Company's ownership interest, in respect of a credit line of one of our 
investees.

F.  COVENANTS

In connection with bank credits and loans, including performance guarantees issued by banks and bank guarantees 
in order to secure certain advances from customers, the Company and certain subsidiaries are obligated to meet 
certain financial covenants. Such covenants include requirements for shareholders’ equity, current ratio, operating 
profit margin, tangible net worth, EBITDA, interest coverage ratio and total leverage. 

As of December 31, 2013, the Company met all financial covenants.

G.  CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND GUARANTEES

As of December 31, 2012, one of the Company's subsidiaries had a project in a total amount of approximately 
$11,500.  The  subsidiary  provided  the  Customer  advance  and  performance  guarantees  related  to  the  above 
mentioned project in the amount of approximately $2,700. During 2013 the  Company and the customer agreed 
on the termination terms of the project and the guarantees were canceled. 

H.  CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

Substantially  all  of  the  Company’s  purchase  commitments  relate  to  obligations  under  purchase  orders  and 
subcontracts entered into by the Company. These purchase orders and subcontracts are typically in standard 
formats proposed by the Company, with the subcontracts and purchase orders also reflecting provisions from 
the Company’s applicable prime contract that apply on a flow down basis to subcontractors and vendors. The 
terms typically included in these purchase orders and subcontracts are consistent with Uniform Commercial 
Code provisions in the United States for sales of goods, as well as with specific terms called for by its customers 
in international contracts. These terms include the Company’s right to terminate the purchase order or subcontract 
in the event of the vendor’s or subcontractor’s default, as well as the Company’s right to terminate the order or 
subcontract for the Company’s convenience (or if the Company’s prime contractor has so terminated the prime 
contract). Such purchase orders and subcontracts typically are not subject to variable price provisions. As of 
December 31, 2013 and 2012, the purchase commitments were $1,166,000 and $949,000, respectively.

I.  FIXED LIENS

In order to secure bank loans and bank guarantees in the amount of $945,300 as of December 31, 2013, certain 
Company entities recorded fixed liens on most of their machinery and equipment, mortgages on most of their 
real estate and floating charges on most of their assets.

F - 57

 
ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 20 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Cont.)

J.  LIEN ON APPROVED ENTERPRISES

A lien on the Company’s Approved Enterprises has been registered in favor of the State of Israel (see Note 18
(A) (3) above).

Note 21 - 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

A.  SHARE CAPITAL

Ordinary shares confer upon their holders voting rights and the right to receive dividends.

B.  2007 STOCK OPTION PLAN

In January 2007, Elbit Systems’ shareholders approved Elbit Systems’ 2007 Option Plan (the “Plan”). The 
purpose of the Plan is to provide the benefits arising from ownership of share capital by Elbit Systems’ and 
certain of its subsidiaries’ employees, who are expected to contribute to the Company’s future growth and 
success. The options were allocated, subject to the required approvals, in two tracks as follows: (i) Regular 
Options - up to 1,250,000 options exercisable into 1,250,000 shares of Elbit Systems in consideration for the 
exercise price, all or any portion of which may be granted as Incentive Stock Options (“Regular Options”) and 
(ii) Cashless Options - up to 1,250,000 options, which entitle the participant to exercise options for an amount 
reflecting only the benefit factor (“Cashless Options”). Each of the participants is granted an equal amount of 
Regular Options and Cashless Options. The exercise price for Israeli participants is the average closing price 
of an Elbit Systems share during 30 trading days preceding the options grant date. The exercise price of options 
granted to a non-Israeli participant residing in the United States is the fair market value of the share on the day 
the options were granted.

According to the Plan, the options granted on a certain date (the “Commencement Date”) will become vested 
and exercisable in accordance with the following vesting schedule:

(1)  Fifty  percent  (50%)  of  the  options  will  be  vested  and  exercisable  from  the  second  anniversary  of  the 
Commencement Date;

(2)  An  additional  twenty-five  percent  (25%)  of  the  options  will  be  vested  and  exercisable  from  the  third 
anniversary of the Commencement Date; and

(3)  The remaining twenty-five (25%) of the options will be vested and exercisable from the fourth anniversary 
of the Commencement Date.

The options expire no later than five years from the date of grant, subject to the 2011 and 2012 amendments 
described below.

Elbit Systems granted options to Israeli participants in accordance with the provisions of Section 102 of the 
Israel Tax Ordinance.

As of December 31, 2013, 73,926 Options were available for future grant under the Plan (regular and cashless).

In November 2011, pursuant to an amendment to the Plan, the Company extended the expiration date of certain 
fully vested options granted under the Plan for one additional year. Such options granted during 2007  expired 
during 2013, no longer than six years from the date of grant. As a result of the amendment, the Company 
recorded one-time compensation expenses of approximately $980.

F - 58

 
 
 
ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 21 - 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Cont.)

 B.  2007 STOCK OPTION PLAN (Cont.)

In November 2012, pursuant to an amendment to the Plan, the Company extended the expiration date of certain 
fully vested options granted under the plan for one additional year, and recorded a one-time compensation expense 
of approximately $2,400. 

C.     STOCK OPTION PLAN ACTIVITY 

A summary of Elbit Systems’ share option activity under the stock option plan is as follows:

2013

2012

2011

Outstanding – beginning of the year

Granted
Exercised
Forfeited

Outstanding – end of the year
Options exercisable at the end of the
year

Number
of
options
1,385,492
21,000
(1,094,592)
(44,300)
267,600

190,300

$

$

$

Weighted
average
exercise
price

36.95
39.60
33.61
53.47
48.09

Number
of
options
1,450,890
30,000
(69,898)
(25,500)
1,385,492

Weighted
average
exercise
price

37.07
35.21
33.19
51.83
36.95

$

$

$

Number
of
options
1,635,305
63,300
(226,965)
(20,750)
1,450,890

Weighted
average
exercise
price

$

$

$

35.96
50.74
32.41
42.33
37.07

35.17

50.04

1,271,266

36.07

1,292,806

The aggregate intrinsic value represents the total intrinsic value (the difference between Elbit Systems’ closing stock 
price on the last trading day of the fourth quarter of the applicable fiscal year and the exercise price, multiplied by the 
number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised 
their options on December 31, of that year. This amount changes, based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock. 
Aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding options as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 amounted to $3,378 and $4,294, 
respectively. In addition, the total intrinsic value of options exercised for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $29,663. 
As of December 31, 2013, there was $592 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation 
arrangements granted under Elbit Systems’ stock option plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted 
average period of two years.

As of December 31, 2013, 267,167 options were vested and expected to be vested at a weighted average exercise price 
of $48.09 per share. The weighted average remaining contractual life of exercisable options as of December 31, 2013 
is approximately one year and their aggregate intrinsic value is approximately $3,371.

D.   OUTSTANDING OPTIONS AND COMPENSATION EXPENSES

The options outstanding as of December 31, 2013, have been separated into ranges of exercise prices, as follows:

Options outstanding

Options exercisable

Exercise price

Number
of
options

Weighted average
remaining contractual
life (years)

Weighted average

exercise price       

per share

Number
of
options

Weighted average
exercise price
per share

$33.10 - $63.85

267,600

1.42

$

48.09

190,300

$

50.04

F - 59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 21 - 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Cont.)

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

D.   OUTSTANDING OPTIONS AND COMPENSATION EXPENSES (Cont.)

Compensation expense  related to the 2007 Option Plan amounted to $440, $3,028 and $1,996 was recognized during 
the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The expenses before tax were recorded as follows:

Cost of revenues
R&D and marketing expenses
General and administration expenses

Year ended December 31,

2013

2012

2011

$

$

259
62
119
440

$

$

1,785
425
818
3,028

$

$

924
458
614
1,996

E.  WEIGHTED AVERAGE EXERCISE PRICE

The weighted average exercise price and fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2013, 
2012 and 2011 were:

Weighted average exercise price per share
Weighted average fair value per share on grant date

F.  COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE

         Computation of basic and diluted net earnings per share:

Less than market price
Year ended December 31,

2013

2012

2011

$
$

39.60
9.74

$
$

35.21
8.45

$
$

50.74
12.12

Year ended December 31,
2013

Year ended December 31, 2012

Year ended December 31, 2011

Net income
to 
shareholders
of ordinary
shares

Weighted
average
number
of
shares 
(*)

Per
Share
amount

Net income
to 
shareholders
of ordinary
shares

Weighted
average
number 
of
shares 
(*)

Per
Share
amount

Net income
to 
shareholders
of ordinary
shares

Weighted
average
number
of
shares 
(*)

Per
Share
amount

$

183,417

42,139

$

4.35

$

167,879

42,190

$

3.98

$

90,288

42,764

$

2.11

—

156

—

87

—

367

$

183,417

42,295

$

4.34

$

167,879

42,277

$

3.97

$

90,288

43,131

$

2.09

Basic net
earnings

Effect of dilutive
securities:

Employee stock
options

Diluted net
earnings

(*) In thousands

F - 60

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 21 - 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Cont.)

G.  SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM

In September 2011, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to one million of its 
ordinary shares through September 2012. The repurchases were made from time to time in the open market on 
the TASE. The repurchase activity depended on factors such as the Company’s working capital needs, its cash 
requirements, its stock price and economic and market conditions. In 2012, the Company repurchased 759,632 
ordinary shares (240,368 in 2011) for approximately $26,006 ($10,101 in 2011). There were no share repurchases 
made in 2013.

H.  ESA NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS SAR PLAN

In December 2007, Elbit Systems U.S. Corp (“ESC”), a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary of Elbit Systems, 
adopted a Stock Appreciation Rights Plan (the “SAR Plan”), for non-employee directors of ESA.

A SAR may only be exercised after it becomes vested. 25% of any SAR granted are exercisable on the first 
anniversary from the grant date and an additional 25% on each of the three subsequent anniversaries. The 
maximum term of a SAR is five years from the grant date. SAR’s do not provide any rights as a shareholder 
in the Stock.  SARs are considered liabilities under ASC 718 and as such compensation cost for each period 
until settlement is based on the change (or a portion of the change, depending on the percentage of the requisite 
service that has been rendered) in the fair value of the SARs for each reporting period.

As of December 31, 2013, there were 9,000 outstanding SARs, of which 9,000 were fully vested at a weighted 
average exercise price per share of $52.16. During 2013, 21,000 SARs expired.

I.  2012 PHANTOM OPTION RETENTION PLAN

In August 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a “Phantom Option Retention Plan” for Senior 
Officers (the “Plan”). In August 2013 the plan was extended to include other Officers of the Company.

The Plan provides for phantom options which entitle the recipients to receive payment in cash of an amount 
reflecting  the  “benefit  factor”,  which  is  linked  to  the  performance  of  Elbit  Systems’  stock  price  over  the 
applicable periods (tranches) under the Plan. As of December 31, 2013, 1,078,507 phantom option units of the 
Plan were granted with a weighted average basic price per unit, as defined in the Plan, of $40.51.

The benefit earned for each year of a tranche will be the difference between the basic price and the closing 
price of the Company’s share for that year, as defined in the Plan, not to exceed an increase of 100% in the 
Company's share price from the basic price of the first year of a tranche.

The Company recorded an amount of approximately $5,055 and $312 in the years ended December 31, 2013 
and 2012, respectively, as compensation costs related to the phantom options granted in those years under the 
Plan.

J.  DIVIDEND POLICY

Dividends declared by Elbit Systems are paid subject to statutory limitations. Elbit Systems’ Board of Directors 
has determined not to declare dividends out of tax exempt earnings.

F - 61

 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 22 -  MAJOR CUSTOMER AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

The Company operates in one reportable segment (see Note 1 for a brief description of the Company’s business).

 REVENUES ARE ATTRIBUTED TO GEOGRAPHIC AREAS BASED ON LOCATION OF THE END 

A. 
CUSTOMERS:

Europe

North America

Israel

Latin America

Asia Pacific

Other

Year ended December 31,

2013

2012

2011

$

546,699

$

561,142

$

552,379

860,653

705,683

282,957

448,133

909,395

519,852

258,761

568,458

890,686

697,261

165,516

459,952

81,026
$ 2,925,151

70,999
$ 2,888,607

51,671
$ 2,817,465

B.  REVENUES ARE GENERATED BY THE FOLLOWING AREAS OF OPERATIONS:

Airborne systems

Land vehicles systems

C4ISR systems

Electro-optic systems

Other (*)

Year ended December 31,

2013
$ 1,133,101

309,287

1,071,370

313,904

97,489

2012

2011

$ 1,054,468

$

969,446

374,487

1,017,638

324,135

117,879

405,294

996,382

300,158

146,185

$ 2,925,151

$ 2,888,607

$ 2,817,465

(*)  Mainly non-defense engineering and production services.

C.  MAJOR CUSTOMER DATA AS A PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL REVENUES:

Year ended December 31,
2012

2011

2013

IMOD
U.S. Government

22%
6%

15%
8%

23%
8%

D.  LONG-LIVED ASSETS BY GEOGRAPHIC AREAS:

Israel

U.S.

Other

Year ended December 31,

$

2013
910,213

179,243

61,702

2012

2011

$

863,945

$

875,935

208,309

144,594

208,640

196,105

$ 1,151,158

$ 1,216,848

$ 1,280,680

F - 62

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Year ended December 31,

2013
263,314

$

2012

2011

$

276,458

$

288,668

(42,832)

(43,071)

(47,576)

$

220,482

$

233,387

$

241,092

Year ended December 31,
2012

2011

2013

$

(4,825) $

(7,148) $

(9,715)

(2,444)

—

(12,307)

(11,145)

(40,436)

1,035

2,091

3,126

(10,787)

(2,528)

—

126

(9,923)

(30,260)

1,821

2,353

4,174

(7,214)

(5,753)

(3,802)

(2,464)

7,565

(10,839)

(22,507)

2,579

6,359

8,938

$

(37,310) $

(26,086) $

(13,569)

Year ended December 31,

2013

2012

2011

$

$

855

82

937

$

$

— $

78

78

$

1,748

161

1,909

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 23 -  RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES, NET

Total expenses

Less – grants and participations

Note 24 - 

FINANCIAL EXPENSES, NET

Expenses:

Interest on long-term bank debt

Interest on Series A Notes, net

Interest on short-term bank credit and loans

Loss on marketable securities

Gain (loss) from exchange rate differences, net

Other

Income:

Interest on cash, cash equivalents and bank deposits

Other

Note 25 -  OTHER INCOME, NET

Capital gain

Other

F - 63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)
U.S. dollars (In thousands)

Note 26 -  RELATED PARTIES' TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES

ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Transactions:

Income -

Sales to affiliated companies (*)

Participation in expenses

Cost and expenses -

Supplies from affiliated companies (**)

Balances:

Trade receivables and other receivables (*)

Trade payables and advances(**)

Year ended December 31,

2013

2012

2011

$

$

$

116,805

2,330

16,166

$

$

$

$
$

98,884

2,063

10,908

$

$

$

53,490

3,923

44,840

December 31,

2013

2012

59,889
17,103

$

$

24,121

18,475

The purchases from related parties are made at arm’s length. The sales to the Company’s related parties in respect 
of U.S. government defense contracts are made on the basis of cost.

(*) 

(**) 

The significant sales and balances include sales of helmet mounted cueing systems purchased from the 
Company by VSI/RCEVS.
Includes electro-optics components and sensors, purchased by the Company from SCD, and electro-
optics products, purchased by the Company from Opgal.

F - 64

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

Column A Column B

Column C

Column D

Column E

Balance 
at 
Beginning 
of Period

Additions
(Charged
to Costs
and
Expenses)

Deductions
(Write-Offs
and Actual
Losses
Incurred)

Additions 
Resulting 
from 
Acquisitions

Description

Year ended December 31, 2013:
Provisions for Losses on Long-Term Contracts (*)
Provisions for Claims and Potential Contractual Penalties
and Others

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Valuation Allowance on Deferred Taxes

129,215

38,928

27,884

6,846
9,128

4,372

2,561

—

6,162

199
2,011

1,176

Year ended December 31, 2012:
Provisions for Losses on Long-Term Contracts (*)
Provisions for Claims and Potential Contractual Penalties
and Others

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Valuation Allowance on Deferred Taxes

196,980

32,996

100,761

8,236

6,861

1,302

648

2,865

4,240

2,038

598

1,169

Year ended December 31, 2011:
Provisions for Losses on Long-Term Contracts (*)
Provisions for Claims and Potential Contractual Penalties
and Others

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Valuation Allowance on Deferred Taxes (**)

136,070

104,560

43,650

6,618

11,215

160

2,160

56

1,302

542

4,410

160

Balance 
at End of 
Period

140,259

9,208
7,117

9,358

129,215

6,846

9,128

4,372

196,980

8,236

6,861

1,302

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

* 

An amount of $74,509, $64,065 and $76,017 as of December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively, is presented as a 
deduction from inventories, and an amount of $122,471, $65,150 and $64,242 as of December 31, 2011, 2012 and 
2013, respectively, is presented as part of other accrued expenses in the category of “Cost Provisions and Other.” An 
amount of $18,467 and $18,249 as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively, is presented as other accrued 
expenses and is related to the cessation of a program with a foreign customer, of which $13,300 was included in long-
term liabilities.

** 

An amount of $21,500 was deducted as a result of a prior year adjustment.

S-1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Primary Operating Subsidiaries of Elbit Systems Ltd.

EXHIBIT 8

(*)  As of February 28, 2014, Tor was owned 100% by the Company, but we are in process of 

transferring 50% of the ownership interest to Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.

(**)  As of February 28, 2014, we are in process of transferring 9% of Harpia's ownership to Avibras 

Divisao Aerea e Naval S.A.

Exhibit 12.1

Certification by Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Bezhalel Machlis, certify that:

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Elbit Systems Ltd.

Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material 
fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the 
circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period 
covered by this annual report.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this 
annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations 
and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining 
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) 
and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 
15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) 

b) 

c) 

d) 

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and 
procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information 
relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by 
others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being 
prepared;

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control 
over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable 
assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial 
statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles;

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and 
presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls 
and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such 
evaluation; and

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial 
reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially 
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over 
financial reporting.

5. 

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation 
of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of 
the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) 

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal 
control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the 
registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) 

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who 
have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

March 19, 2014

By:

/S /BEZHALEL MACHLIS
Bezhalel Machlis
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

 
Exhibit 12.2

Certification by Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Joseph Gaspar, certify that:

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Elbit Systems Ltd.

Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material 
fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the 
circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period 
covered by this annual report.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this 
annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations 
and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining 
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) 
and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 
15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) 

b) 

c) 

d) 

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and 
procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information 
relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by 
others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being 
prepared;

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control 
over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable 
assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial 
statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles;

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and 
presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls 
and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such 
evaluation; and

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial 
reporting that occurred during the period covered by this annual report that has materially 
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over 
financial reporting.

5. 

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation 
of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of 
the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) 

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal 
control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the 
registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) 

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who 
have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

March 19, 2014

By:

/S / JOSEPH GASPAR
Joseph Gaspar
Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer)

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, 
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO 
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

Exhibit 13.1

In connection with the annual report on Form 20-F of Elbit Systems Ltd. (the “Company”) for the 

year ended December 31, 2013 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof 
(the “Report”), the undersigned, Bezhalel Machlis, Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) of 
the Company, certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. sec. 1350, as adopted pursuant to sec. 906 of the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) 

(2) 

The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the 
financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

March  19, 2014

By:

/S / BEZHALEL MACHLIS
Bezhalel Machlis
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

 
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, 
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO 
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

Exhibit 13.2

In connection with the annual report on Form 20-F of Elbit Systems Ltd. (the “Company”) for the 

year ended December 31, 2013 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof 
(the “Report”), the undersigned, Joseph Gaspar, Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and 
Accounting Officer) of the Company, certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. sec. 1350, as adopted pursuant to sec. 
906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) 

(2) 

The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the 
financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

March 19, 2014

By:

/S / JOSEPH GASPAR
Joseph Gaspar
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer)

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (No. 333-139512) 
pertaining to employee stock option plans of Elbit Systems Ltd. of our reports dated March 18, 2014, with respect to 
the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Elbit Systems Ltd. and the effectiveness of internal control 
over financial reporting of Elbit Systems Ltd. included in this Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 
December 31, 2013.

Exhibit 15.1

By:

/s/ Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer
Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer
A member of Ernst & Young Global

Tel-Aviv, Israel, March 18, 2014