Stratasys
Annual Report 2014

Plain-text annual report

STRATASYS LTD. FORM 20-F (Annual and Transition Report (foreign private issuer)) Filed 03/03/15 for the Period Ending 12/31/14 Address Telephone 7665 COMMERCE WAY EDEN PRAIRIE, MN 55344 972-8-931-4314 CIK 0001517396 Symbol SSYS SIC Code 3577 - Computer Peripheral Equipment, Not Elsewhere Classified Industry Computer Peripherals Technology 12/31 Sector Fiscal Year http://www.edgar-online.com © Copyright 2015, EDGAR Online, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Distribution and use of this document restricted under EDGAR Online, Inc. Terms of Use. UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, DC 20549 FORM 20-F Date of event requiring this shell company report................................................ Commission file number: 001-35751 STRATASYS LTD. (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) Not Applicable (Translation of Registrant’s name into English) Israel (Jurisdiction of incorporation or Organization) (Address of Principal Executive Offices) S. Scott Crump, Chairman of Executive Committee Tel: (952) 937-3000 E-mail: scott.crump@stratasys.com 7665 Commerce Way Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344 (Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person) (Mark One) (cid:1) REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 OR  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 OR (cid:1) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 OR (cid:1) SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 c/o Stratasys, Inc. 7665 Commerce Way Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344 2 Holtzman Street, Science Park P.O. Box 2496 Rehovot, Israel 76124 Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act. Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act. None (Title of Class) Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act. None (Title of Class) 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: 50,922,737 Ordinary Shares, NIS 0.01 nominal value, at December 31, 2014. Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes  No (cid:4) 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 (cid:4) 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 (cid:4) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data 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 (cid:4) 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): Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing: 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 (cid:4) Item 18 (cid:4) 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 (cid:4) No  Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered Ordinary Shares, nominal value NIS 0.01 per share NASDAQ Global Select Market Large accelerated filer  Accelerated filer (cid:4) Non-accelerated filer (cid:4) US GAAP  International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (cid:4) Other (cid:4) EXPLANATORY NOTE This annual report on Form 20-F, or this annual report, is being filed by the registrant, Stratasys Ltd., an Israeli company. As described in its previous filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, the registrant (formerly known as Objet Geometries Ltd. and then Objet Ltd.) was party to a merger with Stratasys, Inc., a Delaware corporation, that was completed on December 1, 2012, referred to as the Stratasys-Objet merger or the merger. The Stratasys-Objet merger was structured as a reverse merger of Stratasys, Inc. with and into an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Objet Ltd., in which Objet Ltd. served as the legal acquirer. For accounting purposes, however, Stratasys, Inc. was treated as the acquiring company, and the Stratasys-Objet merger is accounted for as a reverse acquisition under the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. As a result, the historical financial statements of Stratasys, Inc. for all periods up until the effective time of the Stratasys-Objet merger on December 1, 2012 are our historical financial statements. The consolidated financial statements of the registrant included in this annual report include the operations of Stratasys Ltd. (formerly Objet Ltd.) only since December 1, 2012, the date on which the Stratasys-Objet merger was consummated. Given the significance of the Stratasys-Objet merger, we encourage you to review the separate historical financial statements of Objet Ltd. for information related to the historical results of operations and financial condition of Objet Ltd. Those separate financial statements were included in the proxy statement/prospectus included in the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-4, initially filed by the registrant with the SEC on June 8, 2012, and in Exhibit 99.1 to the Report of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K filed by the registrant on September 3, 2013. Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, references to “Stratasys,” “our company,” “the Company,” “the combined company,” “the registrant,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Stratasys Ltd. (formerly known as Objet Ltd.), and its consolidated subsidiaries. References to “Objet” generally refer to Objet Ltd. and its consolidated subsidiaries prior to the effective time of the Stratasys-Objet merger on December 1, 2012. We may also use “Objet” to refer to the line of products previously sold by Objet Ltd. and the related current, ongoing operations that have continued following the Stratasys-Objet merger. References to “Stratasys, Inc.” generally refer to Stratasys, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries prior to the effective time of the Stratasys-Objet merger, but sometimes (as the context requires) refer to the current, ongoing operations of our Stratasys, Inc. subsidiary. The historical financial information set forth in this annual report, unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, reflects the consolidated results of operations and financial position of: (i) Stratasys, Inc. prior to the merger; and (ii) Stratasys Ltd. since the merger. Unless otherwise indicated herein, all numbers and prices in this annual report related to ordinary shares and options of our company that predated the effectiveness of the Stratasys-Objet merger have been adjusted to reflect the 1-for-8.691 reverse stock split that was effected with respect to all of Objet’s outstanding ordinary shares immediately prior to the effective time of the Stratasys-Objet merger. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page TABLE OF CONTENTS CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 1 USE OF TRADE NAMES 2 CERTAIN ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONVENTIONS 3 PART I ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS. 4 ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE. 4 ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION. 4 ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY. 28 ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS. 48 ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS. 48 ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES. 73 ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS. 93 ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION. 96 ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING. 98 ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. 99 ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK. 112 ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES. 113 PART II ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES. 113 ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS. 113 ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. 113 ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT. 114 ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS. 114 ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES. 115 ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES. 115 ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS. 115 ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT. 115 ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE. 115 ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE. 116 PART III ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 117 ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 117 ITEM 19. EXHIBITS. 118 SIGNATURES. 119 CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain information included or incorporated by reference in this annual report may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements are often characterized by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “believe,” “should,” “intend,” “project” or other similar words, but are not the only way these statements are identified. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements relating to our objectives, plans and strategies, statements that contain projections of results of operations or of financial condition and all statements (other than statements of historical facts) that address activities, events or developments that we intend, expect, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties. We have based these forward-looking statements on assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of their experience and their perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. Important factors that could cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include, among other things: Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made throughout this annual report, which are designed to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. • the extent of our success at introducing new or improved products and solutions that gain market share; • the extent of our success at efficiently and successfully integrating the operations of various companies that we have acquired or may acquire; • the impact of competition and new technologies; • general market, political and economic conditions in the countries in which we operate; • projected capital expenditures and liquidity; • changes in our strategy; • government regulations and approvals; • changes in customers’ budgeting priorities; • the overall global economic environment; • litigation and regulatory proceedings; and • those factors referred to in Item 3.D “Key Information - Risk Factors”, Item 4 “Information on the Company”, and Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”, as well as in this annual report generally. 1 Any forward-looking statements in this annual report are made as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. USE OF TRADE NAMES Unless the context otherwise indicates or requires, “Stratasys,” “For a 3D World,” “Objet,” “PolyJet,” “Connex,” “Eden,” “FDM”, “Fortus,” “Dimension,” “Uprint,” “Mojo,” “FullCure,” “Stratasys Direct Manufacturing,” “Solidscape,” “Solid Concepts,” “GrabCAD,” “MakerBot,” “Thingiverse,” “Replicator,” “RedEyE,” “Harvest Technologies” and all product names and trade names used by us in this annual report are our trademarks and service marks, which may be registered in certain jurisdictions. Although we have omitted the “®” and “TM” trademark designations for such marks in this annual report, all rights to such trademarks and service marks are nevertheless reserved. Furthermore, the “Stratasys” and “Objet” design logos are our property. This annual report contains additional trade names, trademarks and service marks of other companies. We do not intend our use or display of other companies’ tradenames, trademarks or service marks to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, these other companies. 2 CERTAIN ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONVENTIONS In this annual report, unless the context otherwise requires: • references to the “Stratasys-Objet merger” refer to the merger consummated on December 1, 2012 whereby Stratasys, Inc., a Delaware corporation, merged with and into an indirect, wholly-owned Delaware subsidiary of Objet Ltd. (now known as Stratasys Ltd.), an Israeli company, with Stratasys, Inc. surviving the merger and becoming an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Objet (which changed its name to Stratasys Ltd. at that time); • references to the “Stratasys-Objet merger agreement” refer to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 13, 2012, as amended, by and among Stratasys, Inc.; Objet Ltd.; Seurat Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation and an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Objet (“Holdco”); and Oaktree Merger Inc., a Delaware corporation and a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco, pursuant to which the merger was consummated; • references to the “MakerBot transaction” refer to the merger consummated on August 15, 2013 whereby Cooperation Technology Corporation, a Delaware corporation (now known as Baccio Corporation), or MakerBot, which is the direct parent company of MakerBot Industries, LLC, merged with and into an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Stratasys Ltd., with MakerBot becoming an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Stratasys Ltd.; • references to the “Solid Concepts acquisition” or “Solid Concepts transaction” refer to the acquisition consummated on July 14, 2014 whereby Stratasys Ltd. acquired Solid Concepts Inc.; • references to the “ Harvest Technologies acquisition” refer to the acquisition consummated on August 1, 2014 whereby Stratasys Ltd. acquired Harvest Technologies Inc. • references to “ordinary shares”, “our shares” and similar expressions refer to our Ordinary Shares, nominal value NIS 0.01 per share; • references to “dollars”, “U.S. dollars”, “U.S. $” and “$” are to United States Dollars; • references to “shekels” and “NIS” are to New Israeli Shekels, the Israeli currency; • references to the “articles” or “amended articles” are to our Amended and Restated Articles of Association, which became effective upon the closing of the merger, as subsequently amended; • references to the “Companies Law” are to Israel’s Companies Law, 5759-1999, as amended; • references to the “Securities Act” are to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; • references to the “Exchange Act” are to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; • references to “NASDAQ” are to the Nasdaq Stock Market; and • references to the “SEC” are to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. 3 PART I ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS. Not Applicable. ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE. Not Applicable. ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION. A. Selected Financial Data. Stratasys, Inc. was treated as the acquiring company in the Stratasys-Objet merger for accounting purposes and the Stratasys-Objet merger was accounted for as a reverse acquisition under the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. As a result, the historical financial statements of Stratasys, Inc. prior to the effective time of the merger on December 1, 2012 became our historical financial statements. The consolidated financial statements included in this annual report include the operations of Stratasys Ltd. (formerly Objet Ltd.) for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 and for the month ended December 31, 2012 (as the Stratasys-Objet merger was consummated on December 1, 2012) . Therefore, while the balance sheet data presented below reflects the financial position of Stratasys Ltd. as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, the consolidated statement of operations data reflects the results of operations of Stratasys Ltd. for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 and from December 1 through December 31, 2012, and the results of operations of Stratasys, Inc. from January 1 through November 30, 2012. The below selected consolidated financial data reflects the consolidated results of operations and financial position of Stratasys, Inc. as of, and for the years ended, December 31, 2011 and 2010. The historical selected consolidated statement of operations data for the years 2014, 2013 and 2012, and the selected consolidated balance sheet data at December 31, 2014 and 2013 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements set forth elsewhere in this annual report. The selected consolidated statements of operations data for the years 2011 and 2010, and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, have been derived from our previously reported audited consolidated financial statements, which are not included in this annual report. The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes and “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” appearing in Item 5 of this annual report, and are qualified entirely by reference to such consolidated financial statements. Our historical results set forth herein are not necessarily indicative of our future results. 4  In addition to the audited consolidated financial data presented above, we also present below unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations data for our company for the year ended December 31, 2012 that give effect to the Stratasys-Objet merger as if it had been completed on January 1, 2012. This data has been prepared consistent with SEC Regulation S-X, Article 11. For a more complete presentation of this data and an explanation of the underlying assumptions used in deriving it, please see the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations that are included in the “Operating Results” section of “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” in Item 5 below. B. Capitalization and Indebtedness. Not Applicable. (in thousands, except per share data) Year Ended December 31, 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 Statement of Operations Data: Net sales $ 750,129 $ 484,403 $ 215,244 $ 155,894 $ 117,844 Gross profit 362,394 226,173 109,911 82,404 56,086 Research and development expense 82,270 52,310 19,659 14,360 9,755 Selling, general and administrative expense 351,993 202,040 73,130 39,038 32,863 Goodwill impairment 102,470 — — — — Change in fair value of obligations in connection with acquisitions (26,150 ) 754 — — — Operating income (loss) (148,189 ) (28,931 ) 17,122 29,006 13,468 Net income (loss) (119,470 ) (26,907 ) 8,823 20,626 9,370 Net income (loss) attributable to Stratasys Ltd. (119,420 ) (26,954 ) 8,491 20,626 9,370 Net income (loss) per basic share (2.39 ) (0.64 ) 0.39 0.98 0.46 Net income (loss) per basic share attributable to Stratasys Ltd. (2.39 ) (0.64 ) 0.37 0.98 0.46 Weighted average basic shares outstanding 50,019 42,079 22,812 21,133 20,579 Net income (loss) per diluted share (2.39 ) (0.68 ) 0.37 0.95 0.44 Net income (loss) per diluted share attributable to Stratasys Ltd. (2.39 ) (0.68 ) 0.36 0.95 0.44 Weighted average diluted shares outstanding 50,019 42,099 23,776 21,653 21,130 Balance Sheet Data: Working capital $ 546,062 $ 714,404 $ 230,929 $ 64,086 $ 60,196 Total assets 2,899,107 2,782,221 1,731,513 221,770 178,460 Equity $ 2,531,239 $ 2,499,787 $ 1,572,156 $ 183,311 $ 152,282 (in thousands, except per share data) Year Ended December 31, 2012 Pro Forma Statement of Operations Data: Net sales $ 359,054 Gross profit 163,923 Research and development expense 36,923 Selling, general and administrative expense 141,232 Operating loss (14,232 ) Net loss (21,515 ) Net loss attributable to Stratasys Ltd. (21,577 ) Net loss per basic share (0.58 ) Net loss per basic share attributable to Stratasys Ltd. (0.58 ) Weighted average basic shares outstanding 36,987 Net loss per diluted share (0.58 ) Net loss per diluted share attributable to Stratasys Ltd. (0.58 ) Weighted average diluted shares outstanding 36,987 5 C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds. Not Applicable. D. Risk Factors. You should carefully consider the risks described below, together with all of the other information in this annual report on Form 20-F. The risks described below are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially and adversely affect our business operations. If any of these risks actually occurs , our business, financial condition and results of operations could suffer and the price of our shares could decline. Risks related to our business and financial condition We may not be able to introduce new 3D printers, high-performance systems and consumables acceptable to customers or to improve the technology, software or consumables used in our current systems in response to changing technology and end-user needs. We derive most of our revenues from the sale of additive manufacturing systems and related consumables. The markets in which we operate are subject to rapid and substantial innovation and technological change, mainly driven by technological advances and end-user requirements and preferences, as well as the emergence of new standards and practices. Our ability to compete in these markets depends, in large part, on our success in enhancing our existing products and developing new additive manufacturing systems and new consumables that will address the increasingly sophisticated and varied needs of prospective end-users, and respond to technological advances and industry standards and practices on a cost-effective and timely basis or otherwise gain market acceptance. Even if we successfully enhance our existing systems or create new systems, it is likely that new systems and technologies that we develop will eventually supplant our existing systems or that our competitors will create systems that will replace our systems. As a result, any of our products may be rendered obsolete or uneconomical by our or others’ technological advances. Our operating results and financial condition may fluctuate. The operating results and financial condition of our company may fluctuate from quarter to quarter and year to year and are likely to continue to vary due to a number of factors, many of which will not be within our control. If our operating results do not meet the guidance that we provide to the market place or the expectations of securities analysts or investors, the market price of our ordinary shares will likely decline. Fluctuations in our operating results and financial condition may be due to a number of factors, including those listed below and those identified throughout this “Risk factors” section: • the degree of market acceptance of our products and services ; • the mix of products and services that we sell during any period; • long sales cycles; • unforeseen liabilities or difficulties in integrating our acquisitions; • changes in the amount that that we spend to develop, acquire or license new products, consumables, technologies or businesses; • changes in the amounts that we spend to promote our products and services; • changes in the cost of satisfying our warranty obligations and servicing our installed base of systems; • delays between our expenditures to develop and market new or enhanced systems and consumables and the generation of sales from those products; 6  Due to all of the foregoing factors, and the other risks discussed in this annual report, you should not rely on quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our operating results as an indicator of our future performance. If demand for our products and services does not continue to grow as expected, our revenues may stagnate or decline. The commercial marketplace for additive manufacturing, which was once dominated by conventional methods that do not involve 3D printing technology, has been undergoing a shift towards 3D printing. This is true with respect to prototype development, and to some extent, with respect to direct digital manufacturing, or DDM, as an alternative • development of new competitive products and services by others; • difficulty in predicting sales patterns and reorder rates that may result from multi-tier distribution strategy associated with new product categories such as entry level desktop 3D printers; • litigation or threats of litigation, including intellectual property claims by third parties; • changes in accounting rules and tax laws; • the geographic distribution of our sales; • our responses to price competition; • general economic and industry conditions that affect end-user demand and end-user levels of product design and manufacturing; • changes in interest rates that affect returns on our cash balances and short-term investments; • changes in dollar-shekel and dollar-Euro exchange rates that affect the value of our net assets, revenues and expenditures from and/or relating to our activities carried out in those currencies; • failure of a development partner to continue supporting certain product development efforts it is funding; and • the level of research and development activities by our company. 7 to traditional manufacturing. If the commercial marketplace does not continue to transform towards the broader acceptance of 3D printing and DDM as alternatives for prototype development and traditional manufacturing, or if it adopts 3D printing based on technologies other than the technologies that we use, we may not be able to increase or sustain current or future levels of sales of our products and related materials and services, and our results of operations may be adversely affected as a result. To the extent that other companies are successful in developing or marketing consumables for use in our Idea, Design and Production Series systems, our revenues and profits would likely be adversely affected. We sell a substantial portion of the consumables used in our Idea, Design and Production Series systems. We attempt to protect against replication of our proprietary consumables through patents and trade secrets and provide that warranties on those systems may be invalid if customers use non-genuine consumables that cause damage to the printer. Other companies have developed and sold, and may continue to develop and sell, consumables that are used with our systems, which may reduce our consumables sales and impair our overall revenues and profitability. If our product mix shifts too far into lower margin products or our revenues mix shifts significantly towards our AM services business, our profitability could be reduced. Sales of certain of our existing products have higher margins than others. For instance, our high-end systems and related consumables yield a greater gross margin than our entry-level systems. As we continue to ship entry-level systems including desktop 3D printers, our sales of those systems have grown. Furthermore, some of those sales may displace sales of our other systems. If sales of our entry-level desktop 3D printers have the effect of reducing sales of our higher margin products, or if for any other reason, our product mix shifts too far into lower margin products, and we are not able to sufficiently reduce the engineering, production and other costs associated with those products or substantially increase the sales of those products, our profitability could be reduced. A similar negative impact on our gross margins could result if we experience a substantial shift towards revenues generated by our AM parts service business, which we expect to significantly broaden as a result of our recent acquisitions of Solid Concepts and Harvest Technologies, and which are characterized by lower margins relative to our products. We have experienced rapid and significant growth in our operations and intend to continue to grow, and if we cannot adequately adapt our infrastructure and properly integrate the internal or external sources of our growth in order to generate the intended benefits from it, our results of operations will suffer. We have experienced rapid and significant growth in our operations and intend to continue to grow, both organically and from acquisitions, such as the MakerBot transaction, the Solid Concepts acquisition, the Harvest Technologies acquisition and the GrabCAD acquisition. The adaptation of our infrastructure to our growth will require, among other things, continued development of our financial and management controls and management information systems, including our ongoing implementation of a unified enterprise resource planning system, management of our sales channel, increased capital expenditures, the ability to attract and retain qualified management personnel and the training of new personnel. We cannot be sure that our infrastructure, systems, procedures, business processes and managerial controls will be adequate to support the rapid and significant growth in our operations. Any delays in, or problems associated with, implementing, or transitioning to, new or enhanced systems, procedures, or controls to accommodate and support the requirements of our business and operations and to effectively and efficiently integrate acquired operations may adversely affect our ability to meet customer requirements, manage our product inventory, and record and report financial and management information on a timely and accurate basis. Additional unforeseen difficulties and expenditures that may result from the integration of a new business or technology include: 8  These potential negative effects could prevent us from realizing the benefits of an acquisition transaction or other growth opportunity. In that event, our competitive position, revenues, revenue growth, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity could be adversely affected, which could, in turn, adversely affect our share price and shareholder value. Declines in the prices of our products and services may adversely affect our financial results. Our business is subject to price competition. Such price competition may adversely affect our ability to maintain profitability, especially during periods of decreased demand. If our business is not able to offset price reductions resulting from these pressures by improved operating efficiencies, reduced expenditures and increased sales, then those price reductions would adversely affect our operating results. The markets in which we participate are competitive. Our failure to compete successfully could cause our revenues and the demand for our products to decline. We compete for end-users with a wide variety of producers of systems that create models, prototypes, other 3D objects and end-use parts as well as producers of materials and services for these systems, including both additive and subtractive manufacturing methodologies, such as metal extrusion, computer-controlled machining and manual modeling techniques. Our principal competition currently consists of other manufacturers of systems for prototype development and customized manufacturing processes, including 3D Systems Corporation, EOS GmbH and EnvisionTEC GmbH, and, with respect to our entry-level desktop 3D printers, a multitude of companies such as 3D Systems Corporation, Delta Micro Factory, Affinia, Ultimaker, Printrbot, Leapfrog, Solidoodle and others. For our recently-broadened AM parts and services business, our chief competitors consist of 3D Systems Corporation, Materialise and many other smaller service providers. In late 2014 HP announced its intention to offer 3D printers targeting similar end-users to ours. If these printers become commercially available they may compete directly with some of our product lines. We may face additional competition in the future from other new entrants into the marketplace, including companies that may have significantly greater resources than we have that may become new market entrants or may enter through acquisition or strategic or marketing partnerships with current competitors. Some of our current and potential competitors have longer operating histories and more extensive name recognition than we have and may also have greater financial, marketing, manufacturing, distribution and other resources than we have. Current and future competitors may be able to respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies and changes in end-user demands and to devote greater resources to the development, promotion and sale of their products than we can. Our current and potential competitors may develop and market new technologies that render our existing or future products obsolete, unmarketable or less competitive (whether from a price perspective or otherwise). We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain or enhance our current competitive position or continue to compete successfully against current and future sources of competition. As part of our growth strategy, we have sought, and will continue to seek, to acquire or to make investments in other businesses, patents, technologies, products or services. Our failure to do so successfully (including, if applicable, to finance such acquisitions or investments on favorable terms and to avoid adverse financial consequences) may adversely affect our financial results. As part of our growth strategy, we expect to continue to regularly evaluate acquisitions or investments to expand our suite of products and services. Even if we are able to identify a suitable acquisition or investment, we may not be able to consummate any such transaction if we cannot reach an agreement on favorable terms or if we lack sufficient resources to finance the transaction on our own and cannot obtain financing at a reasonable cost or if regulatory authorities prevent such transaction from being consummated. If we proceed with a particular acquisition, we may have to use cash, issue new equity securities with dilutive effects on existing shareholders, incur indebtedness, assume contingent liabilities or amortize assets or expenses in a manner that might have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. Acquisitions will also require us to record certain acquisition-related costs and other items as current period expenses, which would have the effect of reducing our reported earnings in the period in which an acquisition is consummated. We will also be required to record any post-closing goodwill or other long-lived asset impairment charges in the period in which they occur, which could result in a significant charge to our earnings in that period. We could also face unknown liabilities or write-offs. If we are not successful in completing the integration of our constituent companies from our recent acquisitions, the benefits of these later transactions may not be fully realized and the market price of our ordinary shares may be negatively affected. • difficulty transitioning customers and other business relationships to our company; • problems unifying management following a transaction; • the loss of key employees from our existing or acquired businesses; • diversion of management’s attention to the assimilation of the technology and personnel of acquired businesses or new product or service lines; and • difficulties in coordinating geographically disparate organizations and corporate cultures and integrating management personnel with different business backgrounds. 9 Since the consummation of the Objet-Stratasys merger in December 2012, we have acquired MakerBot, Solid Concepts, Harvest Technologies, GrabCAD and other companies. While we believe that integration activities have progressed well to date, the ongoing difficulties of coordinating our operations include: • coordinating geographically separate organizations; • coordinating sales, distribution and marketing functions, including integration and management of our constituent companies’ sales channels; • consolidating the financial reporting systems and ERP systems of our constituent companies; • management of a substantially larger organization, with an increased number of employees over large geographic distances; and • addressing inconsistencies among the companies in standards, controls, procedures and policies, any of which could adversely affect our ability to maintain relationships with suppliers, distributors, customers and employees. As a result of these and other factors, we may not successfully complete the integration of our acquired entities. Furthermore, we may not realize all of the benefits and synergies of the acquired entities in the timeframe anticipated. It is also possible that such continuing integration and coordination arrangements could lead to the loss of members of our senior executive team, diversion of the attention of management, or the disruption or interruption of, or the loss of momentum in, our ongoing business, which could adversely affect our business and financial results. The occurrence of such negative results could adversely affect the market price of our ordinary shares. Our operations, particularly in integrating the operations of our constituent companies, could suffer if we are unable to attract and retain key management or other key employees. Our success depends upon the continued service and performance of our senior management and other key personnel. Our senior executive team is critical to the management of our business and operations, as well as to the development of our strategy. The loss of the services of any members of our senior executive team could delay or prevent the successful implementation of our growth strategy, or our commercialization of new applications for our systems or other products, or could otherwise adversely affect our ability to manage our company effectively and carry out our business plan. Members of our senior management team may resign at any time. High demand exists for senior management and other key personnel (including scientific, technical and sales personnel) in the additive manufacturing, or AM, industry, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to retain such personnel. We experience intense competition for qualified personnel. While we intend to continue to provide competitive compensation packages to attract and retain key personnel, some of our competitors for these employees have greater resources and more experience, making it difficult for us to compete successfully for key personnel. If we cannot attract and retain sufficiently qualified technical employees for our research and development and manufacturing operations, we may be unable to achieve the synergies expected from mergers and acquisitions that we may effect from time to time, or to develop and commercialize new products or new applications for existing products. Furthermore, possible shortages of key personnel, including engineers, in the regions surrounding our Minnesota, New York, California, Texas, New Hampshire or Israeli facilities could require us to pay more to hire and retain key personnel, thereby increasing our costs. Defects in new products or in enhancements to our existing products could give rise to product returns or product liability, warranty or other claims that could result in material expenses, diversion of management time and attention, and damage to our reputation. Our systems may contain undetected defects or errors when first introduced or as enhancements are released that, despite testing, are not discovered until after a product has been used. This could result in delayed market acceptance of those products, claims from distributors, end-users or others, increased end-user service and support costs and warranty claims, damage to our reputation and business, or significant costs to correct the defect or error. We may 10 from time to time become subject to warranty or product liability claims that could lead to significant expenses as we need to compensate affected end-users for costs incurred related to product quality issues. This risk may be heightened when we sell products into certain markets, such as healthcare-related applications. This risk of product liability claims may also be greater due to the use of certain hazardous chemicals used in the manufacture of certain of our products. Those hazardous chemicals fall within three different categories (with several of the chemicals falling within multiple categories): irritants, harmful chemicals and chemicals dangerous for the environment. In addition, we may be subject to claims that our 3D printers have been, or may be, used to create parts that are not in compliance with legal requirements or that intellectual property posted by third parties on our Thingiverse and GrabCAD websites infringes the intellectual property rights of others. Any claim brought against us, regardless of its merit, could result in material expense, diversion of management time and attention, and damage to our reputation, and could cause us to fail to retain existing end-users or to attract new end-users. Although we maintain product liability insurance, such insurance is subject to significant deductibles and there is no guarantee that such insurance will be available or adequate to protect against all such claims, or we may elect to self-insure with respect to certain matters. Costs or payments made in connection with warranty and product liability claims and product recalls or other claims could materially affect our financial condition and results of operations. Our AM services business, offering parts used as prototypes, benchmarks and end-use parts in general, and , in the case of end-use parts, our sales to customers in the aerospace, medical and automotive industries, in particular, makes us more susceptible to product and other liability claims, which characterize operations in those industries. These activities and our accompanying exposure to claims will increase significantly as a result of our recent acquisitions of Solid Concepts and Harvest Technologies. Any such claims that are not adequately covered by insurance or for which insurance is not available may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. As a result of our recent acquisitions of Solid Concepts and Harvest Technologies, and together with RedEye, our preexisting digital manufacturing service business, we expect to significantly broaden and increase our production and offering of AM parts, which are used by our customers as prototypes, benchmarks and end-use parts, as part of our newly branded Stratasys Direct Manufacturing, or SDM, service. In particular, we expect to provide these additive manufacturing services to customers in the aerospace, medical and automotive industries. The sale of end use parts in general, and to customers in the foregoing industries in particular, exposes us to possible claims for property damage and personal injury or death , which may result from the use of these end-use parts. We may be potentially liable, in significant amounts, if an aircraft, automotive or medical part, component, or accessory or any other aviation, automotive or medical product that we have sold, produced or repaired fails, or if an aircraft or automobile for which our subsidiaries have provided services or in which their parts are installed crashes and the cause can be linked to those parts or cannot be determined. Our SDM service carries liability insurance in amounts that we believe are adequate for its risk exposure and commensurate with industry norms. While we intend to monitor our insurance coverage as our additive manufacturing services business continues to grow, claims may arise in the future, and that insurance coverage may not be adequate or available to protect our consolidated company in all circumstances. Additionally, we might not be able to maintain adequate insurance coverage for our AM services business in the future at an acceptable cost. Any liability claim against our AM services business that is not covered by adequate insurance could adversely affect our consolidated results of operations and financial condition. If our relationships with suppliers for our products and services, especially with single source suppliers of components of our products, were to terminate or our manufacturing arrangements were to be disrupted, our business could be interrupted. We purchase components and sub-assemblies for our systems, raw materials that are used in our consumables, and AM syatems, component parts and raw materials for our Stratasys Direct Manufacturing services business, from third-party suppliers , some of whom may compete with us . While there are several potential suppliers of most of these component parts, sub-assemblies and raw materials that we use, we currently choose to use only one or a limited number of suppliers for several of these components and materials. Furthermore, the suppliers of AM systems and materials used in our SDM parts service may refuse to sell us additional AM systems or component parts and materials for AM 11 systems that our SDM service uses. Our reliance on a single or limited number of vendors involves a number of risks, including: In addition, we require any new supplier to become “qualified” pursuant to our internal procedures. The qualification process involves evaluations of varying durations, which may cause production delays if we were required to qualify a new supplier unexpectedly. We generally assemble our systems and parts based on our internal forecasts and the availability of raw materials, assemblies, components and finished goods that are supplied to us by third parties, which are subject to various lead times. If certain suppliers were to decide to discontinue production of an assembly, component or raw material that we use, the unanticipated change in the availability of supplies, or unanticipated supply limitations, could cause delays in, or loss of, sales, increased production or related costs and consequently reduced margins, and damage to our reputation. If we were unable to find a suitable supplier for a particular component, material or compound, we could be required to modify our existing products or the end-parts that we offer to accommodate substitute components, material or compounds. In particular, we rely on a sole supplier, Ricoh Printing Systems America, Inc., or Ricoh, for the printer heads for our PolyJet 3D printers. Under the terms of our agreement with Ricoh, we purchase printer heads and associated electronic components, and receive a non-transferable, non-exclusive right to assemble, use and sell these purchased products under Ricoh’s patent rights and trade secrets. Due to the risk of a discontinuation of the supply of Ricoh printer heads and other key components of our products, we maintain excess inventory of those printer heads and other components. However, if our forecasts exceed actual orders, we may hold large inventories of slow-moving or unusable parts or raw materials, which could result in inventory write offs or write downs and have an adverse effect on our cash flow, profitability and results of operations. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Manufacturing and Suppliers—Inventory and Suppliers—Ricoh Agreement” for further discussion of this agreement. If goodwill or other intangible assets that we have recorded become impaired, we could have to take significant charges against earnings. As of December 31, 2014, the book value of all of our goodwill and other intangible assets, which was primarily attributable to the Stratasys-Objet merger, the MakerBot transaction and the Solid Concepts acquisition, was approximately $1.9 billion. Under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP, we must assess, at least annually and potentially more frequently, whether the value of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets has been impaired. During the year ended December 31, 2014 we recorded an impairment charge of $102.5 million related to our MakerBot reporting unit. Please see Note 1 to our audited financial statements included in Item 18 of this annual report for further information. Amortizing intangible assets will be assessed for impairment in the event of an impairment indicator. Such impairment may result from one of a number of possible causes, including invalidation of acquired patents, trademarks or other intellectual property, or the impairment of other intangible assets due to litigation, obsolescence, competitive factors, lower than expected revenue and operating results or other reasons. Any reduction or impairment of the value of goodwill or other intangible assets will result in a charge against earnings, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations and shareholders’ equity in future periods. We will continue to monitor other intangible assets in an effort to determine whether events and circumstances • potential shortages of some key components; • product performance shortfalls, if traceable to particular product components, since the supplier of the faulty component cannot readily be replaced; • discontinuation of a product on which we rely; • potential insolvency of these vendors; and • reduced control over delivery schedules, manufacturing capabilities, quality and costs. 12 warrant further impairment charges. Please see Note 7 to our audited financial statements included in Item 18 of this annual report for further information. Discontinuation of operations at our manufacturing sites could prevent us from timely filling customer orders and could lead to unforeseen costs for us. We assemble and test the systems that we sell, and produce consumables for our systems, at single facilities in various locations that are specifically dedicated to separate categories of systems and consumables. Because of our reliance on all of these production facilities, a disruption at any of those facilities could materially damage our ability to supply 3D printers, other systems or consumable materials to the marketplace in a timely manner. Depending on the cause of the disruption, we could also incur significant costs to remedy the disruption and resume product shipments. Such disruptions may be caused by, among other factors, earthquakes, fire, flood and other natural disasters. Accordingly, any such disruption could result in a material adverse effect on our revenue, results of operations and earnings, and could also potentially damage our reputation. A loss of, or reduction in revenues from, a significant number of our resellers and our independent sales agents would impair our ability to sell our products and services and could reduce our revenues and adversely impact our operating results. We rely heavily on our network of resellers and independent sales agents to sell and (in the case of resellers) to service our products for end-users in their respective geographic regions. These resellers and sales agents may not be as effective in selling our products or servicing our end-users as we are. Further, if a significant number of these resellers and sales agents were to terminate their relationship with us or otherwise fail or refuse to sell our products, we may not be able to find replacements that are as qualified or as successful in a timely manner, if at all. If these resellers and independent sales agents do not perform as anticipated or if we are unable to find qualified and successful replacements, our sales will suffer, which would have an adverse effect on our revenues and operating results. Additionally, a default by one or more resellers that have a significant receivables balance could have an adverse financial impact on our financial results. Our business model is predicated in part on building an end-user base that will generate a recurring stream of revenues through the sale of our consumables. If that recurring stream of revenues does not develop as expected, or if our business model changes as the industry evolves, our operating results may be adversely affected. Our business model is dependent in part on our ability to maintain and increase sales of our proprietary consumables as they generate recurring revenues. Existing and future end-users of our systems may not purchase our consumables at the same rate at which end-users currently purchase those consumables. In addition, our entry-level systems generally use a lower volume of consumables relative to our higher end systems. If our current and future end-users purchase a lower volume of our consumables, or if our entry level systems represent an increasing percentage of our future installed base mix uses less consumables than our current installed base, our recurring revenue stream relative to our total revenues would be reduced, and our operating results would be adversely affected. Global economic, political and social conditions have adversely impacted sales of our constituent companies, and may once again affect us in the future. The uncertain direction and relative strength of the global economy, difficulties in the financial services sector and credit markets, continuing geopolitical uncertainties and other macroeconomic factors all affect spending behavior of potential end-users of our products and services. The prospects for economic growth in some of the regions in which we sell our products remain uncertain, and may cause end-users to further delay or reduce technology purchases. In particular, a portion of our sales are made to customers in countries in Europe, which have been and may continue to be affected by significant economic difficulties. These and other macroeconomic factors had an adverse impact on the sales of the products and services of our constituent companies following the global financial downturn in late 2008, leading to reduced revenues from sales and longer sales cycles. While Objet and Stratasys, Inc. saw an improvement in revenues from sales of their systems and consumables in 2010, 2011 and 2012, and our combined company has continued that positive trend beginning after the completion of the Stratasys-Objet merger on December 1, 2012 through the present time, there can be no assurance that such improvement is sustainable, particularly if global economic conditions suffer another setback or if European economies experience further disruptions. 13 We also face risks that may arise from financial difficulties experienced by our end-users, suppliers and distributors, which may be exacerbated by continued uncertainty in the global economy, including: Our existing and planned international operations currently expose us and will continue to expose us to additional market and operational risks, and failure to manage these risks may adversely affect our business and operating results. We expect to derive a substantial percentage of our sales from international markets. We derived 46 % of our sales in 2014 from countries outside of North America . Accordingly, we face significant operational risks from doing business internationally, including: Our failure to manage the market and operational risks associated with our international operations effectively could limit the future growth of our business and adversely affect our operating results. Covenants in our credit agreement may restrict our business in many ways. • reduced end-user demand for products and reduced manufacturing activity levels; • distributors and end-users may be unable to obtain credit financing to finance purchases of our products; • suppliers may be unable to obtain credit financing to finance purchases of sub-assemblies used to build components of products or purchases of raw materials to produce consumables; • end-users or distributors may face financial difficulties or may become insolvent, which could lead to our inability to obtain payment for our products; and • key suppliers of raw materials, finished products or components used in our products and consumables may face financial difficulties or may become insolvent, which could lead to disruption in the supply of systems, consumables or spare parts to our end-users. • fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; • potentially longer sales and payment cycles; • potentially greater difficulties in collecting accounts receivable; • potentially adverse tax consequences; • reduced protection of intellectual property rights in certain countries, particularly in Asia and South America; • difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations; • laws and business practices favoring local competition; • costs and difficulties of customizing products for foreign countries; • compliance with a wide variety of complex foreign laws, treaties and regulations; • tariffs, trade barriers and other regulatory or contractual limitations on our ability to sell or develop our products in certain foreign markets; and • being subject to the laws, regulations and the court systems of many jurisdictions. 14 The credit agreement and related agreements that we and our wholly-owned subsidiary (the borrower) entered into in November 2013 with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and the other lenders party thereto, contain various covenants that limit our ability to, among other things: A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default or event of default. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the credit agreement, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under the agreement to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit. If we were unable to repay those amounts, the lenders could accelerate the repayment of borrowings . If that were to occur , we may not have sufficient assets to repay the amounts owed under the credit agreement or be able to obtain financing from other sources on favorable terms, if at all. For more information, please see Item 5.B “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Capital resources and capital expenditures—Revolving credit facility” and note 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 18 of this annual report. Significant disruptions of our information technology systems or breaches of our data security could adversely affect our business. A significant invasion, interruption, destruction or breakdown of our information technology systems and/or infrastructure by persons with authorized or unauthorized access could negatively impact our business and operations. We could also experience business interruption, information theft and/or reputational damage from cyber attacks, which may compromise our systems and lead to data leakage either internally or at our third party providers. Our systems have been, and are expected to continue to be, the target of malware and other cyber attacks. Although we have invested in measures to reduce these risks, we cannot assure you that these measures will be successful in preventing compromise and/or disruption of our information technology systems and related data. • incur or assume liens or additional debt or provide guarantees in respect of obligations of other persons; • make any investments, except certain investments as specified therein; • engage in any material line of business substantially different from those lines of business conducted by us and our subsidiaries or any business substantially related or incidental thereto; • create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any indebtedness except certain indebtedness as specified therein. • issue redeemable stock and preferred equity; • pay dividends or distributions or redeem or repurchase capital stock; • prepay, redeem or repurchase debt; • make loans, investments and capital expenditures; • enter into agreements that restrict distributions from our subsidiaries; • sell assets and capital stock of our subsidiaries; • enter into certain transactions with affiliates; • consolidate or merge with or into, or sell substantially all of our assets to, another person, or dispose of all or substantially all of our IP rights or other assets to or in favor of any person ; • make any disposition except certain dispositions permitted under the credit agreement ; • declare or make, directly or indirectly, any restricted payment, or incur any obligation (contingent or otherwise) to do so, except as defined therein; and • enter into certain contractual obligations. 15 Under applicable employment laws, we may not be able to enforce covenants not to compete and therefore may be unable to prevent our competitors from benefiting from the expertise of some of our former employees. We generally enter into non-competition agreements with our employees. These agreements prohibit our employees from competing directly with us or working for our competitors or clients for a limited period after they cease working for us. We may be unable to enforce these agreements under the laws of the jurisdictions in which our employees work and it may be difficult for us to restrict our competitors from benefiting from the expertise that our former employees or consultants developed while working for us. For example, Israeli courts have required employers seeking to enforce non-compete undertakings of a former employee to demonstrate that the competitive activities of the former employee will harm one of a limited number of material interests of the employer that have been recognized by the courts, such as the secrecy of a company’s confidential commercial information or the protection of its intellectual property. If we cannot demonstrate that such interests will be harmed, we may be unable to prevent our competitors from benefiting from the expertise of our former employees or consultants and our ability to remain competitive may be diminished. In addition in California, where many employees of our SDM parts service are located, non-competition agreements with employees are generally unenforceable after termination of employment. Failure to comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act or other applicable anti-corruption legislation could result in fines, criminal penalties and an adverse effect on our business. We operate in a number of countries throughout the world, including countries known to have a reputation for corruption. We are committed to doing business in accordance with applicable anti-corruption laws. We are subject, however, to the risk that our affiliated entities or our and our affiliates’ respective officers, directors, employees and agents (including distributors of our products) may take action determined to be in violation of such anti-corruption laws, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 and the U.K. Bribery Act of 2010, as well as trade sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control and the U.S. Department of Commerce. Any violation by any of these persons could result in substantial fines, sanctions, civil and/or criminal penalties, or curtailment of operations in certain jurisdictions, and might adversely affect our results of operations. In addition, actual or alleged violations could damage our reputation and ability to do business. We own a number of our manufacturing and office facilities, which may limit our ability to move those operations. If we were to move some or all of those operations, we could incur unforeseen charges. We own buildings in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, which we use to conduct our FDM manufacturing and assembly operations, as well as our manufacturing facility in Kiryat Gat, Israel. Ownership of these buildings and facilities may adversely affect our ability to move some or all of those operations to other locations that may be more favorable. If we were to move any of those operations to other locations, we may have difficulty selling or leasing the property that we vacate. This could result in an impairment charge, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in one or more periods. If we do not generate sufficient future taxable income, we may be required to recognize deferred tax asset valuation allowances. The value of our deferred tax assets depends, in part, on our ability to use them to offset taxable income in future years. If we are unable to generate sufficient future taxable income in the U.S. and certain other jurisdictions, or if there are significant changes in tax laws or the tax rates or the period within which the underlying temporary differences become taxable or deductible, we could be required to record valuation allowances against our deferred tax assets. Such allowances would result in an increase in our effective tax rate and have a negative impact on our operating results. If our estimated future taxable income is increased, the valuation allowances for deferred tax assets may be reduced. These changes may also contribute to the volatility of our consolidated financial results. Default in payment by one or more resellers or customers from which we have large account receivable balances could adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition. From time to time, our accounts receivable balances have been concentrated with certain resellers or customers. Default by one or more of these resellers or customers could result in a significant charge against our current reported earnings. We have reviewed our policies that govern credit and collections, and will continue to monitor them in light 16 of current payment status and economic conditions. However, there can be no assurance that our efforts to identify potential credit risks will be successful. Our inability to timely identify resellers and customers that are credit risks could result in defaults at a time when such resellers or customers have high accounts receivable balances with us. Any such default would result in a significant charge against our earnings and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. We are subject to extensive environmental, health and safety laws and regulations that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our operations use chemicals and produce waste materials. We are subject to extensive environmental, health and safety laws, regulations and permitting requirements in multiple jurisdictions governing, among other things, the generation, use, storage, registration, handling and disposal of chemicals and waste materials, the presence of specified substances in electrical products, the emission and discharge of hazardous materials into the ground, air or water, the cleanup of contaminated sites, including any contamination that results from spills due to our failure to properly dispose of chemicals and other waste materials and the health and safety of our employees. Under these laws, regulations and requirements, we could also be subject to liability for improper disposal of chemicals and waste materials, including those resulting from the use of our systems and accompanying materials by end-users. These or future laws and regulations could potentially require the expenditure of significant amounts for compliance and/or remediation. If our operations fail to comply with such laws or regulations, we may be subject to fines and other civil, administrative or criminal sanctions, including the revocation of permits and licenses necessary to continue our business activities. In addition, we may be required to pay damages or civil judgments in respect of third-party claims, including those relating to personal injury (including exposure to hazardous substances that we generate, use, store, handle, transport, manufacture or dispose of), property damage or contribution claims. Some environmental laws allow for strict, joint and several liabilities for remediation costs, regardless of fault. We may be identified as a potentially responsible party under such laws. Such developments could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We are subject to environmental laws due to the import and export of our products, which could subject us to compliance costs and/or potential liability in the event of non-compliance. The export of our products internationally from our production facilities subjects us to environmental laws and regulations concerning the import and export of chemicals and hazardous substances such as the United States Toxic Substances Control Act, or TSCA, and the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemical Substances, or REACH. These laws and regulations require the testing and registration of some chemicals that we ship along with, or that form a part of, our systems and other products. If we fail to comply with these or similar laws and regulations, we may be required to make significant expenditures to reformulate the chemicals that we use in our products and materials or incur costs to register such chemicals to gain and/or regain compliance. Additionally, we could be subject to significant fines or other civil and criminal penalties should we not achieve such compliance. We are currently subject to a number of lawsuits. These and any future lawsuits to which we become subject may have a material adverse impact on our capitalization, business and results of operations. We are currently party to one significant action by a former employee who seeks the issuance of options exercisable for our ordinary shares. The former employee has demanded, based on an alleged undertaking we had made prior to the Stratasys-Objet merger, that we issue him an option that would allow him to maintain an equity interest of 1.45% in our company and reimburse salary reductions he had suffered. This plaintiff has further demanded compensation on account of alleged wrongful termination. While the initial court ruling on this matter dismissed the case and awarded us legal expenses, the plaintiff has appealed the case, which appeal is currently ongoing and is being litigated in the Israeli national labor court. We have furthermore been sued by four current or former minority shareholders and former directors of our company who demand that we amend the capitalization table of our company such that certain share issuances prior to the Stratasys-Objet merger to certain of our shareholders named as defendants would be cancelled, with a consequent issuance of additional shares to the plaintiffs to account for the subsequent dilution to which they have been subject. The lawsuits, which were brought in an Israeli district court in March 2013, also name as defendants certain of our directors, officers and shareholders who previously held those positions prior to the Stratasys-Objet merger. 17 We are also subject to three additional lawsuits, styled as class actions of our shareholders, which were initiated in the United States District Courts for the District of Minnesota, the Southern District of New York, and the Eastern District of New York on February 5, 9, and 20, 2015, respectively, and which name the Company and certain of our officers as defendants. The lawsuits allege violations of the Exchange Act in connection with allegedly false and misleading statements concerning our business and prospects. The plaintiffs seek damages and an award of reasonable costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees. These lawsuits are in their initial stages, and no substantive proceedings have occurred to date. We can provide no assurance as to the outcome of these or any future matters or actions, and any such matters or actions may result in judgments against us for significant damages and/or the issuance of options to acquire shares of our capital stock, the exercise of which would result in dilution to our shareholders. Resolution of these matters can be prolonged and costly, and the ultimate results or judgments are uncertain due to the inherent uncertainty in litigation and other proceedings. Moreover, our potential liabilities are subject to change over time due to new developments, changes in settlement strategy or the impact of evidentiary requirements. Regardless of the outcome, litigation has resulted in the past, and may result in the future, in significant legal expenses and require significant attention and resources of management. As a result, current and any future litigation could result in losses, damages and expenses that have a material adverse effect on our business. We rely on our management information systems for inventory management, distribution, and other key functions. If our information systems fail to adequately perform these functions, or if we experience an interruption in their operation, our business and operating results could be adversely affected. The efficient operation of our business is dependent on our management information systems. We rely on our management information systems: to, among other things, effectively manage our accounting and financial functions, including maintaining our internal controls; to manage our manufacturing and supply chain processes; and to maintain our research and development data. The failure of our management information systems to perform properly could disrupt our business and product development, which may result in decreased sales, increased overhead costs, excess or obsolete inventory, and product shortages, causing our business and operating results to suffer. Although we take steps to secure our management information systems, including our computer systems, intranet and Internet sites, email and other telecommunications and data networks, the security measures we have implemented may not be effective and our systems may be vulnerable to theft, loss, damage and interruption from a number of potential sources and events, including unauthorized access or security breaches, natural or man-made disasters, cyber-attacks, computer viruses, power loss, or other disruptive events. Our reputation, brand, and financial condition could be adversely affected if, as a result of a significant cyber event or otherwise, our operations are disrupted or shut down; our confidential, proprietary information is stolen or disclosed; we incur costs or are required to pay fines in connection with stolen customer, employee, or other confidential information; we must dedicate significant resources to system repairs or increase cyber security protection; or we otherwise incur significant litigation or other costs. Compliance with disclosure rules regarding “conflict minerals” may require us to incur expenses or modify our products or operations and may also adversely affect the demand for some of our products and our operating results. As required under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, in August 2012 the SEC promulgated final rules regarding disclosure of the use of certain minerals (tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold), and certain of their derivatives, known as “conflict minerals,” which are mined from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and adjoining countries, as well as procedures regarding a manufacturer’s efforts to prevent the sourcing of such minerals and metals produced from those minerals. As required by these new rules, in 2013, we commenced due diligence efforts to determine our use of conflict minerals, and we made our first conflict mineral filing with the SEC on June 2, 2014. The rules require us to make subsequent disclosures no later than May 31 of each following year. We expect that we will incur additional costs and expenses, which may be significant, in order to comply with these rules. Since our supply chain is complex, ultimately we may not be able to sufficiently verify the origins for any conflict minerals and metals used in our products through the due diligence procedures that we implement, which may adversely affect our reputation with our customers, shareholders, and other stakeholders. In such event, we may also face difficulties in satisfying customers who require that all of our products are certified as conflict mineral free. If we are not able to meet such requirements, customers may choose not to purchase our products, which could adversely affect our sales and the value of portions of our inventory. Further, there may be only a limited number of suppliers 18 offering conflict free minerals and, as a result, we cannot be sure that we will be able to obtain metals, if necessary, from such suppliers in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices. Any one or a combination of these various factors could harm our business, reduce market demand for our products, and adversely affect our profit margins, net sales, and overall financial results. Risks related to our intellectual property As our patents expire, additional competitors using our technology could enter the market, which could offer competitive printers and consumables, require us to reduce our prices for our products and result in lost sales. Competitors’ introduction of lower quality products using our technology could also negatively affect the reputation and image of our products in the marketplace. Some of our patents have expired and others will expire in coming years. Upon expiration of those patents, our competitors have introduced, and are likely to continue to introduce, products using the technology previously protected by the expired patents, which products may have lower prices than those of our products. To compete, we may need to reduce our prices for those products, which would adversely affect our revenues, margins and profitability. Additionally, the expiration of our patents could reduce barriers to entry into AM systems, which could result in the reduction of our sales and earnings potential. If competitors using technology previously protected by our expired patents were to introduce products of inferior quality, our potential customers may view our products negatively, which would have an adverse effect on our image and reputation and on our ability to compete with systems using other AM technologies. If we are unable to obtain patent protection for our products or otherwise protect our intellectual property rights, our business could suffer. We rely on a combination of patent and trademark laws in the United States and other countries, trade secret protection, confidentiality agreements and other contractual arrangements with our employees, end-users and others to maintain our competitive position. In particular, our success depends, in part, on our ability, and the ability of our licensors, to obtain patent protection for our and their products, technologies and inventions, maintain the confidentiality of our and their trade secrets and know-how, operate without infringing upon the proprietary rights of others and prevent others from infringing upon our and their proprietary rights. Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, it is possible that competitors or other unauthorized third parties may obtain, copy, use or disclose our technologies, inventions, processes or improvements. We cannot assure you that any of our existing or future patents or other intellectual property rights will not be challenged, invalidated or circumvented, or will otherwise provide us with meaningful protection. Our pending patent applications may not be granted, and we may not be able to obtain foreign patents or pending applications corresponding to our U.S. patents. The laws of certain countries, such as China, do not provide the same level of patent protection as in the United States, so even if we assert our patents or obtain additional patents in China or elsewhere outside of the United States, effective enforcement of such patents may not be available. If our patents do not adequately protect our technology, our competitors may be able to offer additive manufacturing systems, consumables or other products similar to ours. Our competitors may also be able to develop similar technology independently or design around our patents, and we may not be able to detect the unauthorized use of our proprietary technology or take appropriate steps to prevent such use. If we attempt enforcement of our intellectual property rights, we may be (as we have been in the past) subject or party to claims, negotiations or complex, protracted litigation. Intellectual property disputes and litigation, regardless of merit, can be costly and disruptive to our business operations by diverting attention and energies of management and key technical personnel, and by increasing our costs of doing business. Any of the foregoing could adversely affect our operating results. We may be subject to claims that we are infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating the intellectual property rights of others. Our products and technology, including the technology that we license from others, may infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate the intellectual property rights of third parties. Patent applications in the United States and most 19 other countries are confidential for a period of time until they are published, and the publication of discoveries in scientific or patent literature typically lags actual discoveries by several months or more. As a result, the nature of claims contained in unpublished patent filings around the world is unknown to us, and we cannot be certain that we were the first to conceive inventions covered by our patents or patent applications or that we were the first to file patent applications covering such inventions. Furthermore, it is not possible to know in which countries patent holders may choose to extend their filings under the Patent Cooperation Treaty or other mechanisms. In addition, we may be subject to intellectual property infringement claims from individuals, vendors and other companies, including those that have acquired patents in the fields of 3D printing or consumable production for the sole purpose of asserting claims against us. In addition to patent infringement claims, we may be subject to other intellectual property claims, such as claims that we are infringing trademarks or misappropriating trade secrets. We may also be subject to claims relating to the content on our websites, including third-party content posted on our Thingiverse.com or GrabCAD.com websites. Any intellectual property claims, regardless of the merit or resolution of such claims could cause us to incur significant costs in responding to, defending and resolving such claims, and may prohibit or otherwise impair our ability to commercialize new or existing products. Resolution of such claims may, among other things, require us to redesign infringing technology, enter into costly settlement or license agreements on terms that are unfavorable to us, or require us to indemnify our distributors and end-users. Any infringement by us or our licensors of the intellectual property rights of third parties may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If we are unable to protect the confidentiality of our trade secrets or know-how, such proprietary information may be used by others to compete against us, in particular in developing consumables that could be used with our printing systems in place of our proprietary consumables. We have devoted substantial resources to the development of our technology, trade secrets, know-how and other unregistered proprietary rights. While we enter into confidentiality and invention assignment agreements intended to protect such rights, such agreements can be difficult and costly to enforce or may not provide adequate remedies if violated, and we may not have entered into such agreements with all relevant parties. Such agreements may be breached and confidential information may be willfully or unintentionally disclosed, or our competitors or other parties may learn of the information in some other way. The disclosure to, or independent development by, a competitor of any of our trade secrets, know-how or other technology not protected by a patent could materially reduce or eliminate any competitive advantage that we may have over such competitor. This concern could manifest itself in particular with respect to our proprietary consumables that are used with our systems. Portions of our proprietary consumables may not be afforded patent protection. Chemical companies or other producers of raw materials used in our consumables may be able to develop consumables that are compatible to a large extent with our systems, whether independently or in contravention of our trade secret rights and related proprietary and contractual rights. If such consumables are made available to owners of our systems, and are purchased in place of our proprietary consumables, our revenues and profitability would be reduced and we could be forced to reduce prices for our proprietary consumables. Risks related to operations in Israel Our Israeli headquarters and manufacturing and other significant operations may be adversely affected by political, economic and military instability in Israel. One of our dual corporate headquarters, as well as all of our PolyJet-related system manufacturing and research and development facilities, one of our two PolyJet consumables manufacturing facilities, and some of our suppliers, are located in central and southern Israel. In addition, many of our key employees, officers and directors are residents of Israel. Accordingly, political, economic and military conditions in Israel may directly affect our business. Since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, a number of armed conflicts have taken place between Israel and its neighboring countries. Any hostilities involving Israel or the interruption or curtailment of trade between Israel and its trading partners could adversely affect our operations and results of operations. During the winter of 2008-2009, in November 2012 and once again in the summer of 2014, Israel has been engaged in armed conflict with Hamas, a militia group and political party that controls the Gaza Strip, and during the summer of 2006, Israel was engaged in an armed conflict with Hezbollah, a Lebanese Islamist Shiite militia group and political party. These conflicts involved missile strikes against civilian targets in various parts of Israel, including areas where some of our manufacturing 20 facilities are located, and negatively affected business conditions in Israel. Any armed conflicts, terrorist activities or political instability in the region, including those related to the recent unrest in Syria, could adversely affect business conditions and could harm our results of operations and could make it more difficult for us to raise capital. Parties with whom we do business have sometimes declined to travel to Israel during periods of heightened unrest or tension, forcing us to make alternative arrangements when necessary in order to meet our business partners face to face. In addition, parties with whom we have agreements involving performance in Israel may claim that they are not obligated to perform their commitments under those agreements pursuant to force majeure provisions in such agreements due to the political or security situation in Israel. Furthermore, many of our male employees in Israel, including members of our senior management, are obligated to perform one month, and in some cases longer periods, of annual military reserve duty until they reach the age of 45 (or older, for citizens who hold certain positions in the Israeli armed forces reserves), and, in the event of a military conflict (such as the last conflict with Hamas), may be called to active duty. In response to increases in terrorist activity from time to time and as a result of the last conflict with Hamas, there have been periods of significant call-ups of military reservists, and some of our Israeli employees have been called up in connection with armed conflicts. It is possible that there will be similar large-scale military reserve duty call-ups in the future. Our operations could be disrupted by the absence of a significant number of Israeli employees or of one or more of our key Israeli employees. Such disruption could materially adversely affect our business and operations. Our commercial insurance does not cover losses that may occur as a result of an event associated with the security situation in the Middle East. Although the Israeli government is currently committed to covering the reinstatement value of direct damages that are caused by terrorist attacks or acts of war, we cannot assure you that this government coverage will be maintained, or if maintained, will be sufficient to compensate us fully for damages incurred. Any losses or damages incurred by our Israeli operations could have a material adverse effect on our business. Any armed conflicts or political instability in the region would likely negatively affect business conditions generally and could harm our results of operations. Your rights and responsibilities as a shareholder will be governed by Israeli law, which may differ in some respects from the rights and responsibilities of shareholders of U.S. companies. We are organized under Israeli law. The rights and responsibilities of the holders of our ordinary shares are governed by our amended and restated articles of association and Israeli law. These rights and responsibilities differ in some respects from the rights and responsibilities of shareholders in typical U.S.-based corporations. In particular, a shareholder of an Israeli company has a duty to act in good faith toward the company and other shareholders and to refrain from abusing its power in the company, including, among other things, in voting at the general meeting of shareholders on matters such as amendments to a company’s articles of association, increases in a company’s authorized share capital, mergers and acquisitions and interested party transactions requiring shareholder approval. In addition, a shareholder who knows that it possesses the power to determine the outcome of a shareholder vote or to appoint or prevent the appointment of a director or executive officer in the company has a duty of fairness toward the company. There is limited case law available to assist us in understanding the implications of these provisions that govern shareholders’ actions. These provisions may be interpreted to impose additional obligations and liabilities on holders of our ordinary shares that are not typically imposed on shareholders of U.S. corporations. Provisions of Israeli law may delay, prevent or otherwise impede a merger with, or an acquisition of, our company, which could prevent a change of control, even when the terms of such a transaction are favorable to us and our shareholders. Israeli corporate law regulates mergers, requires tender offers for acquisitions of shares above specified thresholds, requires special approvals for transactions involving directors, officers or significant shareholders and regulates other matters that may be relevant to such types of transactions. For example, a merger may not be consummated unless at least 50 days have passed from the date on which a merger proposal is filed by each merging company with the Israel Registrar of Companies and at least 30 days have passed from the date on which the shareholders of both merging companies have approved the merger. In addition, a majority of each class of securities of the target company must approve a merger. Moreover, a tender offer for all of a company’s issued and outstanding shares can only be completed if the acquirer receives positive responses from the holders of at least 95% of the issued share capital. Completion of the tender offer also requires approval of a majority of the offerees that do not have a 21 personal interest in the tender offer, unless, following consummation of the tender offer, the acquirer would hold at least 98% of the company’s outstanding shares. Furthermore, the shareholders, including those who indicated their acceptance of the tender offer, may, at any time within six months following the completion of the tender offer, petition an Israeli court to alter the consideration for the acquisition, unless the acquirer stipulated in its tender offer that a shareholder that accepts the offer may not seek such appraisal rights. Furthermore, Israeli tax considerations may make potential transactions unappealing to us or to our shareholders whose country of residence does not have a tax treaty with Israel exempting such shareholders from Israeli tax. For example, Israeli tax law does not recognize tax-free share exchanges to the same extent as U.S. tax law. With respect to mergers, Israeli tax law allows for tax deferral in certain circumstances but makes the deferral contingent on the fulfillment of a number of conditions, including a holding period of two years from the date of the transaction during which sales and dispositions of shares of the participating companies are subject to certain restrictions. Moreover, with respect to certain share swap transactions, the tax deferral is limited in time, and when such time expires, the tax becomes payable even if no disposition of the shares has occurred. These and other similar provisions could delay, prevent or impede an acquisition of our company or our merger with another company, even if such an acquisition or merger would be beneficial to us or to our shareholders. Exchange rate fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and the New Israeli Shekel, the Euro, the Yen and other non-U.S. currencies may negatively affect the earnings of our operations. We report our financial results and most of our revenues are recorded in U.S. dollars. However, substantially all of the manufacturing, research and development expenses of our Israeli operations, as well as a portion of the cost of revenues, selling and marketing, and general and administrative expenses of our Israeli operations, are incurred in New Israeli Shekels. As a result, we are exposed to exchange rate risks that may adversely affect our financial results. If the New Israeli Shekel appreciates against the U.S. dollar or if the value of the New Israeli Shekel declines against the U.S. dollar at a time when the rate of inflation in the cost of Israeli goods and services exceeds the rate of decline in the relative value of the New Israeli Shekel, then the U.S. dollar cost of our operations in Israel would increase and our results of operations would be adversely affected Our Israeli operations also could be adversely affected if we are unable to effectively hedge against currency fluctuations in the future. We cannot predict any future trends in the rate of inflation in Israel or the rate of devaluation (if any) of the New Israeli Shekel against the U.S. dollar. The Israeli rate of inflation (deflation) amounted to (0.2%), 1.8%, and 1.6% for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The appreciation (devaluation) of the New Israeli Shekel in relation to the U.S. dollar amounted to (12. 0%), 6.5% and 2.1% for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We also have substantial revenues and expenses that are denominated in non-US currencies other than the New Israeli Shekel), particularly the Euro. Therefore, our operating results and cash flows are also subject to fluctuations due to changes in the relative values of the U.S. dollar and those foreign currencies. These fluctuations could negatively affect our operating results and could cause our revenues and net income or loss to vary from quarter to quarter. Furthermore, to the extent that our revenues increase in regions such as Asia Pacific, where our sales are denominated in U.S. dollars, a strengthening of the dollar against other currencies could make our products less competitive in those foreign markets and collection of receivables more difficult. From time to time we engage in currency hedging activities. These measures, however, may not adequately protect us from material adverse effects due to the impact of inflation in Israel or from fluctuations in the relative values of the U.S. dollar and other foreign currencies in which we transact business, and may result in a financial loss. For further information, please see “Item 11. Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in this annual report. Calculating our income tax rate is complex and subject to uncertainty. We currently receive Israeli government tax benefits in respect of our Israeli operations. If we do not meet several conditions for receipt of those benefits, or if the Israeli government otherwise decides to eliminate those benefits, they may be terminated or reduced, which would impact our income tax rate and increase our costs. 22 The computation of income taxes is complex because it is based on the laws of numerous taxing jurisdictions and requires significant judgment on the application of complicated rules governing accounting for tax provisions under GAAP. Income taxes for interim quarters is based on a forecast of our global tax rate for the year, which includes forward-looking financial projections. Such financial projections are based on numerous assumptions, including the expectations of profit and loss by jurisdiction. It is difficult to accurately forecast various items that make up the projections, and such items may be treated as discrete accounting. Examples of items that could cause variability in our income tax rate include our mix of income by jurisdiction, tax deductions for share option expense, the application of transfer pricing rules, and tax audits. Future events, such as changes in our business and the tax law in the jurisdictions where we do business, could also affect our rate. One important assumption that goes into calculation of our tax rate is the tax benefit that we receive in respect of some of our operations in Israel, referred to as “Approved Enterprise” and “Beneficiary Enterprises,” under the Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 5719-1959, or the Investment Law. Based on an evaluation of the relevant factors under the Investment Law, including the level of foreign (that is, non-Israeli) investment in our company, we have estimated that our effective tax rate to be paid with respect to all Israeli operations under these benefit programs is 7% to 10%, based on the current balance of activity between our Rehovot, Israel and Kiryat Gat, Israel facilities and the available level of benefits under the law. If we do not meet the requirements for maintaining these benefits, they may be reduced or cancelled and the relevant operations would be subject to Israeli corporate tax at the standard rate, which is currently set at 26.5%. In addition to being subject to the standard corporate tax rate, we could be required to refund any tax benefits that we have already received, plus interest and penalties thereon. Even if we continue to meet the relevant requirements, the tax benefits that our current “Approved Enterprise” and “Beneficiary Enterprise” receive may not be continued in the future at their current levels or at all. If these tax benefits were reduced or eliminated, the amount of taxes that we pay would likely increase, as all of our operations would consequently be subject to corporate tax at the standard rate, which may cause our global tax rate to be materially different than our estimates and could adversely affect our results of operations. Additionally, if we increase our activities outside of Israel, for example, via acquisitions, our increased activities may not be eligible for inclusion in Israeli tax benefit programs, and that could also adversely affect our global tax rate and our results of operations. The Israeli government may furthermore independently determine to reduce, phase out or eliminate entirely the benefit programs under the Investment Law, regardless of whether we then qualify for benefits under those programs at the time, which would also adversely affect our global tax rate and our results of operations. Certain Israeli government grants that we received for certain of our research and development activities in Israel may restrict our ability to transfer manufacturing operations or technology outside of Israel, and failure to satisfy the conditions of those grants with respect to such transfers may require us to obtain a pre-approval from the relevant authorities and pay penalties. Our Israeli-based research and development efforts were and are financed in part, through grants that we received from Israel’s Office of the Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Economy, or OCS. Through 2006, Objet received approximately $1.5 million, which it repaid in its entirety (including interest thereon) by the end of 2007. . . . In 2014 we received funding of approximately $430 Thousands under the Generic R&D program to support certain research and development projects in Israel. We must comply with the requirements of the Israeli Law for the Encouragement of Industrial Research and Development, 1984, and related regulations, or the Research Law, with respect to those current and past grants. When a company develops know-how, technology or products using OCS grants, the terms of these grants and the Research Law restrict the transfer of such know-how, and the transfer of manufacturing or manufacturing rights of such products, technologies or know-how outside of Israel, without the prior approval of the OCS. Therefore, if aspects of our technologies are deemed to have been developed with OCS funding, the discretionary approval of an OCS committee would be required for any transfer to third parties outside of Israel of know-how or manufacturing or manufacturing rights related to those aspects of such technologies. We may not receive those approvals. Furthermore, the OCS may impose certain conditions on any arrangement under which it permits us to transfer technology or development out of Israel. The transfer of OCS-supported technology or know-how outside of Israel may involve the payment of significant amounts, depending upon the value of the transferred technology or know-how, the amount of OCS support, the time 23 of completion of the OCS-supported research project and other factors. Furthermore, the consideration available to our shareholders in a transaction involving the transfer outside of Israel of technology or know-how developed with OCS funding (such as a merger or similar transaction) may be reduced by any amounts that we are required to pay to the OCS. It may be difficult to enforce a U.S. judgment against us and our officers and directors in Israel or the United States, or to serve process on our officers and directors. We are organized in Israel. Most of our officers and directors reside outside of the United States, and a majority of our assets are located outside of the United States. Therefore, a judgment obtained against us or any of our executive officers and directors in the United States, including one based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws, may not be collectible in the United States and may not be enforced by an Israeli court. It also may be difficult for you to effect service of process on these persons in the United States or to assert U.S. securities law claims in original actions instituted in Israel. Risks related to an investment in our ordinary shares If certain of our shareholders sell a substantial number of our ordinary shares, the market price of our ordinary shares could decline. Former MakerBot stockholders and certain MakerBot employees, former Solid Concepts stockholders and option holders, and certain Solid Concepts employees, and certain Harvest Technologies employees and former stockholders, may resell the ordinary shares that we issued or may issue to them pursuant to the MakerBot transaction, Solid Concepts acquisition or Harvest Technologies acquisition, as applicable, under our Form F-3 registration statement that we filed, which covers the resale of the foregoing groups of shares. Under the terms of the MakerBot and Solid Concepts merger agreements, and the Harvest Technologies stock purchase agreement, we issued at the closing of the transactions on August 15, 2013, July 14, 2014 and August 1, 2014, respectively, 3,921,660 ordinary shares, 978,601 ordinary shares and 175,456 ordinary shares (after withholding certain shares for taxes, where applicable), which may be sold or may have already been sold, in whole or part, to the public following the closings. Those shares together constitute approximately 10% of our issued and outstanding shares, in the aggregate, as of the closing date of the Harvest Technologies acquisition (following the issuance of the shares in the Harvest Technologies acquisition). We may also issue up to an additional 650 thousands ordinary shares, approximately 1,000,000 ordinary shares and approximately 111,000 (based on our share price as of the closing) ordinary shares to the selling shareholders and/or employees in respect of periods through early 2015 , mid-2017 and early 2018 pursuant to the terms of the MakerBot merger agreement, Solid Concepts merger agreement and Harvest Technologies stock purchase agreement, respectively, which may be subsequently resold without restriction (assuming that the related registration statement that we have filed remains in effect). Sales of a significant number of the foregoing shares in a short period of time could have the effect of depressing the market price of our ordinary shares. The market price of our ordinary shares may be subject to fluctuation, regardless of our operating results and financial condition. As a result, our shareholders could incur substantial losses. The market price of our ordinary shares since the Stratasys-Objet merger has been subject to substantial fluctuation. During 2014 and the early part of 2015 (through February 14, 2015), our ordinary shares have traded with closing prices that have ranged from $57.36 to $136.46. It is likely that the price of our ordinary shares will continue to be subject to substantial fluctuation regardless of our operating results or financial condition due to a number of factors, including: • whether we achieve the perceived benefits of the mergers or acquisitions that we consummate as rapidly or to the extent anticipated by financial or industry analysts; • whether the effects on our business and prospects of the mergers or acquisitions that we consummate are consistent with the expectations of financial or industry analysts; • variations in our and our competitors’ results of operations and financial condition; 24  These factors and any corresponding price fluctuations may materially and adversely affect the market price of our ordinary shares and result in substantial losses being incurred by our shareholders. Market prices for securities of technology companies historically have been very volatile. The market for these securities has from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations for reasons unrelated to the operating performance of any one company. In the past, following periods of market volatility, public company shareholders have often instituted securities class action litigation. Such securities litigation could result in substantial costs and divert the resources and attention of our management from our business. Raising additional capital by issuing securities may cause dilution to our shareholders. We may need or desire to raise substantial capital in the future. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including, among others: If we raise funds by issuing equity or convertible debt securities, it will reduce the percentage ownership of our then-existing shareholders, and the holders of such new securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those possessed by our then-existing shareholders. • market acceptance of our products; • the mix of products that we sell, and related services that we provide, during any period; • changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by securities analysts; • development of new competitive systems and services by others; • our announcements of technological innovations or new products; • delays between our expenditures to develop and market new or enhanced systems and consumables and the generation of sales from those products; • developments concerning intellectual property rights; • changes in the amount that we spend to develop, acquire or license new products, technologies or businesses; • changes in our expenditures to promote our products and services; • changes in the cost of satisfying our warranty obligations and servicing our installed base of systems; • success or failure of research and development projects of the combined company or its competitors; • the general tendency towards volatility in the market prices of shares of technology companies; and • general market conditions and other factors, including factors unrelated to our operating performance. • the extent to which we acquire or invest in businesses, products or technologies and other strategic relationships; • our degree of success in capturing a larger portion of additive manufacturing demand; • the costs of establishing or acquiring sales, marketing and distribution capabilities for our products; • the costs of preparing, filing and prosecuting patent applications, maintaining and enforcing our issued patents and defending intellectual property-related claims; and • the costs of financing unanticipated working capital requirements and responding to competitive pressures. 25 We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Therefore, if our share price does not appreciate, our shareholders may not recognize a return, and could potentially suffer a loss, on their investment in our ordinary shares. We intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings to fund the development and growth of our business. As a result, capital appreciation, if any, of our ordinary shares will be investors’ sole source of a return on their investment for the foreseeable future. Even if we decide to pay dividends on our ordinary shares, we may be restricted from doing so or payment of such dividends may have adverse consequences for our company. Under the Companies Law, dividends may only be paid out of our profits and other surplus funds (as defined in the Companies Law) as of the end of the most recent year or as accrued over a period of the most recent two years, whichever amount is greater, provided that there is no reasonable concern that payment of a dividend will prevent us from satisfying our existing and foreseeable obligations as they become due. In the event that we do not meet the profit and surplus funds criteria, we can seek the approval of an Israeli court in order to distribute a dividend. The court may approve our request if it is convinced that there is no reasonable concern that the payment of a dividend will prevent us from satisfying our existing and foreseeable obligations as they become due. Due to the acquisition method of accounting utilized for the Stratasys-Objet merger and the MakerBot transaction under GAAP, pursuant to which we were deemed to have acquired Objet’s assets, we will incur significant annual amounts of depreciation and amortization expense in respect of those assets (see note 2 to our consolidated financial statements appearing in this annual report for more information on the method of accounting for the Stratasys-Objet merger and the MakerBot transaction). These significant annual expenses under GAAP might reduce or eliminate our profits and surplus funds as determined under the Companies Law, and, hence, may restrict our ability to pay dividends (absent court approval). We are furthermore restricted from distributing dividends under the terms of our credit agreement and related agreements that we entered into in November 2013 with Bank of America and the other lenders party thereto. See “Risks related to our business and financial condition—Covenants in our credit agreement may restrict our business in many ways” for more information. In general, the payment of dividends may also be subject to Israeli withholding taxes. In addition, because we receive certain benefits under the Israeli law relating to “Approved Enterprise” and “Beneficiary Enterprise”, our payment of dividends (out of tax-exempt income) may subject us to certain Israeli taxes to which we would not otherwise be subject. See “Risks related to our operations in Israel—The government tax benefits that we currently receive require us to meet several conditions and may be terminated or reduced in the future, which would increase our costs.” We are a foreign private issuer under the rules and regulations of the SEC and are therefore exempt from a number of rules under the Exchange Act and are permitted to file less information with the SEC than a domestic U.S. reporting company, which will reduce the level and amount of disclosure that you receive. As a foreign private issuer under the Exchange Act, we are exempt from certain rules under the Exchange Act, including the proxy rules, which impose certain disclosure and procedural requirements for proxy solicitations. Moreover, we are not required to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as domestic U.S. companies with securities registered under the Exchange Act; and are not required to comply with Regulation FD, which imposes certain restrictions on the selective disclosure of material information. In addition, our officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and “short-swing” profit recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules under the Exchange Act with respect to their purchases and sales of our ordinary shares. Accordingly, you receive less information about our company and trading in our shares by our affiliates than you would receive about a domestic U.S. company, and are afforded less protection under the U.S. federal securities laws than you would be afforded in holding securities of a domestic U.S. company. As a foreign private issuer, we are also permitted, and have begun, to follow certain home country corporate governance practices instead of those otherwise required under the Listing Rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market for domestic U.S. issuers. We have informed NASDAQ that we follow home country practice in Israel with regard to, among other things, composition of our board of directors (whereby a majority of the members of our board of 26 directors need not be “independent directors,” as is generally required for domestic U.S. issuers), director nomination procedure and approval of compensation of officers. In addition, we have opted to follow home country law instead of the Listing Rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market that require that a listed company obtain shareholder approval for certain dilutive events, such as the establishment or amendment of certain equity-based compensation plans, an issuance that will result in a change of control of the company, certain transactions other than a public offering involving issuances of a 20% or greater interest in the company, and certain acquisitions of the stock or assets of another company. Following our home country governance practices as opposed to the requirements that would otherwise apply to a United States company listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market may provide our shareholders with less protection than they would have as shareholders of a domestic U.S. company. Our status as a foreign private issuer is subject to an annual review and test, and will be tested again as of June 30, 2015 (the last business day of our second fiscal quarter of 2015). If we lose our status as a foreign private issuer, we will no longer be exempt from such rules. Among other things, beginning on January 1, 2016, we would be required to file periodic reports and financial statements as if we were a company incorporated in the U.S., which, among other things, could result in increased compliance and reporting costs to us. If we are unable to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as they apply to a foreign private issuer, or if our internal controls over financial reporting are not effective, the reliability of our financial statements may be questioned and our share price may suffer. We are subject to the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or Section 404, which requires a company that is subject to the reporting requirements of the U.S. securities laws to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of its and its subsidiaries’ internal controls over financial reporting. To comply with this statute, we are required to document and test our internal control procedures, and our management is required to assess and issue a report concerning our internal controls over financial reporting, in each case on an annual basis. In addition, our independent registered public accounting firm is required to issue an opinion on the effectiveness on our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404. We have prepared for compliance with Section 404 by strengthening, assessing and testing our system of internal controls to provide the basis for our management’s report. The continuous process of strengthening our internal controls and complying with Section 404 is complicated and time-consuming. As our business continues to grow internationally, our internal controls will become more complex and will require significantly more resources and attention to ensure that they remain effective overall. Over the course of testing our internal controls, our management may identify material weaknesses, which may not be remedied in a timely manner on an ongoing basis. If our management cannot favorably assess the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting, or if our independent registered public accounting firm identifies material weaknesses in our internal controls, investor confidence in our financial results may weaken, and our share price may suffer. If we are classified as a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, our U.S. shareholders may suffer adverse tax consequences. Generally, if for any taxable year, after applying certain look-through rules, 75% or more of our gross income is passive income, or at least 50% of the value of our assets are held for the production of, or produce, passive income, we may be characterized as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Passive income for this purpose generally includes, among other things, certain dividends, interest, royalties, rents and gains from commodities and securities transactions and from the sale or exchange of property that gives rise to passive income. If we are a PFIC, gain realized by a U.S. shareholder on the sale of our ordinary shares may be taxed as ordinary income (rather than as capital gain income), and an interest charge added to the tax. Rules similar to those applicable to the taxation of gains realized on the disposition of our stock would apply to distributions exceeding certain thresholds. Although we do not believe that we were a PFIC in 2014, we cannot assure you that the IRS will agree with that conclusion or that we will not become a PFIC in 2015 or in a subsequent year. The tests for determining PFIC status are applied annually, and it is difficult to make accurate predictions of our future income and the future value of our assets. U.S. shareholders should consult with their own U.S. tax advisors with respect to the U.S. tax consequences of 27 investing in our ordinary shares. For a discussion of how we might be characterized as a PFIC and related tax consequences, please see Item 10.E, “Additional Information—Taxation—U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations—Tax Consequences if We Are a Passive Foreign Investment Company”. ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY. A. History and Development of the Company Our legal and commercial name is Stratasys Ltd., and we are the product of the 2012 merger of two leading additive manufacturing companies, Stratasys, Inc. and Objet Ltd. Stratasys, Inc. was incorporated in Delaware in 1989, and Objet Ltd. was incorporated in Israel in 1998, under the name Objet Geometries Ltd., which was changed in 2011 to Objet Ltd. On December 1, 2012, the two companies completed the Stratasys-Objet merger, pursuant to which Stratasys, Inc. became an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Objet Ltd., and Objet Ltd. changed its name to Stratasys Ltd. Also, as part of that transaction, the ordinary shares of Stratasys Ltd. were listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the trading symbol “SSYS”, in place of the listing of the common stock of Stratasys, Inc., which had also traded under that symbol. On August 15, 2013 we acquired Cooperation Technology Corporation, or MakerBot, which was the direct parent company of MakerBot Industries, LLC, a leader in desktop 3D printing, and which owned and operated Thingiverse.com, a website dedicated to the sharing of user-created digital design files. The business of MakerBot (including Thingiverse.com) is now operated by a subsidiary of our company. In July 2014 and August 2014, we completed the acquisitions of Solid Concepts and Harvest Technologies, respectively, two leading providers of additive manufacturing services. We have dual headquarters. One of our two principal places of business is located at 7665 Commerce Way, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and our telephone number there is (952) 937-3000. Our registered office and our other principal place of business is located at 2 Holtzman Street, Science Park, P.O. Box 2496, Rehovot 76124, Israel, and our telephone number at that office is (+972)-74-745-4314. Our agent in the United States is S. Scott Crump, our Chairman of the Executive Committee, whose address is c/o Stratasys Inc. at the address of our Eden Prairie, Minnesota headquarters. Our World Wide Web address is www.stratasys.com. The information contained on that web site (or on our other web sites, including www.objet.com) is not a part of this annual report. As an Israeli company, we operate under the provisions of Israel’s Companies Law, 5759-1999. In 2014, 2013 and 2012, our capital expenditures amounted to $62.3million, $39.7 million and $15.1 million, respectively, of which $60.5 million, $33.3 million and $12.1 million, respectively, related to the purchase of fixed assets for manufacturing or engineering development equipment, tooling, leasehold improvements and the acquisition of computer systems and software applications. Our principal capital expenditures currently in progress are for facility expansion, research and development, manufacturing equipment and information technology, for both our Rehovot, Israel and Eden Prairie, Minnesota headquarters as well as our new facility in Germany. These expenditures are being financed internally from working capital. B. Business overview We are a leading global provider of additive manufacturing, or AM, solutions for the creation of parts used in the processes of designing and manufacturing products and for the direct manufacture of end parts. Our solutions include products ranging from entry-level desktop 3D printers to systems for rapid prototyping, or RP, and large production systems for direct digital manufacturing, or DDM. We also develop, manufacture and sell materials for use with our systems and provide related services offerings. We believe that the range of 3D printing consumable materials that we offer, consisting of 38 Polyjet/Fused Deposition Modeling, or FDM, cartridge-based materials, five Smooth Curvature Printing, or SCP, inkjet-based materials and 138 non-color digital materials, and over 1,000 color variations, is the widest in the industry. Our services offerings include Stratasys Direct Manufacturing printed parts service as well as our professional services. AM, which is also referred to as 3D printing, is transforming prototype development manufacturing processes and is displacing certain segments of traditional, or subtractive, manufacturing methodologies such as metal extrusion, computer-controlled machining and manual modeling techniques. With respect to product design and prototype development, 3D printing significantly improves the design process, reduces the time required for product development and facilitates creativity, while keeping the entire design process in-house. 3D printing also enables the direct manufacture of parts that are subsequently incorporated into a user’s end product. In addition, manufacturers are increasingly using 3D printing systems to produce manufacturing tools and fixtures that aid in their production and 28 assembly processes. While 3D printing has historically been focused on design and manufacturing applications, 3D printing is beginning to show signs of broader adoption with the growth of entry-level desktop 3D printers. Our products and services are used in different applications by customers in a broad array of industries, including aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics, dental, jewelry and more. Our customers range from individuals and smaller businesses to large, global enterprises, and we include a number of Fortune 100 companies among our customers. We offer a broad range of systems, consumables and services for additive manufacturing. Our wide range of solutions, based on our proprietary AM technologies and production materials, enhance the ability of designers, engineers and manufacturers to: Our product portfolio consists of five series of AM systems and the consumables used in those systems. These series are the MakerBot desktop series, the Idea Series, the Design Series, the Production Series and the Dental Series. Collectively, this portfolio offers a variety of performance options for our customers, depending on their desired application, as well as on the nature and size of the designs, prototypes or end-products they seek to produce. Our wide range of systems allows us to offer our customers systems at a number of different price points, depending on the features that our customers desire. As of December 31, 2014, we have sold approximately 121,661 systems globally, including approximately 79,906 sold by MakerBot. We benefit from recurring revenues from the sale of resin and plastic consumables and related services. We provide products and services to our global customer base throughout our offices in North America and internationally, including: Shanghai, China; Frankfurt, Germany; Genoa, Italy; São Paulo, Brazil; Bangalore, India; Tokyo, Japan, and Hong Kong, as well as through our worldwide network of more than 280 agents and resellers. Additionally, through the MakerBot transaction, we have added an online sales channel. We have more than 2,900 employees and hold more than 800 granted or pending patents internationally. Industry overview Historically, prototype development and customized manufacturing have been performed by traditional methods using metal extrusion, computer-controlled machining and manual modeling techniques, in which blocks of material are carved or milled into specific objects. These subtractive manufacturing methodologies have numerous limitations. They often require specialist technicians and can be time- and labor-intensive. The time intensity of traditional modeling can leave little room for design error or subsequent redesign without meaningfully impacting a product’s time-to-market and development cost. As a result, prototypes have traditionally been created only at selected milestones late in the design process, which prevents designers from truly visualizing and verifying the design of an object in the preliminary design stage. The inability to iterate a design rapidly hinders collaboration among design team members and other stakeholders and reduces the ability to optimize a design, as time-to-market and optimization become necessary trade-offs in the design process. AM addresses the inherent limitations of traditional modeling technologies through its combination of functionality, quality, ease of use, speed and cost. AM can be significantly more efficient and effective than traditional model-making techniques for use across the design process, from concept modeling and design review and validation, to fit and function prototyping, pattern making and tooling, to direct manufacturing of repeatable, cost-effective parts, short-run parts and customized end products. Introducing 3D modeling earlier in the design process to evaluate fit, form and function can result in faster time-to-market and lower product development costs. For customized manufacturing, 3D printers eliminate the need for complex manufacturing set-ups and reduce the cost and lead-time associated with conventional tooling. DDM involves the use of 3D production systems for the direct manufacture of parts that are subsequently incorporated into the user’s end product or manufacturing process. DDM is particularly attractive in applications that require short-run or low-volume parts or rapid turn-around, and for which tooling would not be appropriate due to small volumes. DDM also enables the production of objects that have been topologically designed, or designed on the basis of a computerized determination of where to place the key components of the object and how to connect them, a process that is generally unavailable using conventional subtractive manufacturing methodologies. • visualize and communicate product ideas and designs; • verify the form, fit and function of prototypes; • manufacture tools, jigs, fixtures, casts and injection molds used in the process of manufacturing end-products; • manufacture customized and short-run end-products more efficiently and with greater agility; and • produce objects that could not otherwise be manufactured through subtractive manufacturing methodologies. 29 The first commercial 3D printers were introduced in the early 1990s, and since the early 2000s, 3D printing technology has evolved significantly in terms of price, variety and quality of materials, accuracy, ability to create complex objects, ease of use and suitability for office environments. 3D printing is already replacing traditional prototype development methodologies across various industries such as architecture, automotive, aerospace and defense, electronics, medical, footwear, toys, educational institutions, government and entertainment, underscoring its potential suitability for an even broader range of industries. Additionally, 3D printing has created new applications for model-making in certain new market categories, such as: education, where institutions are increasingly incorporating 3D printing into their engineering and design course programs; dental and orthodontic applications, where 3D printed models are being used as replacements for traditional stone models, implants and surgical guides and for crowns and bridges for casting; and jewelry, where 3D printers are being used to produce custom-designed pieces of jewelry. Furthermore, 3D printing is being used in many industries for the direct digital manufacturing of end-use parts. Desktop 3D printer usage has shown rapid growth, with the introduction and adoption of affordable entry-level 3D printers and increased availability of content. These entry-level desktop printers are driving substantially increased market adoption. We expect that the adoption of 3D printing will continue to increase over the next several years, in terms of design applications, on the one hand, and DDM applications, on the other hand. We believe that the expansion of the market will be spurred by increased proliferation of 3D content and 3D authoring tools (3D computer-aided-design, or CAD, and other simplified 3D authoring tools), as well as increased availability of 3D scanners. We also believe that increased adoption of 3D printing will be facilitated by continued improvements in 3D printing technology and greater affordability of entry-level systems. Stratasys solutions Range of solutions We offer a broad range of systems, consumables and services for additive manufacturing. Our solutions address our customers’ needs for 3D printing, including printing systems, a compatible scanner, consumables, software, paid parts and professional services, and 3D content. Our solutions allow our end-users to print 3D objects that enhance their ability to visualize, verify and communicate product designs, thereby improving the design process and reducing time-to-market. Our systems create visual aids for concept modeling and functional prototyping to test fit, form and function, permitting rapid evaluation of product designs. Using presentation models developed with our systems, designers and engineers can typically conduct design reviews and identify potential design flaws and improvements before incurring significant costs due to re-tooling and re-work, allowing them to optimize a design rapidly and cost-effectively. Our systems also aid in the communication of ideas otherwise communicated in abstract or 2D media. For example, a model produced with our systems may be used as a sales tool, as a model or part display or simply for use in conducting a focus group. It may also be used for collaboration in the product design and manufacturing cycles at multiple locations more quickly, enabling visualization, touch and feel, which can be critical to the product evaluation or sales process. Our solutions also empower our end-users to engage in DDM via the use of our systems for the quick and efficient direct manufacture of parts that are subsequently incorporated into the user’s manufacturing processes or end product. For instance, our solutions enable the production of manufacturing tools, jigs, fixtures, casts and injection molds that aid in the customer’s production and assembly process. DDM is also particularly attractive in applications that require short-run or low-volume parts that require rapid turn-around, and for which tooling would not be appropriate due to small volumes, such as dental and jewelry applications. Our solutions also enable the production of objects that generally could not otherwise be manufactured through subtractive manufacturing methodologies. Range of technologies and differentiating factors Our solutions are driven by our proprietary technologies, brought together through the combination of our constituent companies, each of which was a leader in the AM industry. We hold more than 800 granted or pending patents internationally, and our AM systems utilize our patented FDM® and inkjet-based PolyJet™ technologies to enable the production of prototypes, tools used for production and manufactured goods directly from 3D CAD files or other 3D content. We believe that our broad range of product and service offerings is a function of our AM technology leadership. A key attribute of our FDM ® technology is its ability to use a variety of production grade thermoplastic building materials that feature surface resolution, chemical and heat resistance, color, and mechanical properties 30 necessary for production of functional prototypes and parts for a variety of industries with specific demands and requirements. Use of these materials also enables the production of highly durable end parts as well as objects with soluble cores for the manufacture of hollow parts, the manufacture of which were previously dependent on slower and more expensive subtractive manufacturing technologies. We believe that this technology is differentiated by a number of factors that make it appropriate for 3D printing and DDM. These factors include: We believe that our 3D inkjet-based printing technology is primarily differentiated from other competing technologies in its ability to scale and deliver high-resolution and multi-material printing, in color. Our easy-to-use, high-speed 3D PolyJet™ printers create high-resolution, smooth surface finish models that have the look, feel and functionality of the final designed product. We offer a wide variety of office-friendly resin consumables, including rigid and flexible (rubber-like) materials and bio-compatible materials for medical applications. Using our PolyJet™ Matrix technology, our solutions also offer the only 3D printing systems that deposit multiple materials simultaneously. This enables users, in a single build process, to print parts and assemblies made of multiple materials that each retain their distinct mechanical and physical properties. For example, users can print objects with both rigid and flexible portions in a single build, or mix different base colors in order to achieve desired color tone. The PolyJet™ Matrix technology also enables on-demand mixing of a wide variety of resins to create a wide range of pre-defined digital materials, which are composite materials with modified physical or mechanical and color properties that result from the combination of multiple materials. Our PolyJet inkjet-based technology is also currently distinguished by its ability to offer transparent material printing in an office environment system. Transparency is a desired feature in the design and engineering phases of product development and is applicable in automotive, consumer products and consumer electronics. The main applications are lighting components, tubing and piping, package optimization, and fluid analysis. We also offer Smooth Curvature Printing, or SCP, thermoplastic ink-jetting technology through our SolidScape brand to produce wax-like patterns for lost-wax casting, investment casting and mold making applications. The SCP printer creates solid 3D parts through an additive, layer-by-layer process, using our SCP thermoplastic ink-jetting technology and high-precision milling of each layer. The parts produced are extremely high resolution with very precise details and fine surface finish, making our SCP systems well-suited for DDM. We offer 38 Polyjet/FDM cartridge-based materials, five SCP inkjet-based materials and 138 non-color digital materials, and over 1,000 color variations for our 3D printers, which we believe is the widest range of materials in the industry. Customers We have a diverse set of customers worldwide, with no single customer or group of affiliated customers nor any individual sales agent or group of affiliated sales agents accounting for more than 10% of our sales in 2014, 2013 or 2012. Our solutions are used across a wide array of applications in a variety of different industries. Our competitive strengths We believe that the following are our key competitive strengths: • the ability to use FDM ® systems in an office environment due to the absence of hazardous emissions; • the relative absence of post-production processing; • minimal material waste; • better processing and build repeatability; • ease of use, with minimal system set up requirements; • no need for costly replacement lasers and laser parts; and • a high degree of precision and reliability. • Differentiated product offerings with superior model quality. Our portfolio of 3D printing systems is differentiated through a combination of superior printing qualities, accuracy, print speed, the ability to print a range of materials with varying levels of strength, chemical and heat resistance, color and mechanical properties, the ability to print multiple materials simultaneously and suitability for office environments. Our offering spans the spectrum from entry-level desktop printers to high-end solutions for complex operations. Our FDM-based systems enable highly precise printing of 13 different durable thermoplastic materials, enabling a wide range of DDM applications with little or no post-production processing. Our PolyJet inkjet-based systems jet ultra-thin layers of material that enable significant accuracy, high resolution and smooth finish to printed models. For use 31 with these systems we offer a wide variety of office-friendly resin consumables, including rigid, flexible (rubber-like), transparent and color materials. We believe that we offer the only printing system that utilizes the simultaneous jetting of three materials to enable end-users to print models with rigid, flexible and color materials, in virtually unlimited combinations, in a single build. Our SolidScape SCP thermoplastic ink-jetting technology offers high-precision milling of each printed layer, enabling extremely high resolution with precise details and fine surface finish. Our growth strategy The key elements of our strategy for growth include the following: • Proprietary technology platforms with multidisciplinary technological expertise. We believe that our proprietary 3D FDM and 3D inkjet-based PolyJet printing engines offer end users the versatility and differentiated features necessary for a wide variety of current and potential applications. We combine our proprietary hardware platforms, featuring widely-deployed inkjet printer heads or easy-to-use extrusion heads with integrated software and 38 proprietary materials to develop and produce leading 3D printing systems. This allows us to offer a spectrum of 3D printers and printing systems of varying features, capacities and price points, and to migrate the advanced features of our high-end products to our entry-level products with greater efficiency. Our 3D printing solutions integrate innovations in a wide range of scientific disciplines, such as physics, chemistry, and mechanical and electrical engineering, as well as software development. We have made significant investments in developing and integrating technologies into our hardware platform, software and proprietary consumables. We believe that we have a strong base of technology know-how. Our patent portfolio consists of more than 800 granted or pending patents internationally. We believe that we have a culture of innovation, and we expect to continue to enhance our solutions both to further drive market adoption of 3D printing and to broaden our market reach. • Leading Direct Manufacturing Business. Our newly branded Stratasys Direct Manufacturing service business, which comprises our legacy RedEye parts business combined with the recently acquired Solid Concepts and Harvest Technologies, is one of the largest and leading AM parts service providers globally. This unit’s knowledge of and experience in AM, including materials and systems know-how, and AM end-use parts production is expected to enhance our DDM offering suite. This unit offers a wide array of underlying printing technologies and materials. Furthermore, Stratasys Direct Manufacturing enables us to offer a broader solution to our customers, catering to more of their 3D printing needs, whether by supply of 3D printers or of 3D printed parts. We believe this offering creates better customer intimacy and a competitive advantage for Stratasys. • Large and growing installed base. Our differentiated offerings have led to a large and growing installed base. As of December 31, 2014, we have sold approximately 121,661 systems globally, including approximately 79,906 sold by MakerBot. The significant installed base has resulted in greater distribution reach and enhanced opportunities for cross selling, given the significantly broadened and complementary product offerings. It furthermore presents us with an opportunity to generate recurring revenues from sales of consumables to the installed base. • Leading position in desktop 3D printing. With the acquisition of MakerBot, we have expanded our solutions for 3D printing, encompassing accessible desktop 3D printers and materials and leading content creation and sharing solutions. We believe that this category is poised for significant growth driven by broader adoption of 3D printing and an increase the in number of applications where 3D printing is used. We believe our installed base, brand awareness and portfolio of solutions in this category positions us well to capitalize on the continued growth of this category. • Diverse, global customer base. We have a broad customer base, ranging from global market leading brands to small businesses and professionals and individuals. Our end-users include companies across a wide range of industries and applications, including automotive, aerospace, architecture, consumer products, educational institutions, defense, medical analysis, medical systems, electronics, and heavy equipment. • Extensive global reach. With more than 280 channel partners around the world, we are well positioned to leverage the extensive geographic reach of our marketing and sales organization to serve customers and grow awareness of 3D printing for RP and DDM. The merger between Stratasys and Objet has already resulted in greater distribution reach and enhanced opportunities for cross selling into our combined company’s installed base, given the significantly broadened and complementary product offerings the merger produced. In addition, through the MakerBot transaction we have added an online sales channel. 32  Products and services Our product portfolio consists of five series of AM systems and the consumables used by those systems. Our product series comprise the MakerBot desktop series, the Idea Series, the Design Series, the Production Series and the Dental Series. Collectively, this portfolio of products offers a broad range of performance options for users, depending on their desired application, as well as on the nature and size of the designs, prototypes or end-products they seek to produce. Our products are available at a variety of different price points and include entry-level desktop • Identifying new vertical applications for our proprietary 3D printing technologies. We believe that the proliferation of 3D content, advancements in AM technology platforms and the introduction of improved materials will continue to drive growth in 3D printing. We intend to invest in the identification of new applications (especially DDM applications) for which our proprietary printing technologies and materials are appropriate. In addition, we seek relevant niche applications where AM can provide substantial value, and develop a comprehensive solution to address these opportunities. We also intend to encourage existing and potential customers to identify new applications in part by increasing awareness of the features of our technology and product offerings. • Increasing adoption of AM manufacturing solutions . We believe that the adoption of 3D printing for manufacturing applications can be accelerated through working intimately with our customers and the 3D printing ecosystem, to reduce the complexity of using our solutions. We are investing in developing professional services capabilities to enhance our customers’ ability to use our solutions. In addition, we collaborate with strategic partners in our ecosystem to streamline the integration of 3D printing solutions into the business processes of our customers. • Driving further adoption through desktop systems. We expect to drive market adoption through increased sales of our desktop systems. These systems are expected to penetrate a broad and largely untapped addressable market, targeting small design teams within large organizations, small and medium-sized businesses and individuals. We expect to leverage our growing Thingiverse community to accelerate adoption. We expect to incorporate certain additional features of our high-end series of printers into our entry-level series over time. • Leveraging our global reach to expand the customer base and further penetrate existing customers. We have a network of more than 280 resellers and selling agents around the world and various online channels. We will seek to increase the penetration of our existing customer base by enabling customers to streamline purchasing processes and by increasing cross-selling into our installed base. We intend to reach new customers and increase sales to existing customers by providing access to new solutions that address customers’ specific needs. These solutions include those offered by our Stratasys Direct Manufacturing service. As part of this strategy we intend to grow awareness of 3D printing solutions for RP and DDM and to develop industry specific sales channels as part of our effort to commercialize a broader range of new DDM applications. Additionally, we expect to significantly expand our online presence and leverage our retail channel. • Maintaining and extending our technology lead. Our multidisciplinary technological leadership, as evidenced by our more than 800 granted or pending patents internationally, underpins our proprietary hardware, integrated software and range of 3D printing materials, which consist of range of 38 Polyjet/FDM cartridge-based materials, five SCP inkjet-based materials and 138 non-color digital materials, and over 1,000 color variations. We will seek to extend our technological capabilities by continuing to invest in our R&D efforts, which focus on enhancing our 3D PolyJet and FDM printing technologies as well as developing new innovative solutions for 3D printing. In addition, we will continue developing consumables that offer an even broader array of physical, mechanical and aesthetic properties, thereby broadening user applications. We believe that by enhancing our AM technological capabilities and by developing and introducing new materials for our 3D printing and production systems, we will be able to increase both the size of, and our share of, the 3D printing marketplace. • Continuing servicing our installed base. Today our company has the largest AM solutions installed base in the industry. We consider the relationship with our customers to be a valuable asset, as reflected in our customer satisfaction surveys. We plan to continue nurturing these relationships to enhance the intimacy with our customers, which will allow us to address their needs better through innovative and holistic prototyping and manufacturing solutions of printers and materials, AM printed parts service and advanced professional services. • Growing through complementary acquisitions. We intend to selectively pursue acquisitions to expand our product offerings, go to market and overall growth and market penetration. Accordingly, we may consider acquisitions and investments in order to effect and accelerate our other growth strategies. 33 3D printers, a range of systems for RP, and large production systems for DDM. We also offer a range of printing materials consisting of 38 Polyjet/FDM cartridge-based materials, five SCP inkjet-based materials and 138 non-color digital materials and over 1,000 color variations. The performance of our different systems varies in terms of capabilities, which are related to the following features: Our systems also integrate our software and are supported by services that we provide to our customers, both directly and through our reseller channel. Printing systems Our AM systems are described below: Design Series: Our Design Series includes the Dimension and Objet brands. The Dimension brand features our FDM technology and the Objet brand features our PolyJet technology. The technology available in this series makes it well suited for all aspects of RP, from design visualization and communication to form and fit verification to model building for functional testing. This series also offers a variety of products that provide customers with a broad range of choices of features such as printing capacity, production speed and price. The Dimension product line allows users to create parts in ABSplus plastic. This material enables production of parts with the strength required for true form, fit and functional testing. The Connex Systems are our most advanced PolyJet-based printer line featuring the highest capacity and offering the broadest set of features, including the ability to jet three materials simultaneously, with rigid, flexible and color characteristics, in virtually unlimited combinations, in a single build. Production Series: The Production Series includes our Fortus, Polyjet and SolidScape brands, all of which are typically used for DDM applications. 3D Production Systems driven by PolyJetTM technology work by jetting state-of-the-art photopolymer materials in ultra-thin layers onto a build tray, layer by layer, until the part is complete. The intuitive Objet Studio™ software manages the process. And, with multi-material 3D production systems, you can combine different material properties in the same part, in a single print – gaining ultimate versatility. Our proven FDM® technology is the foundation for the Fortus® 3D Production Systems. Durable, production-grade thermoplastic is heated in an extrusion head and deposited in thin layers on a modeling base. The part is built, layer upon layer, with exactness from the bottom up. InsightTM software provides advanced control over build parameters. When the part is complete, the soluble or breakaway support material is removed, leaving an accurate, durable part that’s environmentally stable. We also offer our SolidScape line of 3D printers for DDM applications. This line of products combines patent-protected, SCP thermoplastic ink-jetting technology and high-precision milling of each layer, with our proprietary graphical front-end ModelWorks software. Objects created with these systems feature extremely high pattern resolution and accuracy and are used primarily for jewelry products and dental applications. MakerBot Replicator series: Our MakerBot Replicator series represents our 3D desktop printers, compact, and professional-grade printers. Our desktop and compact printers are affordable, and designed for easy, desktop use and are typically used by individuals operating alone or within an enterprise. Our larger, professional printer has a large build volume ideal for industrial prototypes, models and products. We acquired MakerBot in August 2013 to enhance our desktop offerings. In addition to the Replicator printer series, our MakerBot portfolio includes the Digitzer, which is a 3D scanner that allows customers to scan an object and convert it into a digital file that can subsequently be printed. Idea Series: The Idea Series includes our lower capacity, affordable set of 3D printers for professional use. This series comprises the MoJo and uPrint product families, both of which are FDM-based. These products are designed for easy use in an office environment and produce professional grade parts using our ABS line of thermoplastics. Dental Series : Each Dental Series 3D printer runs on one of two patented, industry-leading technologies to build models, dental appliances and casting wax-ups in-house, directly from digital files. Our PolyJet technology enables the production of • print speed; • resolution; • materials; • resin cartridge capacity and filament spool size; • maximum model (or tray) size; and • duty cycle, or the number of objects that a printer can produce over a given period of time without requiring maintenance. 34 surgical guides, fitting models, veneer try-ins and orthodontic appliances from materials specially engineered for dental applications. Our wax-deposition-modeling, or WDM, technology drives 3D printers that enable the production of crowns, bridges and partial dentures. Consumable materials We sell a broad range of 3D printing materials, consisting of 38 Polyjet/FDM cartridge-based materials, five SCP inkjet-based materials and 138 non-color digital materials, and over 1,000 color variations for use in our 3D printers and production systems. The sale of these materials provides us with a recurring revenue stream from users of our 3D printers and production systems. The materials we sell are described below: FDM-based materials The modeling and support filament used in the FDM-based 3D printers and production systems features a wide variety of production grade thermoplastic materials. We continue to develop filament modeling materials that meet our customers’ needs for increased speed, strength, accuracy, surface resolution, chemical and heat resistance, color, and mechanical properties. These materials are processed into our proprietary filament form, which is then utilized by our FDM systems. Our spool-based system has proven to be a significant advantage for our products, because it allows the user to quickly change material by simply mounting the lightweight spool and feeding the desired filament into the FDM devices that are office friendly. Currently, we have a variety of build materials in multiple colors commercially available for use with our FDM technology. Each material has specific characteristics that make it appropriate for various applications. The ability to use different materials allows the user to match the material to the end use application, whether it is a pattern for tooling, a concept model, a functional prototype, a DDM manufacturing tool, or a DDM end use part. PolyJet-based materials Our resin consumables, which consist of our PolyJet family of proprietary acrylic-based photopolymer materials, are designed for use with our PolyJet printing systems and enable users of those products to create highly accurate, finely detailed 3D models and parts for a wide range of prototype development and customized manufacturing applications. The wide variety of resins within the PolyJet family is characterized by transparent, colored, or opaque visual properties and flexible, rigid or other physical properties. The FullCure support materials that are used together with the model materials enable the 3D printing of models with a wide array of complex geometries. Our PolyJet materials are produced in-house and are specially designed for our printing systems. We have invested significant research and development efforts in optimizing our PolyJet materials for use with inkjet technology. These efforts are reflected in the properties of these materials, which enable them to be packaged, stored, combined and readily cured upon printing. Our PolyJet materials are packaged in cartridges for safe handling and are suitable for use in office environments. The polymerized materials can also be machined, drilled, chrome-plated or painted in most cases. SCP inkjet-based materials Our SolidScape 3D materials are non-toxic thermoplastic materials featuring excellent lost wax casting qualities, including fast melt out, no ash or residue, and no thermal expansion. Currently, we have three modeling materials commercially available for use with our SolidScape technology. These include materials formulated specifically for particular industries, such as a thermalpolyester formula developed to help retail jewelers and manufacturers meet the demand for finished goods using less precious materials and a thermalpolyester material formulated to deliver high casting yields for dental applications. Integrated software We offer suites of integrated software with our various AM systems; each is designed to make the process of creating high-quality, highly detailed and accurate models more efficient. Our software supports commonly used 3D file formats and converts three-dimensional CAD databases into the appropriate code to operate our AM systems. Our 35 software also provides a wide range of features, including automatic support generation, part scaling, positioning and nesting, as well as geometric editing capabilities. Our different software suites are specifically designed for our different AM systems and their different applications. Accordingly, certain software focuses on increasing build speed and improving the design engineer’s control and efficiency over the entire build process. Other software suites offer simple “click & build” preparation and print tray editing, and provide easy, accurate job timing estimation and full job control, including queue management. Similarly, we offer software that allows users to make adjustments to 3D printing properties. For example, for our Connex line of 3D printers, our software enables users to change the color and material mix in the printing process, allowing users to quickly modify the properties of the model being printed. The software designed for our PolyJet inkjet-based 3D printers enables users to work in parallel and send jobs from any network computer to the server. Jobs enter the queue either according to the parameters configured by the system administrator, or in chronological order. The queue is therefore easily managed, as each user has access to his or her jobs and the administrator can set and adjust parameters and access permissions. In configurations of multiple printing systems on the network, each user automatically receives the parameters of the selected system, such as tray size, loaded materials, and queue status, helping ensure easy, error-free tray setup. Online Community Thingiverse.com Thingiverse is our online community for sharing downloadable, digital 3D designs. The Thingiverse platform enables users to share and customize their digital designs. We believe that Thingiverse is the largest repository of free 3D printable content available to consumers. Thingiverse includes more than 250,000 public designs available for downloading. We furthermore operate the MakerBot Digital Store online in which we sell high quality, printable and paintable digital 3D models, now offered on a streaming platform. The content is presented in one of three categories and supplemented with licensed content from strategic partners. All models are designed to be printed on the MakerBot desktop 3D printers. GrabCAD Community We host the GrabCAD Community for mechanical engineers and designers, where members can upload and download free CAD models, post and answer mechanical engineering questions, and participate in design challenges. This community had more than 1.6 million members at the end of 2014. The GrabCAD community provides engineers and designers a resource for CAD models helping them communicate ideas and share designs. Our services Support services and warranty Customer support Our customer support department provides on-site system installation, basic operation training, a full range of maintenance and repair services and remote technical support to users of our products. We provide support to our customers directly and through our resellers, ensuring that support and parts may be readily obtained worldwide. We also offer training to our customers, particularly on our high-performance systems. Our support network consists of the following: • More than 500 trained, Stratasys-certified engineers providing worldwide, on-site installation, training and support. • Direct support engineers through our company. • Indirect support engineers through certified partners, including third-party service organizations or selected resellers who provide support for our systems. • Phone and direct on-site company support in six languages, and resellers indirect support in local languages. • Service logistics in key regional centers. 36  Our goal is to ensure maximum uptime and productivity for our AM systems. In order to do so, we regularly update the technical documentation related to our systems, offer extensive training courses for operators and promote proactive knowledge sharing designed to help users maximize the value of their equipment and to expand the applications for which they employ our 3D printing and production systems. We offer services on a time and materials basis as well as through a number of post-warranty maintenance contracts with varying levels of support and pricing, as described below under “Extended support programs.” Customer support is represented on cross-functional product development teams within our company to ensure that products are designed for serviceability and to provide our internal design and engineering departments with feedback on field issues. Failure analysis, corrective action, and continuation engineering efforts are driven by data collected in the field. Ongoing customer support initiatives include development of advanced diagnostic and troubleshooting techniques and comprehensive preventative maintenance programs, an expanded training and certification program for Stratasys and Stratasys partners’ technical personnel, and improved communication between the field and the factory. Basic warranty Our printing systems are sold with warranties that range from 90 days to one year from installation, depending upon the product line and geographic location. Warranties are generally accompanied by on-site maintenance support. Receipt of maintenance and repair services after the warranty period is subject to the terms of our extended support programs, to the extent purchased by the end-user, as described below. Extended support programs Recognizing that our end-users have varying support needs, we offer a range of support programs that enable our end-users to continue to receive maintenance services beyond the initial warranty period. These support programs contain varying degrees of the support services described above and are priced accordingly. Leasing In the United States, we offer our customers the option to lease or rent 3D printers and 3D production systems. Stratasys Direct Manufacturing paid-parts service Stratasys Direct Manufacturing was formed on January 1, 2015 from our three AM service companies – RedEye (formerly a business unit of Stratasys, Inc.) and newly acquired Harvest Technologies and Solid Concepts – and is a provider of 3D printing and custom AM services. Stratasys Direct Manufacturing offers AM capabilities encompassing a wide range of technologies allowing for plastic and metal parts for rapid prototyping and production processes. Our Stratasys Direct Manufacturing paid-parts service produces prototypes and end-use parts for customers from a customer-provided CAD file. This allows the customer to benefit from our process-related knowhow, capitalize on the variety of materials and machine types available through our service center, and take advantage of additional capacity using the latest in proven RP and DDM technologies and processes. Our Stratasys Direct Manufacturing business operates a website service, www.stratasysdirect.com, which enables our customers to obtain quotes and order parts around the clock, seven days a week. Marketing, sales and distribution Marketing Our marketing strategies are focused on increasing awareness of our key solutions and services, strengthening our leadership brand positions, accelerating and supporting sales growth, and increasing customer loyalty. We initiate marketing programs and campaigns to drive lead generation throughout the countries in which we • Training facilities and resources in regional centers. • Computerized management system and knowledge distribution platform to ensure high-quality support for our customers, including secure remote access to a customer service database containing service history and technical documentation to aid in troubleshooting and repairing systems. • Support, tools and up-to-date information to our direct customer and distribution channels from our product support engineering team. 37 and our resellers and agents operate. We are also investing in programs to support our strategic account and select vertical industry sales efforts. We use a variety of inbound and outbound marketing methods to reach potential customers. Examples of inbound methods include search marketing (Search Engine Optimization and Pay-Per-Click advertising), social media, blogs, syndication, webinars and white papers. Outbound channel examples include digital and print communication programs, press relations, direct mail and e-mail campaigns, tradeshows, newsletters, industry associations and referrals. In addition, we have built and maintain on-site product and technology demonstration capabilities in certain regional offices across the world. We measure and analyze the success of various marketing initiatives and strive to identify current and future customer needs. Based on our analysis, we create and update our product roadmaps and individual marketing plans to help optimize distribution while helping ensure a smooth process of release, ramp-up and sales of our products. Sales distribution methods Our sales organization sells, distributes and provides follow-up support services with respect to our AM systems and related consumables, through a worldwide sales and marketing infrastructure. We generally use three methods for distribution and support: (i) sales to resellers who purchase and resell our products and through whom follow-up support and maintenance services and replacement parts are provided to end-users; (ii) sales of systems that are arranged by a network of independent sales agents worldwide, pursuant to which we sell directly to end-users, pay commissions to such agents, and directly handle the sale of consumables and provision of follow-up support services; and (iii) direct sales of systems or services to end-users without the involvement of any intermediaries, for which all aspects of our sales and follow-up services are handled exclusively by our company. In certain instances, the same individual or company can serve as a reseller with respect to certain of our products while acting as an independent sales agent for other products. Our resellers and independent sales agents are overseen by regional managers and operate on a non-exclusive basis, although we believe that most do not sell competing AM systems. Almost all of the reseller and independent sales agent locations that distribute our products have our AM systems available for tradeshows, product demonstrations, and other promotional activities. Additionally, many of them enjoy a long-term presence and offer third-party 3D CAD software packages in their respective territories, enabling them to cross-sell our systems to customers who purchase those other products. In addition to our direct and indirect seller network, we also offer our MakerBot Replicator series and related consumables and services through our online and retail channels. Geographical structure of sales organization The primary sales organization for our 3D printers and production systems including related consumables, materials and services is divided into groups based on the following geographical regions: North America; Europe and Middle East; Asia Pacific; and Latin America. This structure allows us to align our sales and marketing resources with our diverse customer base. Our sales organization in each region provides sales support to the network of independent reseller and sales agent locations throughout the particular region. We also operate sales and service centers in various locations throughout North America and internationally, including: Shanghai, China; Frankfurt, Germany; Genoa, Italy; São Paulo, Brazil; Bangalore, India; Tokyo, Japan; and Hong Kong. Manufacturing and suppliers Manufacturing The manufacturing process for our 3D printing and production FDM and Polyjet systems consists of assembling those systems using both off-the-shelf and customized components manufactured specifically for us, and producing and packaging the consumables products to be used by those systems. Our core competencies include FDM and Polyjet printing systems assembly, systems integration, software installation and resin and filament manufacturing, all of which are done internally at our facilities. We currently operate on a build-to-forecast basis and obtain all parts used in the FDM and Polyjet systems manufacturing process from either distributors of standard electrical or mechanical parts or custom fabricators of our proprietary designs. Our manufacturers and suppliers are periodically assessed by us based on their on-time performance and quality. We purchase major component parts for our FDM and Polyjet systems from various suppliers, subcontractors and other sources, and assemble them in our U.S. and Israeli facilities. Our production floors have been organized 38 using demand-flow techniques, or DFT, in order to achieve efficiency, quality and balance of our production lines. As capacity constraints arise, because of our use of DFT, we can avoid the requirements of reconfiguring our production floor. Computer-based Material Requirements Planning, or MRP, is used for reordering to better ensure on-time delivery of parts and raw materials. Operators and assemblers are trained on assembly and test procedures including Assembly Requirement Documents, which originate in engineering. In the manufacturing processes for our FDM and Polyjet systems, we employ a Quality Management System, or QMS, that meets international quality standards including ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 13485:2003, which relates to medical devices. We also outsource the manufacture of main subassemblies up to fully assembled systems ready for integration. The system assembly process for our FDM and Polyjet systems includes semi-automated functional tests of key subassemblies. Key functional characteristics are verified through these tests, and the results are stored in a statistical database. Upon completion of the assembly of our 3D printing and production FDM and Polyjet systems, we perform a complete power up and final quality tests to help ensure the quality of those products before shipment to customers. The final quality tests must be run error-free before the FDM and Polyjet systems can be cleared for shipment. We maintain a history log of all FDM and Polyjet products that shows revision level configuration and a complete history during the manufacturing and test process. All identified issues on the FDM and Polyjet systems during the manufacturing process are logged, tracked and used to make continuous production process improvements. The commonality of designs among our different FDM and Polyjet product families eases the transition to manufacturing new designs. Our filament production uses Factory Physics® techniques to manage critical buffers of time, capacity and inventory to ensure product availability. We also use the “5S” method (Sort, Set-in-order, Shine, Standardize and Sustain) as part of our lean manufacturing initiatives to improve organization and efficiency. Inventory and suppliers We maintain an inventory of parts to facilitate the timely assembly of products required by our production plan. While most components are available from multiple suppliers, certain components used in our systems and consumables are only available from single or limited sources. In particular, the printer heads for our PolyJet 3D printing systems are supplied by a sole supplier, Ricoh. We consider our single and limited-source suppliers (including Ricoh) to be reliable, but the loss of one of these suppliers could result in the delay of the manufacture and delivery of the relevant components (and, ultimately, of our products). This type of delay could require us to find and re-qualify the component supplied by one or more new vendors. Although we consider our relationships with our suppliers to be good, we continue to develop risk management plans for these critical suppliers. In order to hedge against the risk of a discontinuation of the supply of our inkjet printer heads in particular, we maintain a reasonable supply of excess inventory of printer heads. Ricoh Agreement We purchase the printer heads for our inkjet 3D printing systems from Ricoh pursuant to an OEM Purchase and License Agreement with Ricoh, effective as of May 5, 2011, or the Ricoh Agreement. The current Ricoh Agreement replaced our original agreement with Ricoh that had been entered into in June 2000 and amended on various occasions subsequently, and which expired upon the effectiveness of the new Ricoh Agreement. Under the Ricoh Agreement, we place orders for print heads and associated electronic components, or the Ricoh Products. Together with provision of these items, Ricoh provides us with a non-transferable, non-exclusive right to assemble, use and sell the Ricoh Products under Ricoh’s patent rights and trade secrets. Pricing under the Ricoh Agreement depends on the quantity of Ricoh Products that we purchase during any given month, and to the extent that we commit to a certain annual minimum prior to an upcoming year, we receive a set, discounted price for all Ricoh Products ordered during that upcoming year. The Ricoh Agreement runs for an initial term of five years and automatically renews for additional one-year periods thereafter unless either party provides the other six months’ advance written notice of termination prior to the end of the then-current term. The Ricoh Agreement may be cancelled by either party if (i) the other party substantially breaches any material provision of the agreement and has not cured such breach within 30 days of receipt of written notice thereof, or (ii) upon the occurrence of certain bankruptcy events, and may furthermore be cancelled by Ricoh if we fail to cure a breach of an undisputed payment obligation within thirty (30) days of the breach. 39 At any time during the term of the Ricoh Agreement, Ricoh may discontinue the manufacture and supply of a print head model, so long as it provides us with at least eighteen (18) months’ prior written notice of such discontinuance and honors all of our purchase orders for the subject print head model within the notice period. During the period of five years from the earlier of either the termination of the Ricoh Agreement or the date of discontinuance of the manufacture of Ricoh Products (that is, following the 18-month notice period described in the previous sentence), we are entitled to purchase additional Ricoh Products for the sole purpose of providing replacements for the installed base of Ricoh Products, including one final purchase order that we may place in the final year of such five-year period and that must be filled by Ricoh within twelve months of when it is placed. The Ricoh Agreement may not be assigned by either party without the other party’s prior written consent, which may not be unreasonably withheld. Research and development We maintain an ongoing program of research and development, or R&D, to develop new systems and materials and to enhance our existing product lines, as well as to improve and expand the capabilities of our systems and related software and materials. This includes significant technology platform developments for our FDM, PolyJet and SCP technologies, our AM systems, including our integrated software, and our family of proprietary acrylic-based photopolymer materials for PolyJet printing and family of proprietary thermoplastic materials for FDM printing. Our research aims to develop improved and more affordable products. Our engineering development efforts also focus on customer requested enhancements, and development of new modeling processes, software and user applications. In particular, we have devoted significant time and resources to the development of a universally compatible and user-friendly software system. Our R&D department is divided into groups based on scientific disciplines and product lines. We are committed to designing products using the principles of Six Sigma. We continue to standardize our product platforms, leveraging each new design so that it will result in multiple product offerings that are developed faster and at reduced expense. We invest a significant amount of our resources in R&D, because we believe that superior technology is a key to maintaining a leading market position. Our net R&D expenses were approximately $82.3 million, $52.3 million, and $19.7 million in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and, on a pro-forma basis for our combined company, were approximately $36.9 million in 2012, representing 10.3% of our revenues on a pro-forma basis in 2012. Our consumable materials development and production operations for our FDM and PolyJet systems are located at our facilities in Eden Prairie, MN, and Kiryat Gat, Israel. The development and production facility for our SolidScape operations are located in Merrimack, New Hampshire, whereas the facilities for our MakerBot operations are located in various locations. We regard the consumable materials formulation and manufacturing process as a trade secret and hold patent claims related to these products. We purchase and formulate raw materials for our consumables production from various polymer resin and thermoplastic materials suppliers with different levels of processing and value-add applied to the raw materials. Intellectual property We consider our proprietary technology to be important to the development, manufacture, and sale of our products and seek to protect such technology through a combination of patents, trade secrets, and confidentiality agreements and other contractual arrangements with our employees, consultants, customers and others. All patents and patent applications for rapid prototyping processes and apparatuses associated with our technology were assigned to us by their inventors. The principal granted patents relate to our FDM systems, our PolyJet and PolyJet Matrix technologies, our 3D printing processes and our consumables, with expiration dates ranging from 2015 to 2033. We are also a party to various licenses and other arrangements that allow us to practice and improve our technology under a broad range of patents, patent applications and other intellectual property, including a cross-license agreement with 3D Systems Corporation under which each party licensed certain patents of the other party, and an assignment of rights to us related to UV polymer-based U.S. patents, which underlie certain technologies that compete with ours. 40 In addition, we own the registered trademarks “Stratasys,” “Objet,” “FDM,” “Fortus,” “Dimension,” “uPrint,” “Mojo,” “Catalyst,” “WaveWash,” “Ecoworks,” “FullCure,” “Xpress3D,” “Solidscape,” “SCP” “MakerBot,” “Thingiverse” “Replicator,” “Solid Concepts”, “Harvest” and the nautilus design coporate logo and make use of a number of additional registered and unregistered trademarks, including “Connex,” “Eden,” “PolyJet,” “PolyJet Matrix,” “FDM Technology,” “For a 3D World,” “Tango” and “Vero.” However, we do not believe that any of our trademarks are material to our competitive position.. We believe that, while our patents provide us with a competitive advantage, our success depends primarily on our marketing, business development, applications know-how and ongoing research and development efforts. Accordingly, we believe that the expiration of any single patent, or the failure of any of single patent application to result in an issued patent, would not be material to our business or financial position. In any event, there can be no assurance that our patents or other intellectual property rights will afford us a meaningful competitive advantage. Please see the risk factor related to the expiration of our patents in “Risk factors.” Competition Our principal competitors consist of other developers of additive manufacturing systems as well as other companies that use FDM and inkjet-based technologies to compete in additive manufacturing. A variety of additive manufacturing technologies compete with our proprietary technologies, including: The companies that use these technologies to compete with us include 3D Systems Corporation, EOS GmbH and EnvisionTEC GmbH. These technologies, which compete for additive manufacturing users, possess various competitive advantages and disadvantages relative to one another within the key categories upon which competition centers, including resolution, accuracy, surface quality, variety and properties of the materials they use and produce, capacity, speed, color, transparency, the ability to print multiple materials and others. Due to these multiple categories, end-users usually make purchasing decisions as to which technology to choose based on the characteristics that they value most. This decision is often application specific. The competitive environment that has developed is therefore intense and dynamic, as players often position their technologies to capture demand in various verticals simultaneously. We are positioned to compete in our industry mainly on the following bases, which we view as competitive strengths: We offer a wide range of systems with varying features, capacities and price points. We believe that this enables us to compete with the other additive manufacturing technologies for a wide range of customers with a variety of applications and goals for their additive manufacturing. We also compete with companies that use traditional prototype development and customized manufacturing technologies, and expect future competition to arise from the development of new technologies or techniques. Seasonality • Stereolithography; • Selective Laser Sintering; • Powder Binding; and • Digital Light Projection. • material properties of printed objects, such as heat resistance, toughness, brittleness, elongation-to-break, color and flexibility; • quality of printed objects measured by, among other things, resolution, accuracy and surface quality; • multiple production-grade modeling materials; • reliability of printing systems; • speed of printing, including a one-step automated modeling process; • customer service; • ability to be used in an office environment; • ease of use; and • automatic, hands-free support removal. 41 Historically, our results of operations have been subject to seasonal factors. Stronger demand for our products has occurred in our fourth quarter primarily due to our customers’ capital expenditure budget cycles and our sales compensation incentive programs. Our first and third quarters have historically been our weakest quarters for overall unit demand. Although the first quarter has had higher volumes in recent years from the successful introduction of new products, it is typically a slow quarter for capital expenditures in general. The third quarter is typically when we see our largest volume of educational related sales, which normally qualify for special discounts as part of our long-term penetration strategy. We furthermore experience seasonality within individual fiscal quarters, as a substantial percentage of our system sales often occur within the last month of each fiscal quarter. This trend has the potential to expose our quarterly or annual operating results to the risk of unexpected, decreased revenues in the case of our inability to build systems, consummate sales and recognize the accompanying revenues prior to the end of a given quarter. Global operations We have offices in the United States, Israel, Germany, Italy, China, Hong Kong, Brazil, Italy, Japan and India, and organize our operations by geographic region, focusing upon the following key regions: North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; and Latin America. Our products are distributed in each of these regions, as well as in other parts of the world. Our customers are dispersed geographically, and we are not reliant on any single country or region for most of our product sales and services revenues, although 54% of our 2014 sales were made in North America. A breakdown of our consolidated revenues by geographic markets and by categories of operations (that is, products and services) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is provided in Item 5.A “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results.” In maintaining global operations, our business is exposed to risks inherent in such operations, including currency fluctuations, market conditions, and inflation in the primary locations in which our operating expenditures are incurred. Information on currency exchange risk, market risk, and inflationary risk appears elsewhere in “Risk factors” and in Item 11 of this annual report, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk—Foreign Currency Exchange Risk.” Employees The total number of our full-time equivalent employees, and the distribution of our employees (i) geographically and (ii) within the divisions of our company, in each case as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, are set forth in Item 6.D of this annual report (“Directors, Senior Management and Employees”— “Employees”). Government regulation We are subject to various local, state and federal laws, regulations and agencies that affect businesses generally. These include: Environmental matters We are subject to various environmental, health and safety laws, regulations and permitting requirements, including those governing the emission and discharge of hazardous materials into ground, air or water; noise emissions; the generation, storage, use, management and disposal of hazardous waste; the import, export and registration of chemicals; the cleanup of contaminated sites; and the health and safety of our employees. Based on information currently available to us, we do not expect environmental costs and contingencies to have a material adverse effect on our operations. The operation of our facilities, however, entails risks in these areas. Significant expenditures could be required in the future to comply with environmental or health and safety laws, regulations or requirements. • regulations promulgated by federal and state environmental and health agencies; • foreign environmental regulations, as described under “Environmental matters” immediately below; • the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration; • the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act; • laws pertaining to the hiring, treatment, safety and discharge of employees; • export control regulations for U.S. made products; and • CE regulations for the European market. 42 Under such laws and regulations, we are required to obtain environmental permits from governmental authorities for certain operations. In particular, in Israel, where we assemble our inkjet-based PolyJet 3D printing systems and manufacture our resin consumables, businesses storing or using certain hazardous materials, including materials necessary for our Israeli manufacturing process, are required, pursuant to the Israeli Dangerous Substances Law 5753-1993, to obtain a toxin permit from the Ministry of Environmental Protection. Our two toxin permits will remain in effect until November 2016 and February 2015, respectively. In the European marketplace, electrical and electronic equipment is required to comply with the Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment, which aims to prevent waste by encouraging reuse and recycling, and the Directive on Restriction of Use of Certain Hazardous Substances, which restricts the use of six hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products. Our products and certain components of such products “put on the market” in the European Union (EU) (whether or not manufactured in the EU) are subject to these directives. Additionally, we are required to comply with certain laws, regulations and directives, including TSCA in the United States and REACH in the EU, governing chemicals. These and similar laws and regulations require the testing and registration of certain chemicals that we use and ship. Israeli Tax Considerations and Government Programs Tax regulations also have a material impact on our business, particularly in Israel where we are organized and have one of our headquarters. The following is a summary of certain aspects of the current tax structure applicable to companies in Israel, with special reference to its effect on us (and our operations, in particular). The following also contains a discussion of the Israeli government programs benefiting us. To the extent that the discussion is based on new tax legislation that has not been subject to judicial or administrative interpretation, we cannot assure you that the tax authorities or the courts will accept the views expressed in this discussion. This discussion does not address all of the Israeli tax provisions that may be relevant to our Company. For a discussion of the Israeli tax consequences related to ownership of our capital stock, please see “Israeli Taxation Considerations” in Item 10.E below. General Corporate Tax Structure in Israel The regular rate of corporate tax to which Israeli companies were subject in 2014 was 26.5%. However, the effective tax rate payable by a company that derives income from an “Approved Enterprise”, a “Beneficiary Enterprise” or a “Preferred Enterprise”, as further discussed below, may be considerably lower. See “Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments” in this Item below. In addition, commencing in 2010, Israeli companies have been subject to regular corporate tax rate on their capital gains. Besides being subject to the general corporate tax rules in Israel, we have also, from time to time, applied for and received certain grants and tax benefits from, and participate in, programs sponsored by the Government of Israel, described below. Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments The Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 5719-1959, to which we refer as the Investment Law, provides certain incentives for capital investments in a production facility (or other eligible assets). Generally, an investment program that is implemented in accordance with the provisions of the Investment Law, which may be either an “Approved Enterprise”, a “Beneficiary Enterprise” or a “Preferred Enterprise”, is entitled to benefits as discussed below. These benefits may include cash grants from the Israeli government and tax benefits, based upon, among other things, the location of the facility in which the investment and manufacture activity are made. The Investment Law has been amended several times over the recent years, with the two most significant changes effective as of April 1, 2005, to which we refer as the 2005 Amendment, and as of January 1, 2011, to which we refer as the 2011 Amendment. Pursuant to the 2005 Amendment, tax benefits granted in accordance with the provisions of the Investment Law prior to its revision by the 2005 Amendment, remain in force, but any benefits granted subsequently are subject to the provisions of the amended Investment Law. Similarly, the 2011 Amendment introduced new benefits instead of the benefits granted in accordance with the provisions of the Investment Law prior to the 2011 Amendment, yet companies entitled to benefits under the Investment Law as in effect up to January 1, 2011, were entitled to choose to continue to enjoy such benefits, provided that certain conditions are met, or elect instead, irrevocably, to forgo such benefits and elect for the benefits of the 2011 Amendment. The following discussion is a summary of the Investment Law prior to its amendments as well as the relevant changes contained in the new legislations. 43 Tax benefits for Approved Enterprises approved before April 1, 2005 . Under the Investment Law prior to the 2005 Amendment, a company that wished to receive benefits on its investment program that is implemented in accordance with the provisions of the Investment Law, to which we refer as an “Approved Enterprise”, had to receive an approval from the Investment Center of the Israeli Ministry of Economy (formerly known as the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor), to which we refer as the Investment Center. Each certificate of approval for an Approved Enterprise relates to a specific investment program in the Approved Enterprise, delineated both by the financial scope of the investment and by the physical characteristics of the facility or the asset. An Approved Enterprise may elect to forgo any entitlement to the grants otherwise available under the Investment Law and, instead, participate in an alternative benefits program. We have chosen to receive the benefits through the alternative benefits program. Under the alternative benefits program, a company’s undistributed income derived from an Approved Enterprise will be exempt from corporate tax for a period of between two and ten years from the first year of taxable income, depending upon the geographic location in Israel of the Approved Enterprise, and a reduced corporate tax rate of between 10% to 25% for the remainder of the benefits period, depending on the level of foreign investment in the company in each year, as detailed below. The benefits commence on the date in which that taxable income is first earned. The benefits period under Approved Enterprise status is limited to 12 years from the year the program commences its operations, or 14 years from the year of the approval as an Approved Enterprise, whichever ends earlier. If a company has more than one Approved Enterprise program or if only a portion of its capital investments are approved, its effective tax rate is the result of a weighted combination of the applicable rates. The tax benefits from any certificate of approval relate only to taxable income attributable to the specific Approved Enterprise. Income derived from activity that is not integral to the activity of the Approved Enterprise will not enjoy tax benefits. Our entitlement to the above benefits is subject to fulfillment of certain conditions, according to the law and related regulations. A company that has an Approved Enterprise program is eligible for further tax benefits if it qualifies as a Foreign Investors’ Company, to which we refer as an FIC. An FIC eligible for benefits is essentially a company with a level of foreign investment, as defined in the Investment Law, of more than 25%. The level of foreign investment is measured as the percentage of rights in the company (in terms of shares, rights to profits, voting and appointment of directors), and of combined share and loan capital, that are owned, directly or indirectly, by persons who are not residents of Israel. The determination as to whether or not a company qualifies as an FIC is made on an annual basis. An FIC that has an Approved Enterprise program will be eligible for an extension of the period during which it is entitled to tax benefits under its Approved Enterprise status (so that the benefit periods may be up to ten years) and for further tax benefits if the level of foreign investment exceeds 49%. If a company that has an Approved Enterprise program is a wholly owned subsidiary of another company, then the percentage of foreign investments is determined based on the percentage of foreign investment in the parent company. The corporate tax rates and related levels of foreign investments with respect to an FIC that has an Approved Enterprise program are set forth in the following table: A company that has elected to participate in the alternative benefits program and that subsequently pays a dividend out of the income derived from the portion of its facilities that have been granted Approved Enterprise status during the tax exemption period will be subject to tax in respect of the amount of dividend distributed (grossed up to reflect such pre-tax income that it would have had to earn in order to distribute the dividend) at the corporate tax rate that would have been otherwise applicable if such income had not been tax-exempted under the alternative benefit program. This rate generally ranges from 10% to 25%, depending on the extent to which non-Israeli shareholders hold such company’s shares. In addition, dividends paid out of income attributed to an Approved Enterprise (or out of dividends received from a company whose income is attributed to an Approved Enterprise) are generally subject to withholding tax at the rate of 15%, or at the lower rate provided under an applicable tax treaty. The 15% tax rate is limited to dividends and Percentage of non-Israeli ownership Corporate Tax Rate Over 25% but less than 49% 25 % 49% or more but less than 74% 20 % 74% or more but less than 90% 15 % 90% or more 10 % 44 distributions out of income derived during the benefits period and actually paid at any time up to 12 years thereafter. After this period, the withholding tax is applied at a rate of up to 30%, or at the lower rate under an applicable tax treaty. In the case of an FIC, the 12-year limitation on reduced withholding tax on dividends does not apply. The Investment Law also provides that an Approved Enterprise is entitled to accelerated depreciation on its property and equipment that are included in an approved investment program. This benefit is an incentive granted by the Israeli government regardless of whether the alternative benefits program is elected. The benefits available to an Approved Enterprise are subject to the continued fulfillment of conditions stipulated in the Investment Law and its regulations and the criteria in the specific certificate of approval, as described above. If a company does not meet these conditions, it would be required to refund the amount of tax benefits, adjusted to the Israeli consumer price index and interest. We have received the requisite approval, including a final approval, for all of our Approved Enterprise investment programs, in accordance with the Investment Law. The above-described benefits that accompany these investment programs and our Beneficiary Enterprise investment programs (for which accompanying benefits are described below) have had the effect, both historically and in 2013 and 2014, of reducing our (and before the Stratassy- Objet merger, Objet’s) effective consolidated tax rates considerably lower than the statutory Israeli corporate tax rate of 26.5% in 2014. We expect that our effective consolidated tax rate for 2015 and thereafter will also be reduced due to these investment programs. Tax benefits under the 2005 Amendment that became effective on April 1, 2005. The 2005 Amendment applies to new investment programs and investment programs commencing after 2004, and does not apply to investment programs approved prior to April 1, 2005. The 2005 Amendment provides that terms and benefits included in any certificate of approval that was granted before the 2005 Amendment came into effect will remain subject to the provisions of the Investment Law as in effect on the date of such approval. Pursuant to the 2005 Amendment, the Investment Center will continue to grant Approved Enterprise status to qualifying investments. However, the 2005 Amendment limits the scope of enterprises that may be approved by the Investment Center by setting criteria for the Approved Enterprise, such as provisions generally requiring that at least 25% of the Approved Enterprise’s income is derived from export. An enterprise that qualifies under the new provisions is referred to as a “Beneficiary Enterprise”, rather than “Approved Enterprise”. The 2005 Amendment provides that the approval of the Investment Center is required only for Approved Enterprises that receive cash grants. As a result, a company is no longer required to obtain the advance approval of the Investment Center in order to receive the tax benefits previously available under the alternative benefits program. Rather, a company may claim the tax benefits offered by the Investment Law directly in its tax returns, provided that its facilities meet the criteria for tax benefits set forth in the 2005 Amendment. A company that has a Beneficiary Enterprise may, at its discretion, approach the Israeli Tax Authority for a pre-ruling confirming that it is in compliance with the provisions of the Investment Law. Tax benefits are available under the 2005 Amendment to production facilities (or other eligible facilities) that derive more than 25% of their business income from export to specific markets with a population of at least 14 million in 2012 (such export criteria will further be increased in the future by 1.4% per annum). In order to receive the tax benefits, the 2005 Amendment states that a company must make an investment which meets all the conditions set forth in the amendment for tax benefits and which exceeds a minimum amount specified in the Investment Law. Such investment entitles a company to a Beneficiary Enterprise status with respect to the investment, and may be made over a period of no more than three years ending in the year in which the company requested to have the tax benefits apply to the Beneficiary Enterprise. Where a company requests to have the tax benefits apply to an expansion of existing facilities, only the expansion will be considered to be a Beneficiary Enterprise and the company’s effective tax rate will be the weighted average of the applicable rates. In such case, the minimum investment required in order to qualify as a Beneficiary Enterprise must exceed a certain percentage of the value of the company’s production assets before the expansion. The extent of the tax benefits available under the 2005 Amendment to qualifying income of a Beneficiary Enterprise depends on, among other things, the geographic location of the Beneficiary Enterprise. Such tax benefits include an exemption from corporate tax on undistributed income for a period of between two to ten years, depending on the geographic location of the Beneficiary Enterprise in Israel, and a reduced corporate tax rate of between 10% to 25% for the remainder of the benefits period, depending on the level of foreign investment in the company in each year, as explained above. 45 Dividends paid out of income attributed to a Beneficiary Enterprise will be treated similarly to payment of dividends by an Approved Enterprise under the alternative benefits program. Therefore, dividends paid out of income attributed to a Beneficiary Enterprise (or out of dividends received from a company whose income is attributed to a Beneficiary Enterprise) are generally subject to withholding tax at the rate of 15% or such lower rate as may be provided in an applicable tax treaty. The reduced rate of 15% is limited to dividends and distributions out of income attributed to a Beneficiary Enterprise during the benefits period and actually paid at any time up to 12 years thereafter except with respect to an FIC, in which case the 12-year limit does not apply. Furthermore, a company qualifying for tax benefits under the 2005 Amendment, which pays a dividend out of income attributed to its Beneficiary Enterprise during the tax exemption period, will be subject to tax in respect of the amount of the dividend distributed (grossed-up to reflect the pre-tax income that it would have had to earn in order to distribute the dividend) at the corporate tax rate which would have otherwise been applicable. As of December 31, 2014, we had accumulated tax-exempt income of approximately $148 million that is attributable to our various Approved and Beneficiary Enterprise programs. If such tax exempt income were to be distributed, it would be taxed at the reduced corporate tax rate applicable to such income, which would have amounted to approximately $14.8 million of tax liability as of December 31, 2014. The benefits available to a Beneficiary Enterprise are subject to the continued fulfillment of conditions stipulated in the Investment Law and its regulations. If a company does not meet these conditions, it would be required to refund the amount of tax benefits, as adjusted by the Israeli consumer price index and interest, or other monetary penalty. Tax benefits under the 2011 Amendment that became effective on January 1, 2011. The 2011 Amendment canceled the availability of the benefits granted in accordance with the provisions of the Investment Law prior to 2011 and, instead, introduced new benefits for income generated by a “Preferred Company” through its Preferred Enterprise (as such terms are defined in the Investment Law) as of January 1, 2011. A Preferred Company is defined as either (i) a company incorporated in Israel which is not wholly owned by a governmental entity, or (ii) a limited partnership that: (a) was registered under the Partnerships Ordinance; (b) all of its limited partners are companies incorporated in Israel, but not all of them are governmental entities; which has, among other things, Preferred Enterprise status and is controlled and managed from Israel. Pursuant to the 2011 Amendment, a Preferred Company was entitled to a reduced corporate flat tax rate of 15% with respect to its preferred income attributed to its Preferred Enterprise in 2011 and 2012, unless the Preferred Enterprise was located in a certain development zone, in which case the rate was 10%. Such corporate tax rate was reduced to 12.5% and 7%, respectively, in 2013 and was increased to 16% and 9%, respectively, in 2014 and thereafter. Income derived by a Preferred Company from a ’Special Preferred Enterprise’ (as such term is defined in the Investment Law) would be entitled, during a benefits period of 10 years, to further reduced tax rates of 8%, or to 5% if the Special Preferred Enterprise is located in a certain development zone. Dividends paid out of income attributed to a Preferred Enterprise are generally subject to withholding tax at source at the rate of 20% or such lower rate as may be provided in an applicable tax treaty. However, if such dividends are paid to an Israeli company, no tax is required to be withheld (although, if such dividends are subsequently distributed to individuals or a non-Israeli company, withholding tax at a rate of 20% or such lower rate as may be provided in an applicable tax treaty will apply). The 2011 Amendment also provided transitional provisions to address companies already enjoying current benefits under the Investment Law. These transitional provisions provide, among other things, that unless an irrevocable request is made to apply the provisions of the Investment Law as amended in 2011 with respect to income to be derived as of January 1, 2011: (i) the terms and benefits included in any certificate of approval that was granted to an Approved Enterprise, which chose to receive grants, before the 2011 Amendment became effective, will remain subject to the provisions of the Investment Law as in effect on the date of such approval, and subject to certain conditions;. (ii) the terms and benefits included in any certificate of approval that was granted to an Approved Enterprise, that had participated in an alternative benefits program, before the 2011 Amendment became effective will remain subject to the provisions of the Investment Law as in effect on the date of such approval, provided that certain conditions are met; ; and (iii) a Beneficiary Enterprise can elect to continue to benefit from the benefits provided to it before the 2011 Amendment came into effect, provided that certain conditions are met. We have examined the possible effect, if any, of these provisions of the 2011 Amendment on our financial statements and have decided, at this time, not to opt to apply the new benefits under the 2011 Amendment. 46 C. Organizational Structure. Our corporate structure includes Stratasys Ltd., our Israeli parent company, and the following main active wholly-owned subsidiary entities: Stratasys, Inc., a Delaware corporation, which was formerly a publicly held company and which became our indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary as a result of the Stratasys-Objet merger; Baccio Corporation (formerly known as Cooperation Technology Corporation), to which we refer as MakerBot, a Delaware corporation which is the direct parent company of MakerBot Industries, LLC, which we acquired in August 2013; Stratasys Direct, Inc (our service beureau business unit), a California corporation; GrabCAD, Inc., a Delaware corporation; Stratasys AP Limited, a Hong Kong limited company, which together with several other subsidiaries (including Stratasys Japan Co. Ltd., our Japanese subsidiary), carries out most of our operations in the Asia Pacific region; and Stratasys GMBH, a German limited liability company, which together with other subsidiaries (including Stratasys Schweiz AG (Stratasys Switzerland Ltd.), our Swiss subsidiary) carries out our European operations. We also formed Stratasys Latin America Representacao De Equipamentos Ltd., a Brazilian subsidiary, which has commenced our Brazilian operations. Please see the list of subsidiaries appended to this annual report as Exhibit 8 for a complete list of our subsidiaries as of the date of this annual report. D. Property, Plants and Equipment. We have dual headquarters, in Eden Prairie, Minnesota and Rehovot, Israel. Our Eden Prairie, Minnesota headquarters (near Minneapolis), comprises executive offices and production facilities presently encompassing approximately 341,799 square feet, of which we own 286,743 square feet, in four buildings. These four buildings serve the following respective purposes: system assembly, inventory storage, operations and sales support; manufacturing for one of our Stratasys Direct Manufacturing paid parts service locations; research and development, filament manufacturing, and administrative, marketing and sales activities; and expansion of our production capacity for systems and consumables. Our Rehovot, Israel headquarters, which we lease pursuant to a lease agreement with a term of five years that expires on December 31, 2016, comprise approximately 111,421 square feet of space. Our lease payments, inclusive of management fees, for these facilities are approximately $2.3 million annually. These facilities house our Israeli administrative headquarters, our research and development facilities, and certain manufacturing activities. As of December 31, 2014, we leased office space (except with respect to our Eden Prairie headquarters facilities and our Kiryat Gat, Israel facilities, where we own the property) for various purposes, as set forth in the table below. Unless otherwise stated, all of our facilities are fully utilized. We have no material tangible fixed assets apart from the properties described below. 47  While, as described above in the “Risk Factors” in Item 3.D, we utilize hazardous chemicals in some of the production processes for products sold by us, we believe that there are no environmental issues that encumber our use of our facilities. ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS. Not Applicable. ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS. The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in this annual report. The discussion below contains forward-looking statements that are based upon our current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to inaccurate assumptions and known or unknown risks and uncertainties, including those identified in “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and in Item 3.D “Key Information – Risk Factors”, above. A. Operating Results. Overview We are a leading global provider of additive manufacturing, or AM, solutions for the creation of parts used in the processes of designing and manufacturing products and for the direct manufacture of end parts. Our solutions include products ranging from entry-level desktop 3D printers to systems for rapid prototyping, or RP, and large production systems for direct digital manufacturing, or DDM. We also develop, manufacture and sell materials for use with our systems and provide related services offerings. We believe that the range of 3D printing consumable materials that we offer, consisting of 38 Polyjet/FDM cartridge-based materials, five SCP inkjet-based materials and 138 non-color digital materials, and over 1,000 color variations, is the widest in the industry. Our service offerings include Stratasys Direct Manufacturing printed parts services as well as our professional services. We conduct our business globally, and our main operational facilities are located in the United States, Israel, Germany and Hong Kong. Our extensive global reach is well-positioned through a network of Location: Primary Usage: Area (Sq. Feet) North America: Brooklyn, New York Local headquarters and warehouses 375,495 Eden Prairie, Minnesota U.S. headquarters 341,799 Valencia, California Local headquarters and warehouses 71,432 River Falls, Wisconsin Office space 40,998 Belton, Texas Local headquarters and warehouses 40,000 Austin, Texas Factory 33,178 Merrimack, New Hampshire Facilities, including manufacturing 28,590 San Diego, CA Facilities 28,191 Billerica, Massachusetts Office space 22,353 Other facilities in North America: Office space, stores and warehouses 130,465 Europe and the Middle East: Kiryat Gat, Israel Factory and laboratories 281,755 Rehovot, Israel Israeli headquarters 111,421 Switzerland Office space 205 Other facilities in EMEA: EMEA headquarters and office space 32,652 Asia Pacific: Hong Kong Office space 23,475 Other facilities in Asia Pacific: Office space 52,877 Other countries Office space 2,454 48 more than 280 resellers and selling agents around the world and a growing online channel. We have more than 2,900 employees and hold more than 800 granted or pending additive manufacturing patents globally. Our Company is the result of the 2012 merger of two leading additive manufacturing companies, Stratasys, Inc. and Objet Ltd., which we refer to as the Stratasys-Objet merger. Pursuant to this merger, which closed on December 1, 2012, Stratasys, Inc. became an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Objet Ltd., and Objet Ltd. changed its name to Stratasys Ltd. Stratasys, Inc. was treated as the acquiring company in the Stratasys-Objet merger for accounting purposes, and the Stratasys-Objet merger was accounted for as a reverse acquisition under the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. As a result, the consolidated financial statements of Stratasys, Inc. became our consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements included in this report on Form 20-F include the operations of Stratasys Ltd. (formerly Objet Ltd.) for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, and only for the month of December 2012, because the Stratasys-Objet merger was consummated on December 1, 2012. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated or as the context otherwise requires, the historical financial information included in this annual report on Form 20-F for periods preceding the Stratasys-Objet merger is that of Stratasys, Inc. We believe that AM is poised to enter a new phase of increased adoption by manufacturers in a broad range of industries, including global manufacturing enterprises, by disrupting traditional design and manufacturing processes. Accordingly, in February 2015 we announced a new investment plan with the goal of enabling our company to offer a broader range of products and solutions with increased global and industry-specific coverage, especially within areas related to manufacturing, and create stronger customer relationships. The investment plan is designed to implement broad product development and infrastructure. For additional details regarding the investment plan please see below under “- Investment Plan”. We continue to observe strong demand for our design and manufacturing enterprise solutions. There are an increasing number of customer implementations of our solutions in manufacturing-related applications where, after their qualification, the adoption of our solutions is expected to increase significantly. These implementations typically require a broad range of solutions, including systems, materials and manufacturing services. An additional opportunity for expansion of our customer base for manufacturing-related applications is our newly initiated professional services, where we identify applications and educate our customers on best practices for AM workflows. We also believe that the proliferation of 3D content, advancements in AM technology platforms and the introduction of improved materials will continue to drive market growth. Accordingly, we will continue to focus on enhancing our 3D printing technologies and developing consumables that offer an even broader array of physical, mechanical and aesthetic properties, thereby broadening user applications. We believe that desktop 3D printers are becoming a mainstream tool across many market segments and that the adoption of 3D printing will continue to increase over the next several years, both in terms of RP and DDM applications. We believe that market adoption will be spurred by increased proliferation of 3D content and 3D authoring tools (3D CAD and other simplified 3D authoring tools) and by continued improvements in 3D printing technology and greater affordability of entry-level systems. We have recently made acquisitions that we believe will help us pursue our product and solutions strategies. We may make other investments in strategic acquisitions, strategic alliances, property, plant and equipment, new technologies, process improvements, information technology, research and development projects, and human resource activities that will be required for future growth. Recent acquisitions On July 14, 2014, or the Solid Concepts transaction date, we completed the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding shares of Solid Concepts Inc., or Solid Concepts, an independent additive manufacturing service bureau, for a total consideration of approximately $185.4 million. In exchange for 100% of the outstanding shares of Solid Concepts we issued 978,601 ordinary shares, paid cash upon closing in the amount of $40.1 million and were obligated to make an additional holdback cash payment in the amount of $3.8 million that was deferred for six months and was paid in January 2015. In addition, we are obligated to pay additional deferred payments in three separate annual installments after the Solid Concepts transaction date, or the deferred payments. The deferred payments were evaluated and recorded at a fair value of $43.6 million as of Solid Concepts transaction date. 49 Under the terms of the definitive agreement, certain of Solid Concepts’ employees may also qualify for retention-related and other payments of $77.0 million, based on our share price as of the Solid Concepts transaction date, of which, $19.6 million was paid in cash upon closing and were expensed as incurred. The remaining retention payments will be paid in three separate annual installments, which we refer to as the deferred retention payments. Based on our share price as of December 31, 2014, the total deferred retention payments will amount to approximately $45.9 million. Subject to certain requirements for cash payments, we retain the discretion to settle any of the amounts payable to Solid Concepts shareholders and employees in our shares, cash or any combination of the two. These amounts are also subject to certain adjustments based on our share price and other adjustments. On August 1, 2014, we acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Harvest Technologies Inc., or Harvest, a specialty additive manufacturing service bureau. Under the terms of the definitive agreement with Harvest, certain of Harvest’s employees may also qualify for certain retention-related payments. We believe that the acquisition of Solid Concepts and Harvest, combined with our RedEye Service, will create a leading strategic platform to meet a broad range of customers’ additive manufacturing needs and provides opportunities to leverage our direct manufacturing services capabilities. The acquisition of the two companies will also enable us to enhance our expertise in parts production, as well as materials and systems knowhow. We believe that the integration with our existing RedEye Service will enable us to provide our customers with full service offerings that provide a variety of technologies and custom manufacturing solutions, and will support our expansion into end-use-parts production and vertical market applications. On September 22, 2014, we acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of GrabCAD Inc., or GrabCAD, which operates GrabCAD Workbench, a cloud-based, 3D computer-aided-design, or CAD, collaboration platform enabling engineering teams to manage, share and view CAD files as well as enhancing collaboration tools and improving accessibility relating to 3D CAD content. This acquisition is expected to enable us to provide our customers with enhanced collaboration tools and improved accessibility relating to 3D CAD content. The addition of GrabCAD Workbench enables us to offer customers a solution to drive communication and ease of use throughout the design and 3D printing process. With GrabCAD we expect to have the opportunity to further partner with CAD vendors and other ecosystem partners while offering innovative collaboration tools related to 3D CAD. GrabCAD also brings us an industry leading team of software professionals with a deep understanding of the needs of designers and engineers as well as a global, leading and fast growing community of mechanical engineers. On August 1, 2014, we acquired certain assets of HAFNER’S BÜRO, which is the reseller of our MakerBot subsidiary in Germany. This acquisition will enable us to expand our desktop 3D printing operations throughout the European market. In April 2014, we acquired certain assets of Interfacial Solutions LLC, or Interfacial Solutions, a privately held provider of thermoplastics research and development and production services. This transaction is designed to strengthen our materials research and development skills and enable us to become vertically integrated in material development and manufacturing and also increase our materials production space and capacity. On August 15, 2013, we completed the acquisition of privately-held Cooperation Technology Corporation, which was the direct parent company of MakerBot Industries, LLC, or MakerBot, a leader in desktop 3D printing, and which owned and operated Thingiverse.com, a website dedicated to the sharing of user-created digital files. The aggregate purchase price was $493.7 million and the consideration that we paid consisted primarily of ordinary shares that we issued. For additional details regarding the financial terms of this transaction, see Item 18 of this annual report. During 2014, we continued to globally expand our 3D desktop solutions’ sales channels in the United States through new collaborations with top resellers and, by leveraging our strong presence of our local subsidiary in Japan. We also expect to expand our penetration in the European market through the acquisition of HAFNER’S BÜRO, as described above. 2014 Highlights • Net sales increased by $265.7 million in 2014, or 54.9% as compared to 2013, which represents organic growth of 31.7%. 50  Our financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2014 was impacted by slower growth of MakerBot product and services revenue during the fourth quarter of 2014. Throughout 2014, MakerBot invested significantly in the introduction of its 5th Generation Replicator 3D printers and 3D printing ecosystem, and in the development of a multi-tier distribution strategy enabling broader distribution. These continuing investments are intended to provide MakerBot with the ability to further scale and build superior product platforms positioned for long-term growth as well as maintain and expand brand leadership as the adoption of 3D printing expands. However, during the fourth quarter, MakerBot was affected by challenges associated with the introduction and scaling of its new product platform and our rapidly evolving distribution model. As a result, we revised downward our internal projections for MakerBot performance in 2015 and during December 2014 we updated the goodwill impairment analysis of our MakerBot reporting unit, as discussed below in “Operating Expenses – Goodwill Impairment”. We do not expect this accounting write down to affect our ongoing business or future financial performance. Investment Plan The specific areas of focus and goals for our new investment plan include the following: Industry focus Services Products • Completed the acquisitions of Solid Concepts and Harvest Technologies, and began the integration process to create a leading strategic platform for our direct manufacturing service. • Completed the acquisition GrabCAD which is expected to drive improved communication and ease of use throughout the 3D printing process, enhancing accessibility to the company’s 3D printing solutions • Net loss attributable to Stratasys amounted to $119.4 million in 2014 or $2.39 per diluted share as compared to net loss of $27.0 million or 0.68 per diluted share in 2013. • Cash flows provided from operating activities amounted to $13.8 million in 2014 as compared to $32.0 million in 2013. • We announced a new investment plan to help enable growth, maintain market leadership and meet future opportunities. See “Investment Plan” below for further information. • Recorded a non-cash, non-tax deductible goodwill impairment charge of $102.5 million due to updated projections of the MakerBot reporting unit. • Accelerated efforts around vertical applications and solutions focused on areas of business that we have identified as having high potential in the AM field, such as aerospace and automotive, healthcare and education. • Expansion of our newly branded Stratasys Direct Manufacturing, or SDM, services (following the integration of RedEye, Solid Concepts and Harvest Technologies) to provide our customers with a broader range of AM technologies and solutions coupled with our in-depth process-specific expertise. • Expansion of our SDM platform into additional geographies. • Expansion of our professional services offering to allow customers to benefit from our knowledge base and expertise related to AM and its implementation for design and manufacturing applications. • Increased focus on long-term innovation and development projects based on proprietary technology platforms, including acceleration of the on-going development of platforms in collaboration with industry-leading manufacturing enterprises. 51  Sales and marketing infrastructure Additionally, we intend to continue building the appropriate infrastructure and scale in order to meet our long-term growth opportunities, including in IT and executive management bandwidth and depth. As a result of our new investment plan, we expect incremental annual operating expenditures of 2% of anticipated revenues for coming two to three years, with total operating expenses in 2015 to be in the range of 46% to 47% of anticipated revenues. Additionally, we expect to incur capital expenditures in the range of $160 to $200 million in 2015 and an effective tax rate of 5% to 10%. Our ability to implement our strategy for 2015 is subject to numerous uncertainties, many of which are described under Item 3.D, “Risk Factors,” above, in this Item 5, “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and in the section above (immediately following the Table of Contents) captioned “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” We cannot ensure that our efforts will be successful. Key measures of our performance Revenues Our consolidated revenues result primarily from sales of our products, which include both our AM systems and related consumable materials, from the provision of related services as well as from our direct manufacturing service. We effect sales and deliver services principally through the following channels: There is overlap among the channels as some independent sales agents for our higher-end products also serve as distributors of our other products. Besides the above methods of product distribution, we also sell products directly through an online store, at our retail stores in the United States, and through additional retail sales channels. Product revenues Product revenues are influenced by a number of factors, including, among other things, (i) the adoption rate of our products, (ii) end-user product design and manufacturing activity, and (iii) the capital expenditure budgets of end-users and potential end-users, all of which may be significantly influenced by macroeconomic factors. Purchases of our 3D printing and production systems, especially our higher-end, higher-priced systems, typically involve longer sales cycles. Product revenues also depend upon the volume of consumables that we sell. Sales of our consumable materials are linked to the number of AM systems that are installed and active worldwide. Sales of consumables are also driven by system usage, which is generally a function of the size of the particular system and the level of design and/or manufacturing activity and budget of the particular end-user. Larger systems generally use greater amounts of • Increased focus on software development to drive collaboration and accessibility, thereby enhancing the ease-of-use with respect to the 3D printing process. • Accelerated product introductions, including the introduction of new systems and additional proprietary materials. • Enhanced channel programs designed to increase capacity, productivity and coverage. • Expansion of our account management efforts to further serve our customers. • Enhanced brand recognition. • sales to resellers, who purchase and resell our products and who provide support services for our printing systems; • sales of systems that are marketed by independent sales agents, pursuant to which we sell directly to end-users, pay commissions to such agents, and directly handle the sale of consumables and provision of support services; and • sales of systems (and all related products and services) as well as our direct manufacturing solutions service that we effect and/or provide to our customers directly. 52 consumables due to their greater capacity and the higher levels of design and production activity by, and larger operating budget of, a typical end-user who uses a larger system. Services revenues Services revenues derive from (i) our direct manufacturing printed parts services that provide a variety of technologies and custom manufacturing solutions; (ii) installation, training, maintenance and warranty; and (iii) other service contracts. System sales prices include the value of the warranty. In addition, in connection with direct sales, we generally charge separately for installation and training. Additional services revenues are generated from services contracts most often entered into directly with end-users subsequent to the expiration of the initial warranty period. Costs of revenues Our costs of revenues consist of costs of products and costs of services. Costs of products consist primarily of components and subassemblies purchased for the manufacture of our AM systems and raw materials, such as thermoplastic and acrylic-based photopolymer materials, for manufacture of our consumables, as well as any royalties paid with respect to sales of certain of those consumables. Costs of products also include manufacturing and manufacturing-related labor costs, indirect production costs and amortization expense related mainly to certain acquired MakerBot and Objet assets. Our costs of services revenues consist primarily of costs of our service personnel, material and other production costs of our direct manufacturing service business and installation costs which include engineers dedicated to on-site training and support and travel costs of these engineers. Both costs of products and costs of services include related facilities costs. Our most significant components of cost of revenues are costs of materials used for our printers, wages and related benefits costs, which together accounted for approximately 70% our total direct cost of sales in each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. Our other significant cost of revenues is the amortization expense that we incur in connection with developed technology acquired as part of our business combinations. This amortization expense varies based on the timing and type of acquisitions, and was $56 million, $55 million and $6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. At December 31, 2014, a hypothetical 10% rise in commodity prices for raw materials would cause an approximate $10 million increase in cost of revenues in our Consolidated Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income. As to wages and related benefits, a 10% increase in wages due to wage inflation would cause an approximate $1 million increase in cost of revenues in our Consolidated Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income. During 2014, we did not notice particular trends that changed, or were expected to change in the near future, the absolute or relative significance of the components of our costs of revenues in a significant manner. We also believe that inflation has not had a material effect on our operations or on our financial condition during the three most recent fiscal years. Currently, we do not foresee a significant change in either the raw materials used for production or wage inflation that would materially impact our business. Gross profit The gross profit and gross margin for our products are influenced by a number of factors. The most important of these is the mix of our products sold. Specifically, the gross margins on our high-end Production series and Design series of AM systems, as well as on our consumables, are typically higher than the gross margins on our Idea series and MakerBot desktop printers. Accordingly, an increase in the percentage of sales of our entry-level products could cause our profit margins to decrease. Furthermore, we believe that as our worldwide installed base of AM systems increases, subsequent sales of our proprietary consumables will also increase. We will also seek to reduce our costs of revenues by improving our ability to use less costly components and increasing engineering efficiencies in the production of our lower-priced systems. In addition, we will also seek to achieve lower material costs and leverage our overall capabilities in our direct manufacturing service business. Products gross margins are also impacted by the mix of revenues generated from sales to resellers as opposed to sales that are facilitated by independent sales agents. We rely principally upon a reseller network that is divided based 53 on geographical areas. In addition to our reseller network, we have a significant number of independent selling agents who focus exclusively on selling our lower priced systems. Service gross margins are influenced mainly by the volume of revenues generated from our direct manufacturing service business as well as the ratio of service engineers to our installed base in a given geographic area, as that ratio impacts travel costs and efficiency of our service engineers. Operating expenses Our operating expenses consist of research and development expenses, and selling, general and administrative expenses, goodwill impairment charges and changes in fair value of obligations in connection with acquisitions. Research and development expenses Our research and development activities consist of projects aimed at developing new printing systems and materials and enhancing our existing product lines. We also seek to develop disruptive technologies and other process improvement solutions in the additive manufacturing ecosystem. Our research and development expenses consist primarily of employees and employee-related personnel expenses, materials, laboratory supplies, costs for related software, and costs for facilities and equipment. Expenditures for research, development and engineering of products and manufacturing processes are expensed as incurred. Our investments in research and development are essential to our future growth and our ability to remain competitive in the additive manufacturing market. We work closely with existing and potential customers, distribution channels and major resellers, who provide significant feedback for products development and innovation. We have agreements with three manufacturing companies under which we jointly advance certain of our proprietary technology. The agreements entitle us to receive reimbursement payments of costs actually incurred under joint development projects, and such reimbursements offset research and development expense. Selling, general and administrative expenses Our selling, general and administrative expenses include employees and employee-related expenses for marketing, sales and other sales-support employees, and for managerial and administrative personnel, including executive officers, accounting, legal, information technology and human resources. This category of expenses also covers commissions, advertising and promotions expenses, related facilities costs, integration and other post-merger related costs, professional service fees, as well as the amortization expenses related to certain acquired assets of Solid Concepts, MakerBot, Objet and other business combinations. Commissions consist of sales-based commissions to independent sales agents and internal sales personnel. Commission rates vary, depending on the geographic location of the agent and on the achievement of certain performance targets. Our advertising and promotion expenses consist primarily of media advertising costs, trade and consumer marketing expenses and public relations expenses. We intend to invest in our sales and marketing infrastructure, and, therefore, expect selling expenses in general, and advertising and promotion expenses in particular, to increase in absolute terms. Facilities costs that are included in our selling, general and administrative expenses include a portion of the occupancy costs for our facilities in countries where administrative personnel are located. Professional service fees for accounting and legal services and reserves for specific legal proceedings referred to elsewhere in this annual report are also included in selling, general and administrative expenses. As our operations continue to grow, we expect our administrative expenses to increase in absolute terms. Goodwill impairment Goodwill reflects the excess of the consideration transferred plus the fair value of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but rather is tested for impairment annually at the reporting unit level, or whenever events or circumstances present an indication of impairment. Goodwill is an asset representing the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. The primary items that generate goodwill include the value of the synergies between the acquired companies and us and the acquired assembled workforce, neither of which qualifies for recognition as an intangible asset. 54 We apply the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, guidance of testing goodwill for impairment. During December 2014, we determined that certain indicators of potential impairment existed and that those indicators required an additional goodwill impairment analysis for our MakerBot reporting unit. These indicators included a slower growth of MakerBot product and service revenues, challenges associated with the introduction and scaling of its new product platform, changes in timing of implementation of certain initiatives and changes in MakerBot’s distribution model. For additional information regarding those indicators, see above under “2014 Highlights”. The updated MakerBot reporting unit’s impairment analysis determined that the carrying amount of goodwill assigned to the MakerBot reporting unit exceeded its fair value. As a result, we recorded a non-tax deductible impairment charge of $102.5 million, in order to reduce the carrying amount of goodwill to its estimated fair value. Please see Note 1 to our audited financial statements included in Item 18 of this annual report for further information. We will continue to monitor our reporting units in an effort to determine whether events and circumstances warrant further interim impairment testing. Change in fair value of obligations in connection with acquisitions As part of the MakerBot and Solid Concepts transactions we recognized an earn-out obligation and a deferred payments obligation, respectively. These obligations were recognized as part of the consideration transferred and are re-measured at fair-value in each reporting period. The fair values of these two obligations were measured using specific valuation models, which were based on unobservable inputs. Changes in fair value of these obligations are presented in our operating expenses in a separate line item. Income Taxes A significant portion of our income after the December 1, 2012 merger date is taxed in Israel. We have realized and expect to continue to realize significant tax savings based on the determination that some of our industrial projects that have been granted “Approved Enterprise” and “Beneficiary Enterprise” status, which provides certain benefits, including tax exemptions for undistributed income and reduced tax rates. Income not eligible for Approved Enterprise and Beneficiary Enterprise benefits is taxed at the regular corporate rates, which were 26.5% in 2014 and 25% in 2013 and 2012. We are also a Foreign Investors Company, or FIC, as defined by the Israeli Investment Law. FICs are entitled to further reductions in the tax rate normally applicable to Approved Enterprises and Beneficiary Enterprises, depending on the level of foreign ownership. In addition, we are an “Industrial Company” as defined by the Israeli Law for the Encouragement of Industry (Taxation), 1969, and, as such, are entitled to certain tax benefits. Our entitlement to the above benefits is subject to our fulfilling the conditions stipulated by the Investment Law and regulations. Should we fail to meet such requirements in the future, income attributable to our Approved Enterprise and Beneficiary Enterprise programs could be subject to the statutory Israeli corporate tax rate and we could be required to refund a portion of the tax benefits already received with respect to such programs. In addition, our effective tax rate is also impacted from the geographical mix of income and non-taxable items. Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates We have prepared our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This has required us to make estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affected the amounts we reported. Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 18 of this annual report contains the significant accounting principles that we used to prepare our consolidated financial statements. We have identified critical accounting policies that required us to make assumptions about matters that were uncertain at the time of our estimates. Had we used different estimates and assumptions, the amounts we recorded could have been significantly different. Additionally, if we had used different assumptions or different conditions existed, our financial condition or results of operations could have been materially different. The critical accounting 55 policies that were affected by the estimates, assumptions, and judgments used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements are discussed below. Valuation Allowances Valuation allowances are provided unless it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax asset will be realized. In the determination of the appropriate valuation allowances, we have considered future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, the most recent projections of future business results, prior earnings history, carryback and carryforward and prudent tax strategies that may enhance the likelihood of realization of a deferred tax asset. Assessments for the realization of deferred tax assets made at a given balance sheet date are subject to change in the future, particularly if earnings of a subsidiary are significantly higher or lower than expected, or if the company takes operational or tax positions that could impact the future taxable earnings of a subsidiary. Therefore, we may record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount of future tax benefit that is more likely than not to be realized. Deferred Payments in connection with Solid Concepts transaction The deferred payments for the Solid Concepts transaction are recognized as liabilities at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets and are classified under short-term and long-term obligations in connection with acquisitions. The fair value is determined based on the closing market price of our ordinary shares at the applicable date, adjusted to reflect a discount for lack of marketability for the applicable periods. The discount for lack of marketability was calculated based on the historical volatility of our share price and thus represents a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the deferred payment as of December 31, 2014 was $35.7 million. The total amount of the deferred payments, which does not reflect a discount for lack of marketability, was approximately $40.6 million, based on our share price as of December 31, 2014. A change in our inputs could result in a material impact on our results of operations. For example, since the deferred payments are primarily linked to our share price, an increase of 10% of our share price as of December 31, 2014 will increase the fair value of the deferred payments liability by $3.6 million. For additional information regarding our accounting policies and estimates please refer to Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 18 of this annual report. Results of Operations We are providing within this section a supplemental discussion that compares historical statement of operations data in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United State of America, or GAAP, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 as well as to the results for the year ended December 31, 2012 on a pro forma combined including Objet basis, as if the Stratasys-Objet merger had closed on January 1, 2012. Objet’s sales in the year ended December 31, 2012 were similar in amount to those of Stratasys, and therefore we believe that the 2012 pro forma information combined including Objet provides useful supplemental information. Refer to note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 18 of this annual report for certain pro forma information for the Solid Concepts transaction and MakerBot transaction. The table and footnotes at the end of this section set forth the preparation of the unaudited pro forma condensed combined for Objet statements of operations information for the year ended December 31, 2012 as if the Stratasys-Objet merger had occurred on January 1, 2012. The pro forma combined financial information has been prepared consistent with SEC Regulation S-X, Article 11. The pro forma combined financial information is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the combined operating results or financial position that would have occurred if the Stratasys-Objet merger had been consummated on January 1, 2012 and in accordance with the assumptions described herein. 56 The following table sets forth, certain financial data derived from our U.S. GAAP financial statements, presented as percentages of net sales, for the periods indicated, as well as on a pro forma combined including Objet basis for the year ended December 31, 2012: Discussion of Results of Operations (Note: The below “Pro Forma Combined” column includes Objet as if the December 1, 2012 merger occurred on January 1, 2012) Net Sales Net sales of our products and services for the last three years, as well as the percentage change from year to year, were as follows: Product Revenues Revenues derived from products (including AM systems, consumable materials and other products) increased by $197.3 million in 2014, or 47.6%, as compared to 2013. The increase in products sales was driven by an organic growth in our products sales of $130.8 million in 2014, or 31.5% as compared to 2013. The inclusion of a full year of MakerBot revenues contributed $66.5 million to the increase of our product revenues. MakerBot has continued to experience growth in sales of our desktop 3D printers, increasing by 56.1% as compared to pro forma revenue that MakerBot generated during 2013. The number of systems shipped increased to 45,843 units as compared to 19,317 units shipped in 2013. Unit sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased at a higher rate than revenues due to the increased percentage of MakerBot units shipped as those units generally carry a lower average price per unit. As discussed in the “2014 Highlights” section above, we expect a slower increase in MakerBot business in 2015 and as a result we do not expect the above trend to continue. Year ended December 31, 2014 2013 2012 Pro forma combined including Objet 2012 Net sales 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % Cost of sales 51.7 % 53.3 % 48.9 % 54.3 % Gross profit 48.3 % 46.7 % 51.1 % 45.7 % Research and development 11.0 % 10.9 % 9.1 % 10.3 % Selling, general and administrative 46.9 % 41.7 % 34.0 % 39.3 % Goodwill impairment 13.7 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % Change in fair value of obligations in connection with acquisitions -3.5 % 0.2 % 0.0 % 0.0 % Operating income (loss) -19.8 % -6.0 % 8.0 % -4.0 % Financial income (expense), net -0.9 % -0.1 % 0.6 % 0.6 % Income (loss) before income taxes -20.7 % -6.1 % 8.6 % -3.4 % Income taxes -4.7 % -0.5 % 4.5 % 2.6 % Net income (loss) attributable to Stratasys Ltd. -15.9 % -5.6 % 3.9 % -6.0 % Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2014 2013 % Change 2014-2013 2012 Pro Forma Combined 2012 % Change 2013-2012 % Change 2013- 2012 Pro Forma Combined U.S. $ in thousands U.S. $ in thousands Products $ 612,138 $ 414,853 47.6% $ 179,762 $ 306,043 130.8% 35.6% Services 137,991 69,550 98.4% 35,482 53,011 96.0% 31.2% $ 750,129 $ 484,403 54.9% $ 215,244 $ 359,054 125.0% 34.9% 57 The increase in systems and other products revenue reflects strong sales growth across all product lines. This growth has been driven by the continued adoption of our Connex Production series and Fortus high-end Design series systems for new complex DDM and prototyping applications using a wide range of materials with diverse mechanical and physical properties. During 2014 we launched new systems, which contributed to the increase in our net sales in 2014. Consumables revenues in 2014 increased by 32.5% as compared to 2013. The increase was driven by acceleration in customer usage and our growing installed base of systems. In particular, the strong sales of our Production series and high-end Design series systems in prior periods contributed to strong consumables sales growth given their relatively higher consumable utilization rates. We believe that our growing installed base, particularly that of the Production series and high-end Design series systems, are positive indicators of consumables revenues growth in future periods. The increase in consumables revenues was also driven by the launches of new high performance consumable materials for the use in various applications during 2014. Revenues derived from products increased by $235.1 million in 2013, or 130.8%, as compared to 2012. The number of systems shipped increased to 19,317 units as compared to 3,470 units shipped in 2012. The increase in both revenue and number of units shipped primarily reflects the results of a full year in 2013 of combined operations of Stratasys, Inc. and Objet compared to only one month of combined operations in 2012 after the Stratasys-Objet merger and the inclusion of MakerBot revenue and units shipped after the closing of the MakerBot transaction. Systems and other products revenue for 2013 increased as compared to pro forma combined including Objet revenue for 2012. The number of systems shipped in 2013 increased to 19,317 units as compared to pro forma combined 4,549 units shipped in 2012. The shipment of MakerBot units after the MakerBot transaction contributed to the significant increase in unit sales as compared to pro forma combined prior periods, which only include the combined operations of Stratasys, Inc. and Objet Ltd. Consumables revenue in 2013 increased by 156.0%. The increase in consumables revenue primarily reflects the results of a full year in 2013 of combined operations of Stratasys, Inc. and Objet compared to only one month of combined operations in 2012 after the Stratasys-Objet merger as well as the inclusion of MakerBot revenue after the MakerBot transaction. Consumables revenue in 2013 increased by 27.8% as compared to consumables revenues, on a pro forma combined basis including Objet, for 2012. The increase was driven by an acceleration in customer usage and our growing installed base of systems. Services Revenues Services revenues (including direct manufacturing services, maintenance and other services) increased by $68.4 million in 2014, or 98.4%, as compared to 2013. The increase in services revenues was primarily attributable to the increase in our direct manufacturing services revenues, which increased by $41.0 or 250.2% as compared to 2013. Revenues from our direct manufacturing services increased significantly due to the inclusion of Solid Concepts and Harvest revenues after their respective transaction dates. Service revenues also increased organically from maintenance contracts and service parts, reflecting our growing installed base of systems. Services revenues increased by $34.1 million in 2013, or 96.0%, as compared to 2012. The increase in service revenue primarily reflects the results of a full year in 2013 of combined operations of Stratasys, Inc. and Objet compared to only one month of combined operations in 2012. Services revenues for 2013 increased by $16.5 million, or 31.2%, as compared to service revenues, on a pro forma combined basis including Objet, for 2012. Service revenues are expected to continue to increase during 2015 due to inclusion of Solid Concepts and Harvest revenues for the full year. Revenues by Region Revenues and the percentage of net sales by region for the last three years, as well as the percentage change, were as follows: 58  Revenues in all regions increased in 2014 and reflects strong sales growth across all product lines as well as the inclusion of a full year of MakerBot revenues in 2014 and Solid Concepts and Harvest revenues commencing on their respective transaction dates. Revenues in the North America region increased by $143.3 million, or 54.6%, to $ 405.9 million in 2014 as compared to 2013. This increase was due primarily to strong demand for our products and services and due to the factors as described above. In 2014, 54% of our net sales were generated in the North America region, flat compared to 2013. Revenues in the EMEA region increased by $57.2 million, or 45.4%, to $183.5 million in 2014 as compared to 2013. This increase was due primarily to organic growth in all of our product lines. The growth in net sales in the EMEA region was slightly offset by foreign currencies fluctuations primarily due to the devaluation of the Euro against the U.S dollar. Revenues in the Asia Pacific region increased by $60.5 million, or 67.2%, to $ 150.5 million in 2014 as compared to 2013. This strong growth was primarily due to an organic growth in all of our product lines as well expanding our products and solutions to additional territories of the Asia Pacific region. Revenues in all regions increased in 2013, primarily as a result of a full year in 2013 of combined operations of Stratasys, Inc. and Objet compared to only one month of combined operations in 2012 and the inclusion of MakerBot revenue after the MakerBot transaction. The increase in revenue for 2013 as compared to pro forma combined including Objet revenue for 2012, reflects strong sales growth across all product lines as well as MakerBot revenue after the completion of the MakerBot transaction. The North America region was our fastest growing region during 2013. Gross Profit Gross profit for our products and services for the last three years, as well as the percentage change from year to year, was as follows: Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for our products and services for the last three years, as well as the percentage change from year to year, was as follows: Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2014 2013 2014-2013 2012 Pro Forma Combined 2012 2013-2012 Pro Forma Combined 2013-2012 U.S. $ in thousands % of net sales U.S. $ in thousands % of net sales Change in % U.S. $ in thousands % of net sales U.S. $ in thousands % of net sales Change in % Change in % North America $ 405,880 54.1% $ 262,614 54.2% 54.6% $ 113,854 52.9% $ 183,344 51.1% 130.7% 43.2% EMEA 183,462 24.5% 126,214 26.1% 45.4% 62,781 29.2% 103,694 28.9% 101.0% 21.7% Asia Pacific 150,475 20.1% 90,023 18.6% 67.2% 35,450 16.5% 64,332 17.9% 153.9% 39.9% Other 10,312 1.4% 5,552 1.1% 85.7% 3,159 1.5% 7,684 2.1% 75.8% -27.7% $ 750,129 100.0% $ 484,403 100.0% 54.9% $ 215,244 100.0% 359,054 100.0% 125.0% 34.9% Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2014 2013 2014-2013 2012 Pro Forma Combined 2012 2013-2012 Pro Forma Combined 2013-2012 U.S. $ in thousands Change in % U.S. $ in thousands Change in % Change in % Gross profit attributable to: Products $ 309,300 $ 201,426 53.6 % $ 93,020 $ 147,215 116.5 % 36.8% Services 53,094 24,747 114.5 % 16,891 16,708 46.5 % 48.1% $ 362,394 $ 226,173 60.2 % $ 109,911 $ 163,923 105.8 % 38.0% 59  Gross profit attributable to products sales increased by $107.9 million, or 53.6%, to $309.3 million in 2014 as compared with $201.4 million in 2013. The increase was attributable to sales growth discussed above. Gross profit attributable to products sales as a percentage of revenues increased to 50.5% in 2014 as compared to 48.6% in 2013, mainly due to product mix sales that favored our higher-margin Production series and high-end Design series systems. The favorable change in our product mix sales was led by newly launched products and strong growth in our high-margin consumables sales as well as flat intangible asset amortization expenses. Gross profit attributable to services revenues increased by $28.3 million, or 114.5%, to $53.1 million in 2014 as compared with $24.7 million in 2013. The increase was attributable primarily to sales growth discussed above. Our direct manufacturing service contributed $23.1 million to our gross profit primarily due to the inclusion of Solid Concepts and Harvest Technologies operations. Gross profit from services as a percentage of services revenues in 2014 increased to 38.5% from 35.6% in 2013 mainly due to mix of services and economies of scale. Gross profit attributable to products sales increased by $108.4 million, or 116.5%, to $201.4 million in 2013 as compared with $93.0 million in 2012. As a percentage of revenues attributable to product sales, gross profit decreased as compared with 2012. The changes in gross profit from products and gross profit as a percentage of related sales primarily reflected the results of the Objet and MakerBot transactions. Gross profit from product sales for 2013 increased by $54.2 million, or 36.8%, as compared to gross profit from product sales, on a pro forma combined basis for Objet, for 2012, due to the increase in sales discussed above. Gross profit from services increased by 46.5% in 2013 as compared to the prior year due primarily to the increase in service revenues discussed above. Gross profit from services for 2013 increased as compared to gross profit from services, on a pro forma combined basis for Objet, for 2012. The changes in gross profit from services and gross profit as a percentage of related sales also reflected strong growth in our customer service maintenance contracts and spare parts sales. Operating Expenses The amount of each type of operating expense for the last three years, as well as the percentage change between such annual periods, and total operating expenses as a percentage of our total sales in each such annual period, was as follows: Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2014 2013 2014-2013 2012 Pro Forma Combined 2012 2013-2012 Pro Forma Combined 2013-2012 Change in % Change in % Gross profit as a percentage of revenues from: Products 50.5 % 48.6 % 4.1% 51.7 % 48.1 % -6.1 % 0.9 % Services 38.5 % 35.6 % 8.1% 47.6 % 31.5 % -25.3 % 12.9 % Total gross profit 48.3 % 46.7 % 3.5% 51.1 % 45.7 % -8.6 % 2.3 % Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2014 2013 2014-2013 2012 Pro Forma Combined 2012 2013-2012 Pro Forma Combined 2013-2012 U.S. $ in thousands Change in % U.S. $ in thousands Change in % Change in % Research and development, net $ 82,270 $ 52,310 57.3 % $ 19,659 $ 36,923 166.1 % 41.7 % Selling, general & administrative 351,993 202,040 74.2 % 73,130 141,232 176.3 % 43.1 % Goodwill impairment 102,470 — N/A — — N/A N/A Change in fair value of obligations in connection with acquisitions (26,150 ) 754 -3,568.2 % — — N/A N/A $ 510,583 $ 255,104 100.1 % $ 92,789 $ 178,155 174.9 % 43.2 % 60 Research and development expenses, net increased by $30.0 million, or 57.3%, during 2014 as compared to 2013. The increase was primarily due to the inclusion of a full year of MakerBot operations, which resulted in an increase of $15.2 million in our research and development expenses and due to an increase in headcount to support new research and development initiatives. The headcount increase is partially attributable to our acquisitions and reflects our continued investments in research and development projects, focusing on enhancing our AM technologies and developing consumables that offer an even broader array of physical, mechanical and aesthetic properties, aimed at broadening user applications. Research and development expense as a percentage of sales increased to 11.0% in 2014 as compared to 10.8% and 9.1% in 2013 and 2012, respectively. This increase reflects our intention to continue to invest in research and development in order to bring a broad range of hardware and materials solutions as well as software solutions to create a leading 3D printing ecosystem. We are dedicated to effectively introduce our innovative technologies to the market in a timely manner. Research and development expenses, net increased by $32.7 million, or 166.1%, during 2013 as compared to 2012. The increase was driven primarily by the results of a full year in 2013 of combined operations of Stratasys, Inc. and Objet compared to only one month of combined operations in 2012 and the inclusion of MakerBot operations in 2013. Research and development expenses, net increased by $15.4 million, or 41.7%, during 2013 as compared to research and development expenses, on a pro forma combined basis for Objet, for 2012. Research and development expense as a percentage of sales increased to 10.8% in 2013 as compared to 9.1% in 2012. We have agreements with three manufacturing companies under which we jointly advance certain of our proprietary technology with each of those two companies. The agreements entitle us to receive reimbursement payments of costs actually incurred under joint development projects. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, approximately $4.6 million, $3.6 million and $3.2 million, respectively, of research and development expenses were offset by payments that we received from these companies. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by 74.2% in 2014 as compared to 2013. The inclusion of Solid Concepts operating results together with related merger, retention and other integration expense added $38.9 million to our selling, general and administrative expenses. In addition, the inclusion of a full year of MakerBot operations resulted in an increase of $30.0 million to our selling, general and administrative expenses. The additional increase of our selling, general and administrative expenses was attributed to higher expenses for strategic and marketing initiatives, costs of expanding our sales and marketing infrastructure, other acquisitions related expenses, a headcount increase to support our continuing growth and an increase in amortization of acquired intangible assets of $7.9 million. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by 176.3% in 2013 as compared to the prior year. The increase was driven primarily by the results of a full year in 2013 of combined operations of Stratasys, Inc. and Objet compared to only one month of combined operations in 2012, which added $83.8 million of selling, general and administrative expenses, and the inclusion of MakerBot operations after the MakerBot transaction which added $9.4 million of selling, general and administrative expenses. These two transactions added $14.2 million in stock compensation expense and $16.4 million in amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets in 2013 as compared to 2012. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased as compared to selling, general and administrative expenses, on a pro forma combined basis for Objet, for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase was primarily due to significant integration expenses related to the mergers, changes in our product distribution strategy, an increase in administrative expenses and headcount to support our growth, and the MakerBot transaction related expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $102.5 million related to our MakerBot reporting unit. The main factors for this non-cash and non-tax deductible expense were a slower growth of MakerBot product and service revenues, challenges associated with the introduction and scaling of its new product platform, changes in timing of implementation of certain initiatives and changes in MakerBot’s distribution model. 61 We will continue to monitor our reporting units to determine whether events and circumstances warrant further interim impairment testing. For further information, see note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 18 of this annual report. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we recorded gain of $26.2 million due to the revaluation of obligations in connection with acquisitions of MakerBot and Solid Concepts. Since MakerBot did not achieve the earn-out targets for 2014, the entire earn-out liability was cancelled as of December 31, 2014 and resulting in gain of $18.3 million. Additional gain of $7.9 million was recorded due to a decrease of our deferred payments obligations in connection with the Solid Concepts acquisition, which was mainly attributable to changes in our share price. For further information, see note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 18 of this annual report. As discussed above under “Investment Plan”, we expect an additional increase in our operating expenditures in the next two to three years as a result of our new investment plan. Operating Income (Loss) Operating income (loss) and operating income (loss) as a percentage of our total net sales for the last three years, as well as the percentage change in operating income between those years, were as follows: Operating loss for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $148.2 million as compared to an operating loss of $28.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in operating loss was primarily attributable to goodwill and other intangible assets impairment charges of $117.1 million and higher merger, retention and integration expenses, mainly due to the Solid Concepts transaction. The increase in operating loss was partially offset by gain due to revaluation of obligations in connection with acquisitions as described above. We recognized an operating loss for 2013 of $28.9 million as compared to operating income of $17.1 million in 2012. The increase in operating loss was primarily attributable to expenses of $73.9 million from amortization of intangible assets attributable to the Stratasys-Objet merger and the MakerBot transaction and expense of $9.1 million for the MakerBot performance bonus plan for the 2013 as compared to amortization expense of $10.1 million from intangible assets for 2012, which was partially offset by the increased gross margin as described above. Operating loss for 2013 increased as compared to operating loss, on a pro forma combined basis for Objet, for 2012. The increase in operating loss was primarily attributable to expense of $73.9 million from amortization of intangible assets and expense of $9.1 million for the MakerBot performance bonus plan as compared to amortization expense of $48.3 million from intangible assets in the pro forma combined operating loss for 2012. The effect of the increase in amortization expense and MakerBot performance bonus plan operating income was partially offset by the increased gross margin as described above. Financial Income (expense), net Financial expenses, net, which is comprised of mainly foreign currencies effects and interest expense, net, amounted to $6.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to a financial expense, net of $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase is mainly due to foreign currency translation losses due to Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, Pro Forma Combined Pro Forma Combined 2014 2013 2014-2013 2012 2012 2013-2012 2013-2012 U.S. $ in thousands Change in % U.S. $ in thousands Change in % Change in % Operating income (loss) $ (148,189 ) $ (28,931 ) 412 % $ 17,122 $ (14,232 ) -269.0 % 103.3 % Percentage of sales -19.8 % -6.0 % 8.0 % -4.0 % 62 changes in the rate of exchange between the U.S. dollar and the local currencies in the markets in which we operate (primarily the Euro), principally related to intercompany receivables and payables denominated in a foreign currency, partially offset by revaluation of forward contracts that hedged the corresponding currency exposure. Financial expenses, net in 2013 increased as compared to financial income, net in 2012. The expense in 2013 is primarily due to net foreign currency transaction losses. Income Taxes Income taxes and income taxes as a percentage of net income before taxes for the last three years, as well as the percentage change in income taxes between those years, were as follows: Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2014 was 22.8% as compared to 8.4% tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2013. Our effective tax rate has varied significantly due to the changes in the mix of income (loss) between the U.S. and Israel. Favorable factors that impacted our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2014 included income of $18.3 million attributable to the change in fair value of the Company’s earn-out and by an unfavorable goodwill impairment charge of approximately $102.5 million, which are both non-tax deductible, and therefore had a significant impact on the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2014. In addition, during the third quarter of 2014, we adjusted our estimate of long-term tax rates in Israel. As a result, we recorded an approximately $3.2 million in our income tax expense and an increase in our deferred tax liabilities associated with the amortization of the intangible assets. In the future, the effective tax rate is expected to fluctuate as a result of various factors, including changes in the products and geographical distribution of our income, the effect of any mergers and acquisitions, and the effects of statutes of limitations and provisions for uncertain tax positions. We expect that the tax rate in future years will be higher than this year’s, as a result of the product mix projected for these years and the changes of the Israeli incentives regime we currently benefit from. Net Income (Loss) and Net Income (Loss) Per Share Attributable to Stratasys Ltd. Net income (loss) and net income (loss) as a percentage of our total revenues for the last three years, as well as the percentage change in net income between those years, were as follows: Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, Pro Forma Combined Pro Forma Combined 2014 2013 2012 2012 2013-2012 2013-2012 U.S. $ in thousands U.S. $ in thousands Change in % Change in % Income taxes $ (35,248 ) $ (2,474 ) $ 9,687 $ 9,407 -125.5 % -126.3 % As a percent of income (loss) before income taxes 22.8 % 8.4 % 52.3 % -77.7 % -83.9 % -110.8 % 63  Net loss attributable to Stratasys Ltd. for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $119.4 million as compared to $27.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Diluted loss per share for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $2.39 and $0.68, respectively. This increase of the net loss attributable to Stratasys Ltd was due to the factors that were previously discussed, primarily the increase in our selling, general and administrative expenses, and goodwill impairment, which were partially offset by higher gross profit and gain due to revaluation of obligations in connection with acquisitions. The weighted average fully diluted share count for the year ended December 31, 2014 was 50.0 million, compared to 42.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase is primarily due to the public offering of 5.2 million shares and the issuance of 3.9 million shares in connection with the MakerBot transaction during the third quarter of 2013 which had a full effect on the weighted average number of shares outstanding in the year ended December 31, 2014, as well as shares issued during the three months ended September 30, 2014 in connection with the acquisitions of Solid Concepts and Harvest, which increased the weighted average share count by 0.5 million. In computing the loss per share for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, no adjustments were made to take into account any possible dilution of stock options, RSUs and shares held back in connection with the MakerBot transaction to the basic loss per share because their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive effect on the diluted net loss per share. Net loss attributable to Stratasys Ltd. for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $27.0 million as compared to net income of $8.5 million and net loss of $21.6 million, on pro forma combined basis for Objet, for the year ended December 31, 2012. The main reasons for the change from 2012 net income to 2013 net loss and for the changes between the net loss of 2013 on pro forma combined basis for Objet, for 2012 are cited previously in this operating and financial review and prospects section. The weighted average fully diluted share count for the year ended December 31, 2013 was 42.1 million, compared to 23.8 million for December 31, 2012. The increase is primarily due to a full effect in the year ended December 31, 2013 on the weighted average number of shares issued in connection with the Stratasys-Objet merger during December 2012 and the public offering and issuance of shares in connection with the MakerBot transaction during the third quarter of 2013. Table of Operations on a Pro Forma Combined Including Objet Basis The following table sets forth unaudited pro forma condensed combined for Objet statements of operations information for the year ended December 31, 2012, which combine the historical consolidated statements of operations of Stratasys, Inc. and Objet, giving effect to the Stratasys-Objet merger as if it had been consummated on January 1, 2012. This information has been derived from and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of Stratasys Ltd. included in this Form 20-F. Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, Pro Forma Combined Pro Forma Combined 2014 2013 2014-2013 2012 2012 2013-2012 2013-2012 U.S. $ in thousands Change in % U.S. $ in thousands Change in % Change in % Net income (loss) attributable to Stratasys Ltd. $ (119,420 ) $ (26,954 ) 343.1 % $ 8,491 $ (21,577 ) -417.4 % 24.9 % Percentage of Sales -15.9 % -5.6 % 3.9 % -6.0 % Diluted net income (loss) per share $ (2.39 ) $ (0.68 ) 251.1 % $ 0.36 $ (0.58 ) -288.9 % 17.2 % Year ended December 31, 2012 (in thousands) Historical Pro Forma Combined Adjustments Combined Net sales $ 357,986 $ 1,068 (a) $ 359,054 Cost of sales 160,023 35,108 (a)(b)(c)(d)(e) 195,131 Gross profit 197,963 (34,040 ) 163,923 Research and development 34,286 2,637 (b) (c) 36,923 Selling, general and administrative 147,035 (5,803 ) (a)(b)(c)(d)(e) 141,232 Operating income (loss) 16,642 (30,874 ) (14,232 ) Other income 2,124 — 2,124 Income (loss) before taxes 18,766 (30,874 ) (12,108 ) Income taxes 11,690 (2,283 ) (f) 9,407 Net income (loss) attributable to Stratasys Ltd. 7,015 (28,592 ) (21,577 ) 64 The specific pro forma adjustments are as follows: Accordingly, pro forma adjustments for one-time expenses have been included as follows: a) Elimination of one-time expense as arising from the Stratasys-Objet merger related to the amortization of purchase price adjustments for acquired deferred revenues, inventory and order backlog. Such amounts are not reflected above as these are considered nonrecurring charges that are to be included in the statement of operations within twelve months following the transaction. (in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2012 Revenues $ 1,068 Cost of sales—Products (2,824 ) Selling, general and administrative (3,264 ) b) To reflect the amortization of intangible assets arising from the Stratasys-Objet merger. Accordingly, pro forma adjustments for amortization expense have been included as follows: Year ended (in thousands) December 31, 2012 Cost of sales—Products $ 36,019 Selling, general and administrative 8,220 c) To reflect stock-based compensation expense. Objet stock options vest over a four-year period and were only exercisable upon the consummation of a liquidity event. Objet treated the stock options as performance-based awards and concluded that such performance condition was not probable. As a result, no stock-based compensation expense had been recognized on outstanding Objet stock options. The Stratasys-Objet merger was a liquidity event and vested options became exercisable at the date of the Stratasys-Objet merger. Under reverse acquisition accounting, Objet stock options were deemed (for accounting purposes only) to be replaced by Stratasys options. The fair value of these replacement options is determined by using the current Stratasys stock price as an input to the Black-Scholes valuation model. The total fair value of these options of $227.7 million was allocated $183 million to services rendered prior to the merger date based upon vesting and included as part of the purchase price and $44.7 million to services to be rendered after the merger date, and is being included in future stock-based compensation expense. Accordingly, pro forma adjustments to increase stock-based compensation expense have been included as follows: Year ended (in thousands) December 31, 2012 Cost of sales—Products $ 1,029 Cost of sales—Services 1,218 Research and development 3,205 Selling, general and administrative 17,190 d) Elimination of one-time stock-based expense. Under the terms of the option awards, certain Stratasys, Inc. stock options granted prior to the date of the Stratasys-Objet merger agreement were fully exercisable automatically upon the consummation of the Stratasys-Objet merger. Stratasys, Inc. recognized a one-time stock-based 65  Non-GAAP Financial Measures The following non-GAAP data, which excludes the categories of expenses described below, are non-GAAP financial measures. Our management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful information for investors and shareholders of our company in gauging our results of operations (x) on an ongoing basis after excluding merger and acquisition related expense, and (y) excluding non-cash charges such as, share-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets, and impairment charges that either do not reflect actual cash outlays that impact our liquidity and our financial condition or have a non-recurring impact on the income statement, as assessed by management. These non-GAAP financial measures are presented to permit investors to more fully understand how management assesses our performance. The limitations of using these non-GAAP financial measures as performance measures are that they provide a view of our results of operations without including all events during a period, such as the effects of merger-related, non-cash compensation and other charges, and may not provide a comparable view of our performance to other companies in our industry. The presentation of these non-GAAP measures is not meant to be considered in isolation or as an alternative to any measure of financial performance calculated in accordance with GAAP. compensation expense of $3.8 million on the merger. Such amount is not reflected above as it is considered a nonrecurring charge that is be included in the statement of operations within twelve months following the transaction. Accordingly, pro forma adjustments for stock-based compensation expense have been included to reduce stock-based compensation expense as follows: Year ended (in thousands) December 31, 2012 Cost of sales—Products $ (295 ) Cost of sales—Services (39 ) Research and development (568 ) Selling, general and administrative (2,909 ) e) Elimination of transaction costs. Total transaction costs related to the merger of $25 million were recorded as an expense in combined selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012. These costs have been removed from selling, general and administrative expenses with a pro forma adjustment for the year ended December 31, 2012 as these costs do not have an ongoing impact. f) Income tax expense. To reflect the effect of the Stratasys-Objet merger on the (provision) benefit for income taxes (with the exception of non-tax-deductible stock-based compensation expense and transaction costs) for the year ended December 31, 2012. 66 Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results of Operations Year ended December 31, 2014 2014 GAAP Non-GAAP Adjustments 2014 Non-GAAP 2013 GAAP Non-GAAP Adjustments 2013 Non-GAAP U.S. dollars and shares in thousands (except per share amounts) Gross profit (1) $ 362,394 $ 76,877 $ 439,271 $ 226,173 $ 62,717 $ 288,890 Operating loss (1,2) (148,191 ) 256,453 108,262 (28,931 ) 126,613 97,682 Net loss attributable to Stratasys Ltd. (1,2,3) (119,420 ) 223,049 103,629 (26,954 ) 108,913 81,959 Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Stratasys Ltd. (4) (2.39 ) 4.39 2.00 (0.68 ) 2.52 1.84 (1) Acquired intangible assets amortization expense 56,235 57,027 Other intangible assets impairment 11,636 — Deferred revenue purchase price adjustments 235 2,316 Non-cash stock-based compensation expense 4,493 2,980 Merger and acquisition related expense 4,278 394 76,877 62,717 (2) Acquired intangible assets amortization expense 24,952 17,066 Goodwill impairment 102,470 — Other intangible assets impairment 3,000 — Non-cash stock-based compensation expense 25,714 21,282 Change in fair value of obligations in connection with acquisitions (26,150 ) 9,867 Merger and acquisition related expense 49,589 15,681 179,575 63,896 256,452 126,613 (3) Tax expense related to adjustments (33,403 ) (17,575 ) Depreciation and amortization expense attributable to non-controlling interest — (125 ) (33,403 ) (17,700 ) $ 223,049 $ 108,913 (4) Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding- Diluted 50,019 51,805 42,099 44,511 67 Forward-looking Statements and Factors That May Affect Future Results of Operation See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements” at the beginning of this annual report (following the table of contents). Variability of Operating Results Our sales and profitability may vary in any given year, and from quarter to quarter, depending on the number and mix of products sold and the average selling price of the products, and are also affected by the seasonality of our business. In addition, due to competition, uncertain market acceptance and other factors, we may be required to reduce prices for our products in the future. Our future results will be affected by a number of factors, including our ability to: increase the number of units sold; develop, introduce and deliver new products on a timely basis; accurately anticipate customer demand patterns; and manage future inventory levels in line with anticipated demand. Our results may also be affected by competitive factors, the extent to which our cost reduction program succeeds, the availability of working capital, results of litigation, the enforcement of intellectual property rights, currency exchange rate fluctuations, commodity prices and economic conditions in the geographic areas in which we operate. There can be no assurance that our historical performance in sales, gross profit and net income (loss) will improve or even continue, or that sales, gross profit and net income (loss) in any particular quarter will improve over those of preceding quarters, including comparable quarters of previous years. See Item 3.D - “Risk Factors” above. Effective Corporate Tax Rate See “Israeli Tax Considerations and Government Programs — General Corporate Tax Structure in Israel” in Item 4.B above for a discussion of the general tax structure in Israel and applicable corporate tax rates. In 2014, we derived a significant portion of our income from facilities granted Approved or Beneficiary Enterprise status, and therefore our effective tax rate was significantly reduced from the historic rate of Stratasys, Inc. See “Israeli Tax Considerations and Government Programs — The Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments” in Item 4.B above. Income tax expense in our historical financial statements prior to 2013 related primarily to the income taxes of non-Israeli subsidiaries, as income from Objet Ltd. was included only for the month of December, 2012, subsequent to the Stratasys-Objet merger. In the event we have taxable income in Israel, derived from sources other than Approved or Beneficiary Enterprises, such income would be taxable at the regular Israeli corporate tax rates described above. As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we must estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves our estimating our actual current tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. Actual income taxes could vary from these estimates due to future changes in income tax law or results from final tax examinations and reviews. Effects of Government Regulations and Location on our Business For a discussion of the effects of Israeli governmental regulation and our location in Israel on our business, see “Israeli Tax Considerations and Government Programs” in Item 4.B above and the “Risks related to operations in Israel” in Item 3.D above. Inflation We believe that inflation has not had a material effect on our operations or on our financial condition during the three most recent fiscal years. Foreign Currency Transactions See “Foreign Currency Exchange Risk” in Item 11 below for a discussion of foreign currency transactions. 68 B. Liquidity and Capital Resources A summary of our statement of cash flows for the three years ended December 31, 2014 is as follows: Our cash and cash equivalents balance increased to $442.1 million at December 31, 2014 from $414.1 million at December 31, 2013. The increase in cash and cash equivalents in 2014 was primarily due to cash flows provided from operating activities in an amount of $13.8 million and cash flows from financing activities in the amount of $44.9 million primarily due to the proceeds from borrowing under our credit facility. The increase in cash and cash equivalents was offset by net cash flows used in investing activities of $27.4 million to fund our acquisitions and to purchase property, plant and equipment to support our growing business. Our cash and cash equivalents balance increased to $414.1 million at December 31, 2013 from $133.8 million at December 31, 2012. The increase was primarily due to the net proceeds of $462.9 million from the sale of our ordinary shares, which closed in September, 2013. These increases were offset by the $226.8 million used in investing activities, which primarily reflected the increase in short-term bank deposits and purchases of property and equipment. Cash flow from operating activities We generated cash in operating activities of $13.8 million during 2014. The net loss of $119.5 million was favorably adjusted by non-cash charges for goodwill and other intangible assets impairment of $117.1 million, depreciation and amortization of $109.4 million and stock-based compensation expense of $30.2 million offset mainly by the changes in the deferred income taxes and in working capital items. The changes in the deferred income taxes of $53.9 million and the changes in working capital and other items of $54.0 million unfavorably affected cash from operating activities. The increase in the working capital consisted mainly of an increase in accounts receivable of $46.7 million and inventories of $39.4 million, offset by an increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and accrued compensation and related benefits of $31.0 million as well as $12.7 million increase in deferred revenue. The change in working capital was mainly driven by strong order flow reflecting increasing demand for our products and services in the marketplace. We generated cash from operating activities of $32.0 million during 2013. The net loss of $27.0 million was favorably adjusted due to noncash charges for depreciation and amortization of $92.4 million and stock-based Year ended December 31, 2014 2013 2012 U.S. $ in thousands Net income (loss) $ (119,470 ) $ (26,907 ) $ 8,823 Goodwill and other intangible assets impairment charges 117,106 — — Depreciation and amortization 109,429 92,436 19,497 Deferred income taxes (53,887 ) (19,449 ) (3,450 ) Stock-based compensation 30,207 24,262 8,874 Excess tax benefit from stock options — (2,817 ) (15,192 ) Change in fair value of obligations in connection with acquisitions (26,150 ) 754 — Translation loss (gain) and other non-cash items 10,602 (1,523 ) (461 ) Change in working capital and other items (54,021 ) (34,727 ) (16,598 ) Net cash provided by operating and other activities 13,816 32,029 1,494 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (27,439 ) (226,751 ) 81,518 Net cash provided by financing activities 44,941 474,915 30,489 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (3,265 ) 69 233 Net change in cash and cash equivalents 28,053 280,262 113,734 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 414,088 133,826 20,092 Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 442,141 $ 414,088 $ 133,826 69 compensation expense of $24.3 million offset mainly by the changes in the deferred income taxes of $19.4 million and in working capital items of $34.7 million. We generated $1.5 million in cash from operating activities during 2012. Net income of $8.8 million was favorably adjusted for non-cash charges of $19.5 million in depreciation and amortization and stock-based compensation expense of $8.9 million offset mainly by excess tax benefit from stock option exercises of $15.2 million and in working capital items of $16.6 million. Cash flow from investing activities We used cash of $27.4 million in our investing activities during 2014. Cash used to fund our acquisitions and to purchase property and equipment amounted to $211.6 million, which was partially offset by cash provided due to the change in short-term bank deposits of $189.8 million. We used cash of $151.1 million to fund our acquisitions. In addition, we also used non-cash consideration to fund our acquisitions. For further details, see our supplemental disclosure of cash flow information of our consolidated statement of cash flow and note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 18 of this annual report. Property, plant and equipment purchases totaled $60.5 million. Our principal property, plant and equipment purchases were for the enhancement of our manufacturing capabilities of our facilities in Israel and the United States and for our new facility in Germany. We also paid for machinery and other equipment to support our growing direct manufacturing business, purchased engineering development equipment and invested in our computer systems. We used cash of $226.8 million in our investing activities during 2013. The cash used for investing activities in 2013 primarily related to the purchase of short-term bank deposits, which used cash of $180.3 million, and the purchase of property, plant and equipment of $33.3 million. Our investing activities generated $81.5 million during 2012. The cash generated from our investing activities in 2012 primarily related to proceeds from maturities and sales of marketable securities of $53.4 million and cash acquired of $41.5 million through Stratasys-Objet merger. Cash flow from financing activities Net cash provided by financing activities in 2014 was $44.9 million. Cash provided by financing activities was mainly attributed to our borrowing of $50.0 million under our credit facility during 2014. In addition to the borrowing under the credit facility, items that favorably affected financing activities were the proceeds of $7.9 million from the exercise of stock options, partially offset by the cash payment of the first earn-out period obligation in connection with MakerBot transaction in the amount of $10.8 million. Net cash provided by financing activities in 2013 was $474.9 million. Cash provided by financing activities was mainly attributed to net proceeds of $462.9 million from public offering of 5,175,000 of our ordinary shares. Proceed from the exercise of stock options provided cash of $12.5 million to our financing activities. Net cash provided by financing activities in 2012 was $30.5 million. Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and the excess tax benefit from the exercise of stock options and warrant provided $15.3 million and $15.2 million, respectively. Capital resources and capital expenditures Our total current assets amounted to $796.6 million as of December 31, 2014, of which $442.7 million consisted of cash and cash equivalents and short-term bank deposits. Total current liabilities amounted to $250.6 million as of December 31, 2014, including $50.0 million relating to short-term debt. Most of our cash and cash equivalents and short-term bank deposits are held in banks in Israel, Switzerland and the U.S., with only minor amounts subject to any restrictions on movement of balances within our company and our subsidiaries. Our credit risk of our accounts receivable is limited due to the relatively large number of customers and their wide geographic distribution. In addition, we try to reduce the credit exposures of our accounts receivable by credit limits, credit insurance for most of our customers, ongoing credit evaluation and account monitoring procedures. In February 2015, we announced our new investment plan to help enable growth, maintain market leadership and meet future opportunities. We may make investments in fixed assets, expansion of our operations into additional geographies, information technology, or IT, human resources and sales and marketing infrastructure that will be 70 required for future growth. We estimate that we will spend between approximately $160 million to $200 million in 2015 for capital expenditure. We believe that we will have adequate cash and cash generated from operating activities to fund our ongoing operations and that these sources of liquidity will be sufficient to satisfy our capital expenditure requirements for the next twelve months. Acquisitions As discussed in note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 18 of this annual report, we acquired Solid Concepts on July 14, 2014. At the closing, we paid approximately $162 million as part of the purchase price and other related expenses, of which $60 million was paid in cash and $98 million was paid in our shares; the $4 million balance of the initial purchase price was deferred for six months and was paid in cash during January 2015. The remaining related payments, including deferred payments consideration and retention bonus, are subject to certain adjustments based on our share price. Based on our share price as of December 31, 2014, the total undiscounted amount of the deferred payments consideration and retention bonus is approximately $86.6 million. Subject to certain requirements for cash payments, we retain the discretion to settle any of the amounts payable under the Solid Concepts transaction in our shares, cash or any combination of the two. We believe that our existing cash reserves and our revolving credit facility will be adequate to permit us to make the cash payments if we choose to pay the remaining amount in cash. As part of our business strategy, we plan to consider and, as appropriate, make acquisitions of other businesses, products, product rights or technologies. Our cash reserves, revolving credit facility and other liquid assets may be inadequate to consummate such acquisitions and it may be necessary for us to issue shares or raise substantial additional funds in the future to complete future transactions. In addition, as a result of our acquisition efforts, we are likely to experience significant charges to earnings and significant cash outflows for mergers and related expenses (whether or not our efforts are successful) that may include transaction costs, closing costs or costs of restructuring activities. Revolving credit facility On November 8, 2013, our company and Stratasys International Ltd., our wholly-owned subsidiary, which served as borrower, entered into a credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A., or BofA, as administrative agent and swing line lender, and the other lenders party thereto. Under the credit agreement, Citibank, N.A. and HSBC Bank USA, National Association, serve as co-syndication agents and Silicon Valley Bank serves as documentation agent. The credit agreement provides for a five year revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $250 million. The revolving credit facility permits swing line loans of up to the lesser of: (1) $25 million and (2) the aggregate commitments of all the lenders. The borrower has the right to make up to three requests to increase the aggregate commitments under the revolving credit facility by an aggregate amount for all such requests of up to $75 million, provided that, in each case, the lenders (including new lenders who are eligible assignees under the credit agreement) are willing to provide such new or increased commitments and certain other conditions are met. All of the obligations under the credit agreement are unconditionally guaranteed by our company and by our (and the borrower’s) active U.S. and Israeli subsidiaries (excluding, through the end of 2014, MakerBot and its subsidiaries). At the borrower’s option, revolving loans under the credit agreement (other than swing line loans) will accrue interest based on either (i) the Eurodollar Rate (the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR) plus a margin based on our Consolidated Leverage Ratio (defined as consolidated funded indebtedness over consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the credit agreement) for the previous rolling four quarters (to which we refer as the leverage ratio); or (ii) a base rate of (a) the federal funds rate plus a margin, (b) BofA’s announced prime rate, or (c) the Eurodollar Rate plus a margin, whichever is highest, plus a margin that is dependent on the leverage ratio (we refer to the foregoing interest rate under the credit agreement as the base rate). Swing line loans will accrue interest at the base rate plus the then-applicable margin for base rate loans. Payments of the principal amounts of (i) revolving loans are due on the fifth anniversary of the closing of the facility, which we refer to as the maturity date, and (ii) swing line loans are due on the earlier of (a) 10 business days after such loan is made, or (b) the maturity date. Interest on Eurodollar Rate Loans is payable on the last day of each interest period (provided that if an interest period exceeds three months, such interest payments are also due on the 71 dates falling every three months after the beginning of such interest period) and, for any base rate loan, is payable on the last business day of each calendar quarter. Borrowings under the credit agreement are available for general corporate purposes (including, without limitation, permitted acquisitions and investments) and for other permitted purposes set forth in the credit agreement. The borrower must also pay a commitment fee on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility at a rate of 0.375% to 0.425% based on the leverage ratio. The borrower may prepay, reduce or terminate the commitments, in whole or in part, in minimum amounts without premium or penalty, other than customary breakage costs with respect to Eurodollar Rate borrowings. The credit agreement contains customary representations and warranties, and affirmative and negative covenants. The negative covenants include, without limitation, restrictions on indebtedness, liens, investments, and certain dispositions. The negative covenants are each subject to a number of specific exceptions, as well as broader exceptions which are a function of our consolidated financial status. These broader exceptions include, among other things, the ability of our company, the borrower, or any of their subsidiaries to make investments, consummate acquisitions (as such terms are defined in the credit agreement), and incur additional unsecured indebtedness in the form of convertible unsecured bonds or similar convertible securities, as long as certain conditions are met. The credit agreement also contains customary events of default that entitle the lenders to cause any or all of the borrower’s indebtedness to become immediately due and payable, including, among other things: (i) failure to pay any principal when due and payable; (ii) failure to pay interest within five days after it is due; (iii) failure to comply with certain covenants and representations; (iv) a change of control (as defined in the credit agreement); (v) cross-defaults based on defaults under certain other agreements; (vi) the maintenance by us of material monetary judgments that remain unstayed; (vii) insolvency and bankruptcy defaults. There are also customary grace periods provided before certain events are deemed events of default under the credit agreement. During the third quarter of 2014 we borrowed $50.0 million under the credit facility to support the funding of our growing business. We believe that we were in compliance with the all covenants under the credit agreement as of December 31, 2014. Contractual obligations For information concerning our material commitments as of December 31, 2014, see Item 5.F below (“Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations”). C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, Etc. For a discussion of our research and development policies, see “Research and Development” and “Regulation— Israeli Tax Considerations and Government Programs – Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments” in Item 4.B above and the “Risks related to operations in Israel” in Item 3.D above. D. Trend Information. For trend information, see the Risk Factors described in Item 3.D above, the “Overview” and “Operating Results” sections of this Item 5 - “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and Item 4 - “Information on the Company” above. E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. Except for standard operating leases, we have not engaged in any off-balance sheet arrangements, such as the use of unconsolidated subsidiaries, structured finance, special purpose entities or variable interest entities. We do not believe that our off-balance sheet arrangements and commitments have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors. F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations. The following table summarizes our material known contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2014 that we expect to require significant cash outlays in future periods: 72  The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions was $8.6 million as of December 31, 2014. Payment of these obligations would result from settlements with taxing authorities. Due to the difficulty in determining the timing of resolution of audits, these obligations are not included in the above table. In addition, the Company has obligations in connection with acquisitions, mainly due to the Solid Concepts transaction. For further information refer to Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 18 of this annual report. ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES. A. Directors and Senior Management. The following table lists the names and ages of our current directors, as well as the names, ages and positions of the current members of our senior management, as of the filing date of this annual report: Elchanan Jaglom has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors since February 19, 2015 and since the Stratasys-Objet merger, as the Chairman of the Executive Committee of our company. Prior to the Stratasys-Objet merger, he served as Chairman of Object’s board of Directors from 2001 until the Stratasys-Objet merger. Mr. Jaglom also served as the Chairman of Diamond Capital Management Ltd., the investment manager of the Diamond Group of investment funds, until January 2, 2014. In parallel to his involvement with these entities, Mr. Jaglom has been involved in investment management of funds, private equity and venture capital investment since the early 1980s, focusing primarily on early-stage technology companies. He is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and the Ben Gurion University of the Negev. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and statistics from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and an M.B.A. from New York University. S. Scott Crump has served as Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors since February 19, 2015 and as our Chief Innovation Officer since February 2013. Mr. Crump previously served as Chairman of the Board of Directors since the Stratasys-Objet merger, Chief Executive Officer, President, Treasurer and a director of Stratasys, Inc. from its inception in 1988 until the Stratasys-Objet merger, and as Chief Financial Officer of Stratasys from February 1990 to May 1997. Mr. Crump was, with Lisa H. Crump, his wife, a co-founder of Stratasys, Inc., and he is the inventor of our FDM technology. During the period from 1982 to 1988, Mr. Crump was a co-founder and Vice President of Sales of IDEA, Inc., which later changed its name to SI Technologies, Inc., a leading manufacturer of force, load and pressure transducers. Mr. Crump continued to be a director and shareholder of that company until its sale to Vishay Intertechnologies, Inc. (NYSE: VSH) in April 2005. Mr. Crump holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Washington State University. 1 Year Years Years 5 Years Total 2015 2016-2017 2018-2019 2020 and Thereafter U.S. $ in thousands Operating lease obligations (1) $ 68,081 $ 12,723 $ 18,099 $ 12,652 $ 24,607 Purchase obligations (including purchase orders) 24,275 24,275 — — — Short-term debt (2) 50,233 50,233 $ 142,589 $ 87,231 $ 18,099 $ 12,652 $ 24,607 (1) Includes lease obligations for facilities. (2) Includes estimated interest. Name Age Position Elchanan Jaglom 73 Chairman of the Board of Directors S. Scott Crump 61 Chairman of the Executive Committee and Chief Innovation Officer David Reis 54 Chief Executive Officer and Director Edward J. Fierko 73 Director Ilan Levin 49 Director John J. McEleney 52 Director Clifford H. Schwieter 67 Director Ziva Patir 65 Director Eyal Desheh 62 External Director Victor Leventhal 70 External Director Erez Simha 52 Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer 73 David Reis has served as our (and, prior to the Stratasys-Objet merger, as Objet’s) Chief Executive Officer since March 2009 and as a director since June 2013. He also served as a director of Objet from 2003 until the closing of the Stratasys-Objet merger. Previously, he served as Chief Executive Officer and President of NUR Macroprinters Ltd. (NURMF.PK), a wide format printer manufacturer that was acquired by HP, from February 2006 to March 2008. Prior to joining NUR, Mr. Reis served as the Chief Executive Officer and President of ImageID, an automatic identification and data capture solution provider, and of Scitex Vision (NASDAQ & TASE: SCIX), a developer and manufacturer of wide-format printers. Mr. Reis holds a B.A. in Economics and Management from the Technion/Israel Institute of Technology and an M.B.A. from the University of Denver. Edward J. Fierko, who has served as a director of our company since the Stratasys-Objet merger, also served in that capacity for Stratasys, Inc. from February 2002 until the merger. Since May 2003, Mr. Fierko has been President of EJF Associates, a consulting firm. From March 2003 to May 2003, Mr. Fierko was Vice President of GE Osmonics, Inc., a manufacturer of reverse osmosis water filtration devices. From November 1999 through February 2003, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Osmonics, and from November 1998 to September 1999 he served as Executive Vice President of Osmonics. From September 1987 to August 1998, Mr. Fierko was President and CEO of Ecowater International, a holding company with operating companies in the water, waste and special process treatment industry. Prior to that, Mr. Fierko held several management positions over a 23-year career at General Electric Company (NYSE: GE). He holds a B.S. in Accounting from La Salle University. Ilan Levin has served as a director of our company since 2000. Mr. Levin was appointed as President and Vice Chairman of the Objet board in February 2011, in which position he remained until the Stratasys-Objet merger. He has been involved in venture capital and private equity investment activity since 1997, acting as a member of the board of directors and as an advisor for a wide variety of technology-related companies, as well as a director for Vision Sigma Ltd. (TLV: VISN:IT). From 2003 through 2009, he served as Chief Executive Officer of CellGuide Ltd. He holds a B.A.Sc. from the University of Toronto and an LL.B. from Tel Aviv University. John J. McEleney, who has served as a director of our company since the Stratasys-Objet merger, served as a director of Stratasys, Inc. from 2007 until the Stratasys-Objet merger. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Onshape Inc. a venture backed start-up company focused on applying modern computing to the 3D product design market. Prior to Onshape he was the Chief Executive of Cloud Switch, which was acquired by Verizon. He served as a director of SolidWorks Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dassault Systemes S.A. (NASDAQ: DASTY), from June 2000 to May 2008, and also served as its Chief Executive Officer from 2001 until June 2007. Mr. McEleney joined SolidWorks in 1996, serving in several capacities, including Chief Operating Officer and Vice President, Americas Sales. Prior to joining SolidWorks, Mr. McEleney held several key management positions at CAD software pioneer Computervision and at defense contractor Raytheon. Mr. McEleney also serves as a director of Newforma, a privately held software company. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Rochester, an M.S. in Manufacturing Engineering from Boston University and an M.B.A. from Northeastern University. Clifford H. Schwieter has been a director of our company since the Stratasys-Objet merger, after having served in that same capacity for Stratasys, Inc. from 1994 until the merger. Since 2009, Mr. Schwieter has been the President and a Managing Director of C.H. Schwieter and Associates, LLC, a management and financial consulting firm; he also served in that capacity from 1994 to 2002. From 2002 to 2009, Mr. Schwieter was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Concise Logic, Inc., a software development company focused on semiconductor design tools. From July 1992 to March 1994, he served as President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Centric Engineering Systems, Inc., which was engaged in the development of mechanical design and analysis software for computing systems ranging from workstations to mainframes and massively parallel networked computing environments. Mr. Schwieter was Vice President and General Manager of the Electronic Imaging Systems Division of the DuPont Company (NYSE: DD) from 1986 to 1991. From 1971 to 1986, Mr. Schwieter was with the General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), where he served as Vice President of GE’s Calma Company from 1985 to 1986 and was responsible for that subsidiary’s worldwide business in the mechanical design and factory automation arena. He was President and 74 Representative Director of GE Industrial Automation, Ltd., a joint venture between GE and C. Itoh & Company located in Tokyo, from 1982 to 1985. He holds a B.S. in Industrial Management from the University of Cincinnati. Ziva Patir has served as our director since June 2013, when she was elected as an unclassified director pursuant to an amendment to our amended articles that was adopted in June 2013. Since February 2014, Ms. Patir serves on the board of directors of ELTA Systems Ltd., an Israeli provider of defense products and services. She also serves as a member of the board of Lahav at Tel-Aviv University, the leading provider of executive education in Israel, a position that she has held since 2003, and as member of the board of Kardan Vehicle Ltd., the Israeli licensee of Avis. Ms. Patir served as the Vice President of Standards, Policy and Sustainability for Better Place, an infrastructure electrical vehicles company providing technology design and service for switchable battery cars, a position that she held from 2008 until May 2013. From 2008 to 2010, she served as Chair of the Board of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) in Israel. From 1996 to 2008, Ms. Patir held the position of Director General of the Standard Institution of Israel (SII). From 1985 to 1996, Ms. Patir served as the Director of the Quality and Certification Division of SII and held various managerial positions in the Industry and Standardization Divisions from 1976 to 1985. From 2004 to 2008, Ms. Patir served as Vice President of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), as well as chair of the Technical Management Board, leading overall management of ISO technical work. ISO is the world’s largest developer and publisher of international standards. From 1998 to 2000, Ms. Patir was a member of the International Electrotechnical Commission Council Board. Ms. Patir is a Certified Quality Engineer and holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry from Tel-Aviv University and a M.Sc. in Chemistry/Polymer Science from the Weizmann Institute of Science. Eyal Desheh serves as an external director of our company. His appointment to that position was effective upon the closing of the Stratasys-Objet merger, on December 1, 2012, and was ratified by our shareholders in February 2013. Mr. Desheh currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE: TEVA), a global pharmaceutical and drug company, and also served in that capacity from July 2008 to October 2013 (with the additional title of Group Executive Vice President since 2012). From October 2013 to February 2014, Mr. Desheh served as Acting President and Chief Executive Officer of Teva. From 2000 until 2008, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ:CHKP), a global leading provider of network security solutions. From 1996 until 2000 he served as CFO of Scitex Corporation Ltd. (NASDAQ & TASE: SCIX), and from 1989 until 1996, he served as deputy CFO of Teva Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Mr. Desheh holds a B.A. in Economics and an M.B.A. in Finance, both from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Victor Leventhal serves as an external director of our company. His appointment to that position was effective upon the closing of the Stratasys-Objet merger, on December 1, 2012, and was ratified by our shareholders in February 2013. Mr. Leventhal has served as a consultant to SolidWorks Corporation, a 3D CAD software company, since 2006. From 2001 to 2006, he was a Group Executive for Dassault Systemes S.A. (NASDAQ: DASTY), the parent company of SolidWorks, where he served on the Global Management Committee. From 1995 to 2001, Mr. Leventhal was the Chief Operating Officer of SolidWorks, where he was responsible for growing the business from its inception. From 1990 to 1995, Mr. Leventhal was the Chief Executive Officer of CAD Solutions, LLC, a leading reseller of 2D and 3D CAD products, which he helped grow from a $5 million company to a $32 million company. From 1985 to 1990, he held numerous executive positions, including serving as the Executive Vice President of Computerland, the largest computer retailer at the time, where he was responsible for franchise development, major account sales, marketing, training, purchasing and vendor relations. Prior to that time, he held various administrative, operations, marketing and financial positions at IBM for 18 years. He has also served on the boards of directors of Solido, a 3D printing company, Graphisoft, an architectural software company, and 3D Express, a startup company in the rapid prototyping industry. Mr. Leventhal received a B.B.A. from the University of Texas. Erez Simha, who joined Objet in November 2011 as its Chief Operations Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has served as our Chief Financial Officer and as our Chief Operating Officer (Israel) (and, since January 2014, the Chief Operating Officer of our entire company) since the Stratasys-Objet merger. Previously, he served as Corporate Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Orbotech Ltd. (NASDAQ GS: ORBK), a developer of automated optical inspection systems and imaging solutions, from July 2009 to March 2011, prior to which he had served in several other capacities at Orbotech and its affiliates, including as Corporate Vice President for Finance from September 2008 to June 2009, Vice President of Finance and Operations at Orbotech Pacific Ltd. from April 2007 to August 2008 and Vice President of Finance, Operations and Customer Support at Orbotech S.A. from May 2004 to March 2007. Prior to joining Orbotech, Mr. Simha served as Chief Financial Officer of Wiseband Communications Ltd., a developer of digital multi carrier power amplifiers for the wireless communications industry, from 2000 to 2004; as the general manager of a private company engaged in the import and distribution of professional and technical equipment for the building and metal industries, from 1994 to 2000; and as the controller of Mishkan—Hapoalim Mortgage Bank, from 75 1990 to 1994. Mr. Simha is a certified public accountant and holds a B.A. in economics and accounting and an M.B.A. from Tel Aviv University. Arrangements for Election of Directors and Members of Management; Family Relationships Upon the expiration of the initial two year term following the Stratasys-Objet merger on December 1, 2014 and the election of our board of directors at an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders that was held on February 3, 2015, there are no longer any classifications or arrangements related to the election of our board of directors. Under the amendments to our articles of association that were adopted at that February 2015 shareholders meeting, our board members are elected at each annual general meeting of shareholders for a one year term (other than our external directors, who are elected every three years for a three year term, in accordance with the Companies Law). For additional information, please see “Election of Directors” in Item 10.B (“Memorandum and Articles of Association”) below. There are also no family relationships among any directors or members of our senior management. B. Compensation. The following table presents all compensation that we paid, or accrued, during the year ended December 31, 2014 to all persons who served as a director or as a member of senior management of our company at any time during the year. The table does not include any amounts that we paid to reimburse any of these persons for costs incurred in providing us with services during that period. Pursuant to the Companies Law, the fees payable to our directors and our chief executive officer require approval by (i) the compensation committee of our board, (ii) the board of directors and (iii) our shareholders (in that order). Please see “Compensation Policy and Committee” in Item 6.C (“Board Practices”) below for further information regarding the requirements under the Companies Law in connection with the compensation of directors. The following table sets forth the directors’ fees, salary or other compensation (excluding value attributable to stock option grants and excluding reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with services) that is paid to each of our directors on an annual basis: Salaries, Fees, Bonuses Commissions, and Related Benefits Paid or Accrued (1) Pension, Retirement and Other Similar Benefits Accrued All directors and members of senior management as a group, consisting of 11 persons (2) $ 3,177,998 (3) $ 110,102 (1) Does not include the value attributable to stock option grants. For a discussion of stock option grants to our directors and members of senior management, see below. (2) Comprised of the 11 directors and senior management members listed in the table under “Directors and Senior Management” in Item 6.A above. (3) This compensation amount for the year ended December 31, 2014 excludes an aggregate of $0.8 million of bonuses that were paid in 2014 in respect of services that had been performed during the previous year. 76  During the year ended December 31, 2014, we granted stock options to purchase an aggregate of 66,000 of our ordinary shares to certain of our directors and members of our senior management. Information concerning those options that were granted to our directors during 2014 is set forth in the table below: Members of our senior management are eligible for bonuses each year. The bonuses are payable upon meeting objectives and targets that are set annually by our Chief Executive Officer and approved by our compensation committee and our board of directors, in that order. These same corporate bodies also set the bonus targets for our Chief Executive Officer. In accordance with a December 2012 amendment to the Companies Law, we have adopted a compensation policy that governs the compensation of our directors and senior management and which has been approved by (i) the compensation committee of our board, (ii) the board of directors and (iii) our shareholders (in that order). Please see “Compensation Policy and Committee” in Item 6.C (“Board Practices”) below for further information. Name of Director Annual Fee/Salary Per Meeting Fee (In Person/ Telephonic) Elchanan Jaglom $ 420,000 (2) S. Scott Crump $ 441,594 (1) David Reis $ 992,037 (3) Edward J. Fierko $ 71,000 $1,500/ $250 Ilan Levin $ 357,639 (4) — John J. McEleney $ 71,500 $1,500/ $250 Clifford H. Schweiter $ 60,750 $1,500/ $250 Ziva Patir $ 43,908 (5) NIS3,750/ NIS2,250 Victor Leventhal $ 49,732 NIS3,750/ NIS2,250 Eyal Desheh $ 57,363 NIS3,750/ NIS2,250 (1) Constitutes the aggregate salary payable to Mr. Crump for all of the services that he provides to our company, including in respect of his roles as Chairman of the Executive Committee (and previously as the Chairman of the Board) and Chief Innovation Officer of our company. Our shareholders have also approved a bonus target of $178,740 for Mr. Crump. (2) Constitutes salary payable in respect of the consulting and director services provided by an entity affiliated with Mr. Jaglom. Does not include Israeli value added tax, or VAT, that is due on the salary payable to Mr. Jaglom. (3) Constitutes the aggregate salary (excluding VAT) payable to Mr. Reis for all of the services that he provides to our company, including in respect of his role as Chief Executive Officer, as well as an estimated bonus that may be paid to Mr. Reis in respect of 2014. This total compensation amount includes an estimated bonus that may be paid to Mr. Reis in respect of 2014. The foregoing bonus is subject to further approval by our shareholders, in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Law. (4) These amounts exclude other benefits that are provided for by Israeli law or that are customary for senior executives in Israel, including the right to use (and all related fixed and variable costs in respect of) a leased car that we provide to Mr. Levin. (5) Does not include VAT that is due on the fees payable to Ms. Patir. Name of Director Number of Shares Underlying Options Granted Exercise Price per Ordinary Share Expiration Date of Options Edward J. Fierko 22,000 $ 103.30 August 8, 2020 John J. McEleney 22,000 $ 103.30 August 8, 2020 Clifford H. Schweiter 22,000 $ 103.30 August 8, 2020 77 For a description of the terms of our stock option and share incentive plans, see “Share Ownership - Stock Option and Share Incentive Plans” in Item 6.E below. Office Holder Compensation The table below outlines the compensation actually paid to our five most highly compensated senior office holders during or with respect to the year ended December 31, 2014, in the disclosure format of Regulation 21 of the Israeli Securities Regulations (Periodic and Immediate Reports), 1970. We refer to the five individuals for whom disclosure is provided herein as our “Covered Executives.” For purposes of the table and the summary below, and in accordance with the above mentioned securities regulations, “compensation” includes base salary, bonuses, equity-based compensation, retirement or termination payments, benefits and perquisites such as car, phone and social benefits and any undertaking to provide such compensation. Summary Compensation Table Information Regarding the Covered Executive (1) Name and Principal Position (2) Base Salary Variable compensation (3) Benefit and Perquisites (4) Equity-Based Compensation (5) Other Total Joe Allison, CEO of SDM $ 97,000 $ 84,000 $ — $ — $ 23,530,871 (6) $ 23,711,871 Erez Simha, CFO & COO $ 328,030 $ 144,675 $ 129,759 $ 1,432,059 $ — $ 2,034,523 Dan Yalon, EVP Strategy, Marketing & BD $ 246,207 $ 114,794 $ 62,017 $ 1,167,737 $ — $ 1,590,755 David Reis, CEO $ 426,543 $ 480,645 (7) $ 44,555 $ — $ 85,494 $ 1,037,237 Tal Dilian, EVP Global Product & Technology $ 248,451 $ 120,563 $ 37,658 $ 541,407 $ — $ 948,079 (1) All amounts reported in the table are in terms of cost to the Company, as recorded in our financial statements. (2) All current executive officers listed in the table are full-time employees or consultants of our company. Cash compensation amounts denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar were converted into U.S. dollars at the average conversion rate for 2014. (3) Amounts reported in this column refer to commission, incentive and bonus payments which were paid with respect to 2014. (4) Amounts reported in this column include benefits and perquisites, including those mandated by applicable law. Such benefits and perquisites may include, to the extent applicable to the Covered Executive, payments, contributions and/or allocations for savings funds, pension, severance, vacation, car or car allowance, medical insurances and benefits, risk insurances (e.g., life, disability, accident), convalescence pay, , payments for social security, tax gross-up payments and other benefits and perquisites consistent with our guidelines. (5) Amounts reported in this column represent the expense recorded in our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014 with respect to equity-based compensation. Assumptions and key variables used in the calculation of such amounts are described in Note 10 to our audited consolidated financial statements, which are included in Item 18 of this annual report. (6) Consists of (i) $15 million, constituting a signing bonus for Mr. Allison, and (ii) $8,530,871, constituting a pro-rated portion of a retention payment to Mr. Allison that we recognized in our financial statements during the year ended December 31, 2014, each of which is payable to Mr. Allison pursuant to the Solid Concepts acquisition. (7) This amount represents a bonus in respect of 2014 that is subject to approval by our shareholders in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Law. 78 C. Board Practices. Board of Directors Under the Companies Law, the management of our business is vested in our board of directors. Our board of directors may exercise all powers and may take all actions that are not specifically granted to our shareholders or to management. Our executive officers are responsible for our day-to-day management and have individual responsibilities established by our board of directors. Our Chief Executive Officer is appointed by, and serves at the discretion of, our board of directors, subject to the employment agreement that we have entered into with him. All other executive officers are also appointed by our board of directors, subject to the terms of any applicable employment agreements that we may enter into with them. Under our amended articles, our board of directors must consist of at least seven and not more than 11 directors, including at least two external directors required to be elected under the Companies Law. Upon the expiration of the initial two year term following the Stratasys-Objet merger on December 1, 2014 and the adoption by our shareholders of amendments to our articles at the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders that was held in February 2015, each of our directors is elected annually, at our annual general meeting of shareholders (other than our external directors, who are elected for three year terms every three years in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Law). The vote required for the election of each director (other than external directors) is a majority of the voting power represented at the meeting and voting on the election proposal The current members of our board consist of the Chairman— Elchanan Jaglom (as of Febraury 19, 2015), the Chairman of the Executive Committee—S. Scott Crump (as of Febraury 19, 2015), Edward J. Fierko, Ilan Levin, John J. McEleney, Ziva Patir, David Reis, Clifford H. Schwieter and our external directors—Eyal Desheh and Victor Leventhal. For more information, please see “Election of Directors” in Item 10.B (“Memorandum and Articles of Association”) below. Our board of directors may appoint directors to fill vacancies on the board, for a term of office equal to the remaining period of the term of office of the director(s) whose office(s) have been vacated. Following their initial three-year term, our external directors may be elected for up to two additional three-year terms under the circumstances described below and potentially for additional incremental three-year terms if additional requirements are met. External directors may be removed from office only under the limited circumstances set forth in the Companies Law. See “—External Directors” in this Item 6.C below. In accordance with the exemption available to foreign private issuers under the NASDAQ Listing Rules, we do not follow the requirements of the NASDAQ rules with regard to the process of nominating directors. Instead, we follow Israeli law and practice, in accordance with which our board of directors (based on the recommendation of the executive committee thereof) is authorized to recommend to our shareholders director nominees for election. Under the Companies Law and our amended articles, nominations for directors may also be made by any shareholder holding at least one percent (1%) of our outstanding voting power. However, any such shareholder may make such a nomination only if a written notice of such shareholder’s intent to make such nomination (together with certain documentation required under the Companies Law) has been delivered to our registered Israeli office within seven days after we publish notice of our upcoming annual general meeting (or within 14 days after we publish a preliminary notification of an upcoming annual general meeting). In addition to its role in making director nominations, under the Companies Law, our board of directors must determine the minimum number of directors who are required to have accounting and financial expertise. Under applicable regulations, a director with accounting and financial expertise is a director who, by reason of his or her education, professional experience and skill, has a high level of proficiency in and understanding of business accounting matters and financial statements. See “—External Directors” in this Item 6.C below. He or she must be able to thoroughly comprehend the financial statements of the company and initiate debate regarding the manner in which financial information is presented. In determining the number of directors required to have such expertise, our board of directors must consider, among other things, the type and size of our company and the scope and complexity of its operations. Our board of directors has determined that our company requires one director with such expertise. External Directors 79 Under the Companies Law, the boards of directors of companies whose shares are publicly traded, including companies with shares listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, are required to include at least two members who qualify as external directors. Eyal Desheh and Victor Leventhal serve as our external directors. The Companies Law provides that external directors must be elected by a majority vote of the shares present and voting at a shareholders meeting, provided that either: The term “controlling shareholder” is defined in the Companies Law as a shareholder with the ability to direct the activities of the company, other than by virtue of being an office holder. A shareholder is presumed to be a controlling shareholder if the shareholder holds 50% or more of the voting rights in a company or has the right to appoint the majority of the directors of the company or its general manager. After an initial term of three years, external directors may be reelected to serve in that capacity for up to two additional three-year terms, provided that either (i) his or her service for each such additional term is recommended by one or more shareholders holding at least one percent (1%) of the company’s voting rights and is approved at a shareholders meeting by a disinterested majority, where the total number of shares held by non-controlling, disinterested shareholders voting for such reelection exceeds two percent (2%) of the aggregate voting rights in the company; or (ii) his or her service for each such additional term is recommended by the board of directors and is approved at a shareholders meeting by the same disinterested majority required for the initial election of an external director (as described above). The term of office for external directors for Israeli companies traded on certain foreign stock exchanges, including the NASDAQ Global Select Market, may be extended indefinitely in increments of additional three-year terms, in each case provided that the audit committee and the board of directors of the company confirm that, in light of the external director’s expertise and special contribution to the work of the board of directors and its committees, the reelection for such additional period(s) is beneficial to the company, and provided that the external director is reelected subject to the same shareholder vote requirements as if elected for the first time (as described above). Prior to the approval of the reelection of the external director at a general shareholders’ meeting, the company’s shareholders must be informed of the term previously served by him or her and of the reasons why the board of directors and audit committee recommended the extension of his or her term. If an external directorship becomes vacant and there are fewer than two external directors on the board of directors at the time, then the board of directors is required under the Companies Law to call a shareholders’ meeting immediately to appoint a replacement external director. Each committee of the board of directors that exercises the powers of the board of directors must include at least one external director, except that the audit committee and compensation committee must include all external directors then serving on the board of directors. Under the Companies Law, external directors of a company are prohibited from receiving, directly or indirectly, any compensation from the company other than for their services as external directors pursuant to applicable regulations. Compensation of an external director is determined prior to his or her appointment and may not be changed during his or her term subject to certain exceptions. The Companies Law provides that a person is not qualified to serve as an external director if (i) the person is a relative of the controlling shareholder of the company, or (ii) if that person or his or her relative, partner, employer, another person to whom he or she was directly or indirectly subject, or any entity under the person’s control, has or had, during the two years preceding the date of appointment as an external director: (a) any affiliation or other prohibited relationship with the company or, with any person or entity controlling the company of a relative of such person, with any entity controlled by or under common control with the company; or (b) in the case of a company with no controlling shareholder, any affiliation or other prohibited relationship with a person serving as chairman of the board, chief executive officer, a substantial shareholder or the most senior office holder in the company’s finance department. • the majority voted in favor of election includes a majority of the shares held by non-controlling shareholders who do not have a personal interest in the election of the external director (other than a personal interest not deriving from a relationship with a controlling shareholder) that are voted at the meeting, excluding abstentions, which we refer to as a disinterested majority; or • the total number of shares held by non-controlling, disinterested shareholders (as described in the previous bullet-point) voted against the election of the director does not exceed two percent (2%) of the aggregate voting rights in the company. 80 The term “relative” is defined as a spouse, sibling, parent, grandparent or descendant; spouse’s sibling, parent or descendant; and the spouse of each of the foregoing persons. The term affiliation and the similar types of prohibited relationships include (subject to certain exemptions): The term “office holder” is defined under the Companies Law as a director, general manager, chief business manager, deputy general manager, vice general manager, other manager directly subordinate to the general manager or any other person assuming the responsibilities of any of these positions, regardless of that person’s title. In addition, no person may serve as an external director if that person’s position or professional or other activities create, or may create, a conflict of interest with that person’s responsibilities as a director or otherwise interfere with that person’s ability to serve as an external director or if the person is an employee of the Israel Securities Authority or of an Israeli stock exchange. A person may furthermore not continue to serve as an external director if he or she received direct or indirect compensation from the company for his or her role as a director. This prohibition does not apply to compensation paid or given in accordance with Companies Law regulations or amounts paid pursuant to indemnification and/or exculpation contracts or commitments and insurance coverage. Following the termination of an external director’s service on a board of directors, such former external director and his or her spouse and children may not be provided a direct or indirect benefit by the company, its controlling shareholder or any entity under its controlling shareholder’s control. This includes engagement as an executive officer or director of the company or a company controlled by its controlling shareholder or employment by, or provision of services to, any such company for consideration, either directly or indirectly, including through a corporation controlled by the former external director. This restriction extends for a period of two years with regard to the former external director and his or her spouse or child and for one year with respect to other relatives of the former external director. If at the time at which an external director is appointed all members of the board of directors not otherwise affiliated with the company are of the same gender, the external director must be of the other gender. A director of one company may not be appointed as an external director of another company if a director of the other company is acting as an external director of the first company at such time. According to regulations promulgated under the Companies Law, a person may be appointed as an external director only if he or she has professional qualifications or if he or she has accounting and financial expertise (each, as defined below). In addition, at least one of the external directors must be determined by our board of directors to have accounting and financial expertise. However, if at least one of our other directors (i) meets the independence requirements under the Exchange Act, (ii) meets the standards of the NASDAQ Listing Rules for membership on the audit committee and (iii) has accounting and financial expertise as defined under Israeli law, then neither of our external directors is required to possess accounting and financial expertise as long as both possess other requisite professional qualifications. A director with accounting and financial expertise is a director who, due to his or her education, experience and skills, possesses an expertise in, and an understanding of, financial and accounting matters and financial statements, in such a manner which allows him or her to understand the financial statements of the company and initiate a discussion about the presentation of financial data. A director is deemed to have professional qualifications if he or she has any of (i) an academic degree in economics, business management, accounting, law or public service, (ii) an academic or other degree or has completed other higher education, all in the field of business of the company or relevant for his/her position, or (iii) at least five years of experience as either a senior managing officer in the company’s line of business with a significant volume of business, a public office or a senior position in the company’s main line of business. Our board of directors has determined that Eyal Desheh has accounting and financial expertise and Victor Leventhal possesses professional qualifications as required under the Companies Law. Board Committees • an employment relationship; • a business or professional relationship even if not maintained on a regular basis (excluding insignificant relationships); • control; and • service as an office holder, excluding service as a director in a private company prior to the first offering of its shares to the public if such director was appointed as a director of the private company in order to serve as an external director following the public offering. 81 Audit Committee Under the Companies Law, the board of directors of a public company must appoint an audit committee. The audit committee must consist of at least three directors, including all of the external directors, one of whom must serve as chairman of the committee. The audit committee may not include the chairman of the board, or any director employed by or otherwise providing services to the company or to a controlling shareholder or any entity controlled by a controlling shareholder. Under the Companies Law, the audit committee of a publicly traded company must consist of a majority of unaffiliated directors. An “unaffiliated director” is defined as either an external director or as a director who meets the following criteria: The members of our audit committee consist of Edward J. Fierko, along with our two external directors, Messrs. Desheh (who serves as chairman of the audit committee) and Leventhal. Our board of directors has determined that each of Messrs. Fierko, Desheh and Leventhal meets the independence requirements set forth in the Listing Rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market and in Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act, as well as the independence criteria under the Companies Law. Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Desheh qualifies as an audit committee financial expert, as defined under Item 16A of the SEC’s Form 20-F, and has the requisite financial sophistication set forth in the NASDAQ rules and regulations. Our board of directors has adopted an audit committee charter that sets forth the responsibilities of the audit committee consistent with the rules of the SEC and the Listing Rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market, as well as the requirements for such committee under the Companies Law, including the following: Our audit committee provides assistance to our board of directors in fulfilling its legal and fiduciary obligations in matters involving our accounting, auditing, financial reporting, internal control and legal compliance functions by pre-approving the services performed by our independent accountants and reviewing their reports regarding our accounting practices and systems of internal control over financial reporting. Our audit committee also oversees the audit efforts of our independent accountants and takes those actions that it deems necessary to satisfy itself that the accountants are independent of management. Under the Companies Law, our audit committee is responsible for (i) determining whether there are deficiencies in the business management practices of our company, including in consultation with our internal auditor or the independent auditor, and making recommendations to the board of directors to improve such practices, (ii) determining whether to approve certain related party transactions (including transactions in which an office holder has a personal interest and whether such transaction is extraordinary) (see “—Approval of related party transactions under Israeli Law” below in this Item 6.C), (iii) determining standards and policies for determining whether a transaction with a controlling shareholder or a transaction in which a controlling shareholder has a personal interest is deemed insignificant or not and the approval requirements (including, potentially, the approval of the audit committee) for transactions that are not insignificant including the types of transactions that are not insignificant, (iv) where the board of directors approves the working plan of the internal auditor, to examine such working plan before its submission to • he or she meets the qualifications for being appointed as an external director, except for (i) the requirement that the director be an Israeli resident (which does not apply to companies such as ours whose securities have been offered outside of Israel or are listed outside of Israel) and (ii) the requirement for accounting and financial expertise or professional qualifications; and • he or she has not served as a director of the company for a period exceeding nine consecutive years. For this purpose, a break of less than two years in the service shall not be deemed to interrupt the continuation of the service. • oversight of our independent registered public accounting firm and recommending the engagement, compensation or termination of engagement of our independent registered public accounting firm to the board of directors in accordance with Israeli law; • recommending the engagement or termination of the person filling the office of our internal auditor; and • recommending the terms of audit and non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm for pre-approval by our board of directors. 82 the board and propose amendments thereto, (v) examining our internal controls and internal auditor’s performance, including whether the internal auditor has sufficient resources and tools to dispose of its responsibilities, (vi) examining the scope of our auditor’s work and compensation and submitting a recommendation with respect thereto to our board of directors or shareholders, depending on which of them is considering the appointment of our auditor and (vii) establishing procedures for the handling of employees’ complaints as to the management of our business and the protection to be provided to such employees. Our audit committee may not approve an action or a related party transaction, or take any other action required under the Companies Law, unless at the time of approval a majority of the committee’s members are present, which majority consists of unaffiliated directors including at least one external director. Executive Committee Upon the closing of the merger, our board of directors appointed an executive committee. The roles of this committee are (i) to oversee the implementation of the business strategy of our company, subject to board approval for matters outside of the ordinary course of business (as is required under the Companies Law), and (ii) to exercise such other duties as the board may resolve from time to time. The members of the executive committee consist of Messrs. S. Scott Crump, who serves as chairman of the executive committee, Elchanan Jaglom, John McEleney, Eyal Desheh and Ilan Levin. Mr. David Reis, by virtue of his role as our Chief Executive Officer, serves in an observer capacity on the committee. Compensation Policy and Committee Under a December 2012 amendment to the Companies Law, we have appointed a compensation committee and established a policy regarding the terms of engagement of office holders, or a compensation policy. Such compensation policy was set by our board, after considering the recommendations of our newly-appointed compensation committee, and was approved by our shareholders in September 2013. The compensation policy serves as the basis for decisions concerning the financial terms of employment or engagement of our office holders, including exculpation, insurance, indemnification or any monetary payment or obligation of payment in respect of employment or engagement. The compensation policy also relates to certain factors, including advancement of our objectives, our business and our long-term strategy, and creation of appropriate incentives for executives. It also considers, among other things, our risk management, size and the nature of our operations. The compensation policy furthermore considers the following additional factors: The compensation policy also includes the following principles: • the knowledge, skills, expertise and accomplishments of the relevant director or executive; • the director’s or executive’s roles and responsibilities and prior compensation agreements with him or her; • the relationship between the terms offered and the average compensation of the other employees of our company, including those (if any) employed through manpower companies; • the impact of disparities in salary upon work relationships in our company; • the possibility of reducing variable compensation at the discretion of the board of directors; and the possibility of setting a limit on the exercise value of non-cash variable compensation; and • as to severance compensation, the period of service of the director or executive, the terms of his or her compensation during such service period, our company’s performance during that period of service, the person’s contribution towards our company’s achievement of its goals and the maximization of its profits, and the circumstances under which the person is leaving our company. • the link between variable compensation and long-term performance and measurable criteria; • the relationship between variable and fixed compensation, and the ceiling for the value of variable compensation; • the conditions under which a director or executive would be required to repay compensation paid to him or her if it was later shown that the data upon which such compensation was based was inaccurate and was required to be restated in our financial statements; and • the minimum holding or vesting period for variable, equity-based compensation. 83 The compensation policy must also consider appropriate incentives from a long-term perspective and maximum limits for severance compensation. Under the December 2012 amendment to the Companies Law, our compensation committee is responsible for recommending the compensation policy to our board of directors for its approval (and subsequent approval by our shareholders) and is charged with duties related to the compensation policy and to the compensation of our office holders as well as functions related to approval of the terms of engagement of office holders, including: The compensation committee must consist of at least three (3) members, including all of our external directors. Each remaining compensation committee member must be a director whose compensation does not exceed an amount that may be paid to an external director. The compensation committee is subject to the same Companies Law restrictions as the audit committee as to (a) committee membership and (b) who may not be present during committee deliberations (as described under “—Approval of Related Party Transactions Under Israeli Law—Fiduciary Duties of Directors and Executive Officers—Disclosure of Personal Interests of an Office Holder” below). The NASDAQ Listing Rules also require that the compensation of the chief executive officer and all other executive officers of our company be determined, or be recommended to the board for determination, either by a majority of the independent directors, or by a compensation committee consisting solely of independent directors. We have opted to follow home country practice (in keeping with the Companies Law requirements described above) for our compensation committee in lieu of these NASDAQ requirements, given that the two sets of requirements are not identical. See Item 16.G of this annual report (“Corporate Governance”) below. We appointed our compensation committee in mid-2013. The committee consists of Victor Leventhal, as chairman, Eyal Desheh and Ziva Patir. After the compensation committee recommended approval of our compensation policy, our board of directors approved it in August 2013 and our shareholders approved it on September 12, 2013. Nominating committee Our board of directors does not currently have a nominating committee, as director nominations are made in accordance with the terms of our articles, as described in “—Board of Directors” above. We rely upon the exemption available to foreign private issuers under the Listing Rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market from the NASDAQ listing requirements related to independent director oversight of nominations to our board of directors and the adoption of a formal written charter or board resolution addressing the nominations process. Also see Item 16.G “Corporate Governance” below. Internal Auditor Under the Companies Law, the board of directors of an Israeli public company must appoint an internal auditor recommended by the audit committee and nominated by the board of directors. An internal auditor may not be: The role of the internal auditor is to examine, among other things, our compliance with applicable law and orderly business procedures. Moshe Cohen of Chaikin Cohen Rubin & Co. has served as our internal auditor since his appointment effective upon the Stratasys-Objet merger. • recommending whether our compensation policy should continue in effect, if the then-current policy has a term of greater than three (3) years (approval of either a new compensation policy or the continuation of an existing compensation policy must in any case occur every three years); • recommending to our board periodic updates to the compensation policy; • assessing implementation of the compensation policy; and • determining whether the compensation terms of the chief executive officer of our company need not be brought to approval of the shareholders (under special circumstances). • a person (or a relative of a person) who holds more than 5% of the company’s outstanding shares or voting rights; • a person (or a relative of a person) who has the power to appoint a director or the general manager of the company; • an office holder (including a director) of the company (or a relative thereof); or • a member of the company’s independent accounting firm, or anyone on his or her behalf. 84 Approval of Related Party Transactions Under Israeli Law Fiduciary Duties of Directors and Executive Officers The Companies Law codifies the fiduciary duties that office holders owe to a company. Each person listed in the table under Item 6.A “Directors and Senior Management” is an office holder under the Companies Law. An office holder’s fiduciary duties consist of a duty of care and a duty of loyalty. The duty of care requires an office holder to act with the level of care with which a reasonable office holder in the same position would have acted under the same circumstances. The duty of loyalty requires that an office holder act in good faith and in the best interests of the company. The duty of care includes a duty to use reasonable means to obtain: The duty of loyalty requires an office holder to act in good faith and for the benefit of the company, and includes a duty to: Disclosure of Personal Interests of an Office Holder The Companies Law requires that an office holder promptly disclose to the board of directors any personal interest that he or she may have and all related material information known to him or her and any documents concerning any existing or proposed transaction with the company. An interested office holder’s disclosure must be made promptly and in any event no later than the first meeting of the board of directors at which the transaction is considered. A “personal interest” includes an interest of any person in an act or transaction of a company, including a personal interest of one’s relative or of a corporate body in which such person or a relative of such person 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, but excluding a personal interest stemming from one’s ownership of shares in the company. A personal interest furthermore includes the personal interest of a person for whom the office holder holds a voting proxy or the interest of the office holder with respect to his or her vote on behalf of the shareholder for whom he or she holds a proxy even if such shareholder itself has no personal interest in the approval of the matter. An office holder is not, however, obliged to disclose a personal interest if it derives solely from the personal interest of his or her relative in a transaction that is not considered an extraordinary transaction. Under the Companies Law, an “extraordinary transaction” is defined as any of the following: If it is determined that an office holder has a personal interest in a transaction, approval by the board of directors is required for the transaction, unless the company’s articles of association provide for a different method of approval. Further, so long as an office holder has disclosed his or her personal interest in a transaction, the board of directors may approve an action by the office holder that would otherwise be deemed a breach of duty of loyalty. However, a company may not approve a transaction or action that is adverse to the company’s interest or that is not performed by the office holder in good faith. Approval first by the company’s audit committee and subsequently by the board of directors is required for an extraordinary transaction with an office holder. Compensation of, or an undertaking to indemnify or insure, an office holder, requires approval by the compensation committee, the board of directors and, in certain cases (for directors, the chief executive officer, and any executive officer whose compensation terms do not conform to the then-existing compensation policy) the shareholders, in that order. Compensation of an individual office holder, including the chief executive officer (but excluding a director), that does not conform to the company’s compensation policy may be adopted under special circumstances despite failure to obtain shareholder approval if, • information on the advisability of a given action brought for his or her approval or performed by virtue of his or her position; and • all other important information pertaining to these actions. • refrain from any conflict of interest between the performance of his or her duties to the company and his or her other duties or personal affairs; • refrain from any activity that is competitive with the company; • refrain from exploiting any business opportunity of the company to receive a personal gain for himself or herself or others; and • disclose to the company any information or documents relating to the company’s affairs which the office holder received as a result of his or her position as an office holder. • a transaction other than in the ordinary course of business; • a transaction that is not on market terms; or • a transaction that may have a material impact on a company’s profitability, assets or liabilities. 85 following the relevant shareholder vote, the compensation committee followed by the board once again approves the compensation, based on renewed and specific analysis of relevant factors. Generally, a person who has a personal interest in a matter which is considered at a meeting of the board of directors, the audit committee or compensation committee may not be present at such a meeting or vote on that matter unless a majority of the board, audit committee or compensation committee (as appropriate) has a personal interest in the matter, or unless the chairman of the board, audit committee or compensation committee (as appropriate) determines that he or she should be present in order to present the transaction that is subject to approval. If a majority of the members of the board, audit committee or compensation committee has a personal interest in the approval of a transaction, then all directors may participate in discussions of the board of directors, audit committee or compensation committee on such transaction and the voting on approval thereof, but shareholder approval is also required for such transaction. Disclosure of Personal Interests of Controlling Shareholders Pursuant to Israeli law, the disclosure requirements regarding personal interests that apply to directors and executive officers also apply to a controlling shareholder of a public company. In the context of a transaction involving a shareholder of the company, a controlling shareholder also includes any shareholder who holds 25% or more of the voting rights if no other shareholder holds more than 50% of the voting rights. Two or more shareholders with a personal interest in the approval of the same transaction are deemed to be a single shareholder and may be deemed a controlling shareholder for the purpose of approving such transaction. Extraordinary transactions with a controlling shareholder or in which a controlling shareholder has a personal interest, or a transaction with a controlling shareholder or his or her relative, directly or indirectly, require the approval of the audit committee, the board of directors and the shareholders of the company, in that order. In addition, the shareholder approval must fulfill one of the following requirements: To the extent that any such transaction with a controlling shareholder is for a period extending beyond three years, approval is required once every three years, unless the audit committee determines that the duration of the transaction is reasonable given the circumstances related thereto. The engagement of a controlling shareholder as an office holder or employee requires the same approvals as are described immediately above, except that the approval of the compensation committee, rather than the audit committee, is required. Shareholder Duties Pursuant to the Companies Law, a shareholder has a duty to act in good faith and in a customary manner toward the company and other shareholders and to refrain from abusing his or her power in the company, including, among other things, in voting at the general meeting of shareholders and at class shareholder meetings with respect to the following matters: In addition, a shareholder also has a general duty to refrain from discriminating against other shareholders. In addition, certain shareholders have a duty of fairness toward the company. These shareholders include any controlling shareholder, any shareholder who knows that it has the power to determine the outcome of a shareholder vote or a shareholder class vote and any shareholder who has the power to appoint or to prevent the appointment of an office holder of the company or other power towards the company. The Companies Law does not define the substance of this duty of fairness, except to state that the remedies generally available upon a breach of contract will also apply in the event of a breach of the duty to act with fairness. • a disinterested majority; or • the votes of shareholders who have no personal interest in the transaction and who are present and voting, in person, by proxy or by voting deed at the meeting, and who vote against the transaction may not represent more than two percent (2%) of the voting rights of the company. • an amendment to the company’s articles of association; • an increase of the company’s authorized share capital; • a merger; or • the approval of interested party transactions and acts of office holders that require shareholder approval. 86 Exculpation, Insurance and Indemnification of Directors and Officers Under the Companies Law, a company may not exculpate an office holder from liability for a breach of the duty of loyalty. An Israeli company may exculpate an office holder in advance from liability to the company, in whole or in part, for damages caused to the company as a result of a breach of duty of care but only if a provision authorizing such exculpation is inserted in its articles of association. Our amended articles include such a provision. The company may not exculpate in advance a director from liability arising out of a prohibited dividend or distribution to shareholders. Under the Companies Law, a company may indemnify an office holder in respect of the following liabilities and expenses incurred for acts performed by him or her as an office holder, either in advance of an event or following an event, provided its articles of association include a provision authorizing such indemnification: Under the Companies Law, a company may insure an office holder against the following liabilities incurred for acts performed by him or her as an office holder if and to the extent provided in the company’s articles of association: Under the Companies Law, a company may not indemnify, exculpate or insure an office holder against any of the following: Under the Companies Law, exculpation, indemnification and insurance of office holders must be approved by our compensation committee and our board of directors and, with respect to directors or controlling shareholders, their relatives and third parties in which such controlling shareholders have a personal interest, also by the shareholders. See “—Approval of Related Party Transactions Under Israeli Law—Fiduciary Duties of Directors and Executive Officers” above in this Item 6.C. • financial liability incurred by or imposed on him or her in favor of another person pursuant to a judgment, including a settlement or arbitrator’s award approved by a court. However, if an undertaking to indemnify an office holder with respect to such liability is provided in advance, then such an undertaking must be limited to events which, in the opinion of the board of directors, can be foreseen based on the company’s activities when the undertaking to indemnify is given, and to an amount or according to criteria determined by the board of directors as reasonable under the circumstances, and such undertaking shall detail the abovementioned foreseen events and amount or criteria; • reasonable litigation expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred by the office holder as a result of an investigation or proceeding instituted against him or her by an authority authorized to conduct such investigation or proceeding, provided that (i) no indictment was filed against such office holder as a result of such investigation or proceeding; and (ii) no financial liability was imposed upon him or her as a substitute for the criminal proceeding as a result of such investigation or proceeding or, if such financial liability was imposed, it was imposed with respect to an offense that does not require proof of criminal intent; and • reasonable litigation expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred by the office holder or imposed by a court in proceedings 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 an offense that does not require proof of criminal intent. • a breach of the duty of loyalty to the company, provided that the office holder acted in good faith and had a reasonable basis to believe that the act would not harm the company; • a breach of duty of care to the company or to a third party, to the extent such a breach arises out of the negligent conduct of the office holder; and • a financial liability imposed on the office holder in favor of a third party. • a breach of fiduciary duty, except for indemnification and insurance for a breach of the duty of loyalty to the company to the extent that the office holder acted in good faith and had a reasonable basis to believe that the act would not prejudice the company; • a breach of duty of care committed intentionally or recklessly, excluding a breach arising out of the negligent conduct of the office holder; • an act or omission committed with intent to derive illegal personal benefit; or • a fine or forfeit levied against the office holder. 87 Our amended articles permit us to exculpate, indemnify and insure our office holders to the fullest extent permitted or to be permitted by the Companies Law. We have obtained directors and officers liability insurance for the benefit of our office holders and intend to continue to maintain such coverage and pay all premiums thereunder to the fullest extent permitted by the Companies Law. In addition, we have entered into agreements with each of our office holders undertaking to indemnify them to the fullest extent permitted by Israeli law. Furthermore, until the sixth anniversary of the effective time of the Stratasys-Objet merger, we are covering the directors and officers of Stratasys, Inc. and its subsidiaries with respect to acts or omissions occurring prior to the effective time of the merger. The limits, terms and conditions of this coverage are at least as favorable as the limits, terms and conditions in the policy that Stratasys, Inc. maintained up to the effective time of the Stratasys-Objet merger. Directors’ Service Contracts For a description of service contracts that we have entered into with our directors that provide for benefits upon termination of employment or other service, please see Item 7.B, “Related Party Transactions— Employment and Consulting Agreements with Directors and Executive Officers” below. D. Employees The number of our full-time equivalent employees, and the distribution of employees (i) geographically and (ii) within the divisions of our company, in each case as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are set forth in the two tables below. During the years covered by the above tables, we did not employ a significant number of temporary employees. The large increase in the size of our workforce in 2013 was primarily due to our consummation of the MakerBot transaction in August 2013, as a result of which we gained a significant number of employees of MakerBot. The large increase in the size of our workforce in 2014 was primarily due to our acquisition of Solid Concepts, Harvest Technologies, GrabCAD, and other companies. While none of our employees is party to a collective bargaining agreement, certain provisions of the collective bargaining agreements between the Histadrut (General Federation of Labor in Israel) and the Coordination Bureau of Economic Organizations (including the Industrialists’ Associations) are applicable to our employees in Israel by order of the Israel Ministry of Labor. These provisions primarily concern the length of the workday, minimum daily wages for professional workers, pension fund benefits for all employees, insurance for work-related accidents, procedures for dismissing employees, determination of severance pay and other conditions of employment. We generally provide our employees with benefits and working conditions beyond the required minimums. Number of full-time equivalent employees by region as of December 31, Region 2014 2013 2012 North America 2,064 1,155 645 Israel 506 413 342 Europe 128 94 70 Asia Pacific 196 145 83 Latin America 12 12 15 Total 2,906 1,819 1,155 Number of full-time equivalent employees by function as of December 31, Division 2014 2013 2012 Operations and support 1,178 541 369 Research and development 517 267 228 Customer service 199 216 161 Sales and marketing 600 515 249 General and administrative 412 280 148 Total 2,906 1,819 1,155 88 We have never experienced any employment-related work stoppages. We believe that our relationship with our employees is good. The employees of our subsidiaries are subject to local labor laws and regulations that vary from country to country. E. Share Ownership. The following table lists, as of February 1, 2015, the number of our ordinary shares owned, and stock options held, by each of our directors and members of our senior management: Shares of Stratasys (1) Stratasys stock options (3) Percent of Number held (4) Name Number of shares beneficially owned (2) outstanding shares beneficially owned (2) Exercisable within 60 days Not exercisable within 60 days Exercise price per share Expiration date Elchanan Jaglom Chairman of the Board See table in Item 7. A “major Shareholders” below. S. Scott Crump Chairman of the Executive Committee 315,573 (5) * 14,000 — $ 9.90 June 3, 2015 16,000 — $ 18.26 February 12, 2016 18,000 — $ 25.50 August 29, 2017 7,200 10,800 $ 46.87 June 18, 2018 43,749 56,251 $ 82.15 June 21, 2023 David Reis Chief Executive Officer and Director 347,498 * 172,436 — $ 6.52 December 31, 2017 Edward J. Fierko 90,575 (6) * 15,000 — $ 18.26 February 12, 2016 Director 18,000 — $ 25.50 August 29, 2017 7,200 10,800 $ 46.87 June 18, 2018 9,625 12,375 $ 82.15 June 21, 2023 — 22,000 $ 103.30 August 8, 2020 Ilan Levin 124,844 * 100,062 — $ 7.82 December 31, 2017 Director 24,782 — $ 2.21 December 31, 2017 John J. McEleney 4,125 * — 10,800 $ 46.87 June 18, 2018 Director 4,125 12,375 $ 82.15 June 21, 2023 — 22,000 $ 103.30 August 8, 2020 Clifford H. Schwieter 14,087 * 3,600 10,800 $ 46.87 June 18, 2018 Director 9,625 12,375 $ 82.15 June 21, 2023 — 22,000 $ 103.30 August 8, 2020 Ziva Patir 13,197 (7) * 12,942 16,640 $ 82.15 June 21, 2023 Director Eyal Desheh Director 11,865 * 11,865 5,394 $ 7.82 December 1, 2022 Victor Leventhal Director 4,662 * 4,662 14,517 $ 74.95 December 1, 2022 Erez Simha Chief Financial Officer (8) * * * * * * * Constitutes less than 1% of our outstanding shares. (1) All of our shares (including shares held by directors and members of senior management) have identical voting rights. 89  Stock Option and Share Incentive Plans The following sets forth certain information with respect to our current stock option and share incentive plans. The following description is only a summary of the plans and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the plans, which are exhibits to this annual report. Upon the expiration of our stock option and share incentive plans, no further grants may be made thereunder, although any existing awards will continue in full force in accordance with the terms under which they were granted. Amended and Restated 2004 Omnibus Stock Option and Restricted Stock Incentive Plan Our Amended and Restated 2004 Omnibus Stock Option and Restricted Stock Incentive Plan, or the 2004 Plan, which was adopted by our board of directors on August 15, 2004 and amended and restated by the board of directors on July 9, 2007 and again on May 30, 2011, provides for the grant of options, restricted shares or other share-based awards to our and our subsidiaries’ respective directors, employees, officers, office holders, subcontractors and consultants. Awards under the 2004 Plan may be granted until August 15, 2014, ten years from the date on which the 2004 Plan was originally adopted by the board of directors. Our 2004 Plan is administered by our board of directors, which shall determine, subject to Israeli law, the grantees of awards and various terms of the grant. The 2004 Plan provides for granting options in compliance with Section 102 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 1961, to which we refer as the Tax Ordinance. Options granted under the 2004 Plan to Israeli employees have been granted under the capital gains track of Section 102 of the Tax Ordinance. In order to comply with the terms of the capital gains track, all options that have been granted under the 2004 Plan (grants were not made until the 2006 fiscal year) pursuant and subject to the provisions of Section 102 of the Tax Ordinance, as well as the shares issued upon exercise of these options and other shares received subsequently following any realization of rights with respect to such options, such as a result of a share dividend or share split, are granted to a trustee for the benefit of the relevant employee, director or officer and are held by the trustee for at least two years after the date of grant. Unless otherwise provided by our board of directors, options granted under the 2004 Plan vest over a four-year period that commences on the date of grant such that 25% vest after one year and an additional 6.25% vest at the end of each subsequent three-month period over the following 36 months. Unless a shorter term is set by our board with respect to a specific award, options, other than certain incentive share options, expire 10 years from the grant date. Incentive share options granted to a person holding more than 10% of our voting power expire within five years from the date of the grant. All options that have been granted to date under the 2004 Plan expire on December 31, 2017. (2) In accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, the number of shares and the percentages shown for individual persons or groups include any ordinary shares underlying stock options held by such person or group that were exercisable within 60 days of February 1, 2015 and that are also reflected in the column titled “Stratasys stock options — Number held — Exercisable within 60 days.” Further in keeping with such Rule 13d-3, the computation of percentage ownership is based upon 50,923,640 ordinary shares outstanding at February 1, 2015, plus such number of ordinary shares as such person or group (but not any other person or group) had the right to receive upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days thereof. (3) For a description of Stratasys’ stock option plans, please see “Stock Option and Share Incentive Plans” in this Item below. All options granted under such plans have been granted without payment of any cash consideration therefor by the grantees thereof. (4) Each stock option is exercisable for one ordinary share. (5) Includes 196,294 ordinary shares owned of record by Mr. Crump’s wife. (6) Includes 40,750 ordinary shares held jointly by Mr. Fierko and his wife. (7) Includes 255 ordinary shares held by Ms. Patir’s husband. (8) Because Mr. Simha beneficially owns less than 1% of our outstanding ordinary shares and his beneficial ownership has not previously been disclosed to our shareholders or otherwise made public, it is being omitted from this annual report pursuant to an allowance provided by the SEC’s Form 20-F. 90 If we terminate a grantee’s employment or service for cause, all of the grantee’s vested and unvested options expire on the date of termination. If a grantee’s employment or service terminates due to death, disability, or retirement, the grantee’s vested options may be exercised by him or her, or by his or her estate (as the case may be), for one year, following the death or disability, or three months following retirement. If a grantee’s service or other relationship to our company terminates for any other reason, the grantee may exercise his or her vested options until the 90th day after the date of such termination (or such different period as our board shall prescribe). In addition to the shares reserved under the 2004 Plan, any options granted under the 2004 Plan that are terminated or forfeited for any reason without having been exercised, return to the pool under the plan and enlarge the reserved shares under the plan. Shares subject to options granted under the 2004 Plan that terminate or are forfeited for any reason without having been exercised will be added to the pool of shares available for awards under our 2012 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2012 Plan, and enlarge the reserved shares thereunder. In the event of a merger or consolidation of our company, or sale of all or substantially all of our shares or assets, then without the consent of the option holder, the board may but is not required to (i) use its best efforts to cause that any outstanding award shall be assumed or an equivalent award shall be substituted by such successor corporation or (ii) in case the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute the award (a) provide the grantee with the option to exercise the award as to all or part of the shares or (b) cancel the option against payment to the grantee in an amount equal to the fair market value of such shares as reflected under the terms of such merger or sale minus the exercise price per share for each such share. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the board may upon such event amend or terminate the terms of any award, including conferring the right to purchase any other security or asset that the board shall deem, in good faith, as appropriate. We will not be making any further awards under the 2004 Plan. A total of 775,000 ordinary shares are issuable upon exercise of options that are vested and currently exercisable under this plan. 2012 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan Our 2012 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan, which became effective at the effective time of the Stratasys-Objet merger, provides for the grant of options, restricted shares, restricted share units and other share-based awards to our and our subsidiaries’ respective directors, employees, officers, consultants, and advisors and to any other person whose services are considered valuable to our company or any of our affiliates. Following the approval of the 2012 Plan by the Israeli tax authorities, we will only grant options or other equity incentive awards under the 2012 Plan, although previously-granted options and awards will continue to be governed by the 2004 Plan. Under the 2012 Plan, there were 2,500,000 ordinary shares originally reserved for issuance, none of which was granted prior to the effectiveness of the merger. Upon the adoption of an amendment to the 2012 Plan at our extraordinary general meeting of shareholders in February 2013, the reserved pool under the plan consisted of 4,000,000 shares, which was to be automatically increased annually on January 1 (beginning on January 1, 2014) by a number of ordinary shares equal to the lower of (i) 500,000 shares, subject to adjustment due to certain changes as provided under the 2012 Plan, and (ii) a number of shares determined by our board of directors, if so determined prior to the January 1 on which the increase will occur. Pursuant to that provision, on each of January 1, 2014 and January 1, 2015, the pool of shares under the 2012 Plan was automatically increased by 500,000 shares, to 4,500,000 shares and 5,000,000 shares total, respectively. The 2012 Plan is administered by our board of directors or by a committee designated by the board, which determines, subject to Israeli law, the grantees of awards and the terms of the grant, including, exercise prices, vesting schedules, acceleration of vesting and the other matters necessary in the administration of the 2012 Plan. The 2012 Plan enables our company to issue awards under various tax regimes including, without limitation, pursuant to Sections 102 and 3(9) of the Tax Ordinance and Section 422 of U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, to which we refer as the Code. Section 102 of the Tax Ordinance allows employees, directors and officers who are not controlling shareholders and are considered Israeli residents to receive favorable tax treatment for compensation in the form of shares or options. Our Israeli non-employee service providers and controlling shareholders may only be granted options under Section 3(9) of the Tax Ordinance, which does not provide for similar tax benefits. Section 102 of the Tax Ordinance includes two alternatives for tax treatment involving the issuance of options or shares to a trustee for the benefit of the grantees and also includes an additional alternative for the issuance of options or shares directly to the grantee. Section 102(b)(2) of the Tax Ordinance, the most favorable tax treatment for grantees, permits the issuance to a trustee under the “capital gains track.” However, under this track we will not be allowed to deduct an expense with respect to the issuance of the options or shares. Options granted under the 2012 Plan to U.S. residents may qualify as “incentive 91 stock options” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code. The exercise price for “incentive stock options” must not be less than the fair market value on the date on which an option is granted, or 110% of the fair market value if the option holder holds more than 10% of our share capital. Under the 2012 Plan, we are expected to grant options to our employees, directors and officers who are not controlling shareholders and are considered Israeli residents, under the capital gains track. In order to comply with the terms of the capital gains track, all options granted under the 2012 Plan pursuant and subject to the provisions of Section 102 of the Tax Ordinance, as well as the ordinary shares to be issued upon exercise of these options and other shares received subsequently following any realization of rights with respect to such options, such as share dividends and share splits, must be granted to a trustee for the benefit of the relevant employee, director or officer and should be held by the trustee for at least two years after the date of the grant. Awards under the 2012 Plan may be granted until September 16, 2022, ten years from the date on which the 2012 Plan was approved by our shareholders. Options granted under the 2012 Plan generally vest over four years commencing on the date of grant such that 25% vest after one year and an additional 6.25% vest at the end of each subsequent three-month period thereafter for 36 months. Options, other than certain incentive share options, that are not exercised within ten years from the grant date expire, unless otherwise determined by the board or its designated committee, as applicable. Incentive share options granted to a person holding more than 10% of the combined company’s voting power expire within five years from the date of the grant. In case of termination for reasons of death, disability, or retirement, the grantee or his legal successor may exercise options that have vested prior to termination within a period of one year from the date of disability or death, or within three months following retirement. If we terminate a grantee’s employment or service for cause, all of the grantee’s vested and unvested options will expire on the date of termination. If a grantee’s employment or service is terminated for any other reason, the grantee may exercise his or her vested options within 90 days of the date of termination. Any expired or unvested options return to the pool for reissuance. In the event of a merger or consolidation of our company, or a sale of all, or substantially all, of our shares or assets or other transaction having a similar effect, then without the consent of the option holder, the board or its designated committee, as applicable, may but is not required to (i) cause any outstanding award to be assumed or an equivalent award to be substituted by such successor corporation or (ii) in case the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute the award (a) provide the grantee with the option to exercise the award as to all or part of the shares or (b) cancel the options against payment in cash in an amount determined by the board or the committee as fair in the circumstances. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the board or its designated committee may upon such event amend or terminate the terms of any award, including conferring the right to purchase any other security or asset that the board shall deem, in good faith, appropriate. Stratasys, Inc. Plans Pursuant to the Stratasys-Objet merger agreement, upon the consummation of the Stratasys-Objet merger, each option exercisable for one share of Stratasys, Inc. common stock converted into an option to purchase one ordinary share of Stratasys Ltd. Furthermore, we assumed the obligations of Stratasys, Inc. related to the issuance of shares underlying those options under its then-existing option plans, consisting of the Stratasys, Inc. 1998 Incentive Stock Option Plan, Stratasys, Inc. 2000 Incentive Stock Option Plan, Stratasys, Inc. 2002 Long-Term Performance and Incentive Plan, and Stratasys, Inc. 2008 Long-Term Performance and Incentive Plan, which we refer to collectively as the Stratasys, Inc. plans. Each option so assumed pursuant to the Stratasys-Objet merger agreement remains governed by the terms and conditions of the relevant grant instrument as well as the Stratasys Inc. plan under which it was granted (with appropriate changes to reflect Stratasys Ltd. as the company whose shares are issuable upon exercise of the option). A total of 239,000 ordinary shares are issuable upon exercise of options that are vested and currently exercisable under the Stratasys, Inc. plans. 92 The following table presents certain option data information for the above-described stock option and share incentive plans as at February 1, 2015: On December 3, 2012, we filed a registration statement on Form S-8 to register the issuance of ordinary shares in respect of then-outstanding options to directors, officers, employees and eligible consultants under the 2004 Plan and the Stratasys, Inc. plans. On September 3, 2013, we filed a registration statement on Form S-8 to register the issuance of ordinary shares underlying options granted or to be granted under the 2012 Plan. ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS. A. Major Shareholders Ownership by Major Shareholders The following table presents the beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares by each person who is known by us to be the beneficial owner of 5% or more of our outstanding ordinary shares (to whom we refer as our major shareholders), based on the most recent beneficial ownership reports filed with the SEC by such persons on or before February 17, 2015. The data presented is based on information provided to us, or disclosed in public filings with the SEC, by the major shareholders. Beneficial ownership of shares is determined under rules of the SEC and generally includes any shares for which a person exercises sole or shared voting or investment power, or for which a person has or shares the right to receive the economic benefit of ownership of the shares. The table below includes the number of shares underlying options that are exercisable within 60 days after February 17, 2015. Shares issuable upon the exercise of such options are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the ownership percentage of the person or group holding such options, but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the ownership percentage of any other person or group. The percentage of outstanding ordinary shares is based on 50,950,231 ordinary shares outstanding as of February 17, 2015. Except where otherwise indicated, and except pursuant to community property laws, we believe, based on information furnished by such owners, that the beneficial owners of the shares listed below have sole investment and voting power with respect to, and the sole right to receive the economic benefit of ownership of, such shares. The shareholders listed below do not have any different voting rights from any of our other shareholders. We know of no arrangements that would, at a subsequent date, result in a change of control of our company. Plan Total Ordinary Shares Reserved for Grants Aggregate Number of Awards Granted Shares Available for Future Grants Aggregate Number of Awards Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options 2004 Plan — — None 703,868 $ 11.49 2012 Plan 5,000,000 1,376,173 3,623,827 1,315,624 $ 81.02 Stratasys, Inc. Plans — — None 344,950 $ 36.42 Totals 5,000,000 1,376,173 3,623,827 2,364,442 $ 43.45 Beneficial Owner Ordinary Shares Options Exercisable within 60 Days Total Beneficial Ownership Percentage Ownership Roy J. Zuckerberg 3,002,027 (1) — 3,002,027 5.9 % Elchanan Jaglom 2,963,625 (2) — 2,963,625 5.8 % Morgan Stanley 2,700,150 (3) — 2,700,150 5.3 % Baillie Gifford & Co 4,942,328 (4) — 4,942,328 9.7 % T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. 3,980,047 (5) — 3,980,047 7.8 % Edgewood Management LLC 3,897,308 (6) — 3,897,308 7.6 % (1) Represents shares beneficially owned as of December 31, 2014, as indicated in the amended statement of beneficial ownership on Schedule 13G/A filed jointly by Samson Capital, LLC and Roy J. Zuckerberg on February 13, 2015. Consists of 38,402 ordinary shares held by Zuckerberg Investment Partners, LP, 2,437,787 ordinary shares held by Samson Capital, LLC, with respect to which Roy J. Zuckerberg may be deemed to share beneficial ownership and 525,838 ordinary shares held by Hancock LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of California, with respect to which Roy J. Zuckerberg may be deemed to 93  Changes in Percentage Ownership by Major Shareholders During 2014 and 2013, there were decreases in the percentage ownership of each of our pre-existing major shareholders, consisting of Samson Capital, LLC, Roy J. Zuckerberg and Elchanan Jaglom, due to market sales by the major shareholders themselves and due to our issuance of a substantial number of additional ordinary shares in various transactions, including the Solid Concepts acquisition and Harvest Technologies acquisition in July 2014 and August 2014, respectively, the MakerBot transaction in August 2013, and our follow-on public offering in September 2013. share beneficial ownership as a result of the Roy J. Zuckerberg Family Trust’s 39.4% ownership of the membership interests of Hancock LLC (as disclosed in note (4) below). Mr. Zuckerberg is party to an agreement with respect to 1,788,649 of the ordinary shares held by Samson Capital, LLC that provides him with the right to independently make decisions as to voting and disposition of those ordinary shares, without having to consult with any other person. The Roy J. Zuckerberg Family Trust is party to an agreement pursuant to which it has the right to independently make decisions as to the voting and disposition of 207,286 of the ordinary shares held by Hancock LLC, without having to consult with any other person. Mr. Zuckerberg disclaims beneficial ownership of all of the ordinary shares that may be deemed to be beneficially owned by him except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. (2) Represents shares beneficially owned as of December 31, 2014, as indicated in the amended statement of beneficial ownership on Schedule 13G/A filed by Elchanan Jaglom on February 13, 2015. Consists of (i) 2,437,787 ordinary shares held by Samson Capital, LLC, with respect to which Mr. Jaglom may be deemed to share beneficial ownership and (ii) the 525,838 ordinary shares held by Hancock LLC, a California limited liability company of which 60.6% of the membership interests are held by a company (which we refer to as the Hancock Member) of which Mr. Jaglom is a director. Mr. Jaglom is party to an agreement with respect to 649,138 of the ordinary shares held by Samson Capital, LLC that provides him with the right to independently make decisions as to voting and disposition of those ordinary shares, without having to consult with any other person. The Hancock Member is party to an agreement pursuant to which it has the right to independently make decisions as to voting and disposition of 318,552 of the ordinary shares held by Hancock LLC, without having to consult with any other person. Mr. Jaglom disclaims beneficial ownership of the ordinary shares held by each of Samson Capital, LLC and Hancock LLC except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. (3) Represents shares beneficially owned as of December 31, 2014, as indicated in the statement of beneficial ownership on Schedule 13G filed by Morgan Stanley on January 12, 2015. Reflects ordinary shares beneficially owned, or that may be deemed to be beneficially owned, by certain operating units (which we refer to collectively as the MS Reporting Units) of Morgan Stanley and its subsidiaries and affiliates (which we refer to collectively as MS), and does not reflect ordinary shares, if any, beneficially owned by any operating units of MS whose ownership of securities is disaggregated from that of the MS Reporting Units. (4) Represents shares beneficially owned as of December 31, 2014, as indicated in the statement of beneficial ownership on Schedule 13G filed by Baillie Gifford & Co. on February 5, 2015. Ordinary shares reported as beneficially owned by Baillie Gifford & Co. are held by Baillie Gifford & Co. and/or one or more of its investment adviser subsidiaries, which may include Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited, on behalf of investment advisory clients, which may include investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, employee benefit plans, pension funds or other institutional clients. (5) Represents shares beneficially owned as of December 31, 2014, as indicated in the amended statement of beneficial ownership on Schedule 13G filed by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., or Price Associates, on February 11, 2015. Price Associates is an investment adviser registered under Section 203 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Price Associates does not serve as custodian of the assets of any of its clients; accordingly, in each instance only the client or the client’s custodian or trustee bank has the right to receive dividends paid with respect to, and proceeds from the sale of, the ordinary shares held by Price Associates. Not more than 5% of the class of ordinary shares is owned by any one client subject to the investment advice of Price Associates. (6) Represents shares beneficially owned as of December 31, 2014, as indicated in the statement of beneficial ownership on Schedule 13G filed by Edgewood Management LLC on February 13, 2015. 94 The percentage ownership of those shareholders decreased as follows during 2013 and 2014, respectively: (i) Samson Capital, LLC—from 11.1% to 6.4% to 4.8 %; (ii) Roy J. Zuckerberg—from 12.6% to 7.6% to 5.9 %; and (iii) Elchanan Jaglom—from 12.5% to 7.5% to 5.8 %. In addition, three additional shareholders who held more than 5% of our ordinary shares as of the end of 2012-- AGM Holding BV, Philippe J. Setton and FMR LLC— ceased to be major shareholders as of the end of 2013, due to a combination of market sales and issuances of additional ordinary shares by us. During 2014, four new shareholders— Morgan Stanley, Baillie Gifford & Co, T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. and Edgewood Management LLC—became major shareholders due to their acquisition of over 5% of our outstanding ordinary shares. In December 2012, as a result of the consummation of the Stratasys-Objet merger, the percentage ownership of each of our major shareholders at the time was reduced in a proportional manner, due to the issuance of 55% of our share capital (on a post-merger, fully diluted basis, calculated in accordance with the treasury stock method) to stockholders of Stratasys, Inc. in the merger. Record Holders Based upon a review of the information provided to us by our transfer agent, as of February 23, 2015, there were 110 holders of record of our shares, of which 82 record holders holding 50,946,354, or approximately 99.99%, of our outstanding ordinary shares, had registered addresses in the United States. These numbers are not representative of the number of beneficial holders of our shares nor is it representative of where such beneficial holders reside, since many of these shares were held of record by brokers or other nominees. As of the said date, CEDE & Co, the nominee company of the Depository Trust Company (with a registered address in the United States), held of record 48,931,547 ordinary shares on behalf of hundreds firms of brokers and banks in the United States, who in turn held such shares on behalf of several thousand clients and customers. B. Related Party Transactions. Except as described below or elsewhere in this annual report, since January 1, 2014, we have had no transaction or loan, nor do we have any presently proposed transaction or loan, involving any related party described in Item 7.B of Form 20-F promulgated by the SEC. Indemnification Agreements Our amended articles permit us to exculpate, indemnify and insure each of our directors and office holders to the fullest extent permitted by the Companies Law. Effective upon the effective time of the merger, we entered into indemnification agreements with each of our current directors and other office holders, under which we undertook to indemnify them to the fullest extent permitted by Israeli law, including with respect to liabilities resulting from the merger to the extent that these liabilities are not covered by insurance. We also put into place Directors and Officers liability insurance for each of our directors and other office holders upon the effectiveness of the Stratasys-Objet merger. Employment and Consulting Agreements with Directors and Executive Officers Employment agreement with David Reis Under an employment agreement, dated September 15, 2008, that we entered into with our Chief Executive Officer, David Reis, Mr. Reis is entitled to a gross monthly salary of NIS 126,600 (approximately $36,484). Mr. Reis is also entitled to an annual performance bonus subject to the discretion of our board of directors, based on our achievement of specific goals set by the board. Besides base salary and bonus, Mr. Reis receives under the agreement other benefits that are provided for by Israeli law or that are customary for senior executives in Israel, including reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with his services, and the right to use (and all related fixed and variable costs in respect of) a leased car and cellular telephone. Mr. Reis is furthermore entitled to company contributions equivalent to 5%, 8.33%, 2.5%, and 7.5% of his gross monthly salary towards certain pension, severance, disability and tax-advantaged savings funds (known as a manager’s insurance policy, severance compensation fund, disability insurance, and a study fund, respectively) (Mr. Reis also contributes 5% and 2.5% of his gross monthly salary towards the manager’s insurance policy and study fund, respectively). The employment engagement is terminable by either party upon six months’ prior written notice, and contains customary provisions regarding noncompetition, confidentiality of information and assignment of inventions. As required under Israeli law, 95 the terms of Mr. Reis’ engagement with our company were approved by our board of directors and shareholders (while we were still a private company). Mr. Reis has furthermore been granted an aggregate of 591,936 options to purchase ordinary shares, of which 172,436 are currently outstanding, all of which are fully vested and which have an exercise price of $6.52 per share, and expire on December 31, 2017. All of the shares underlying the 172,436 options described above are subject to an agreement with our company under which they may only be disposed of (subject to minor exceptions involving the payment of taxes) in an orderly fashion, on a pro-rata basis over the course of a five-year period commencing in 2012. These restrictions governing the disposition of such shares supplement, and do not replace, any additional applicable restrictions under our share option and incentive plans. Employment agreement with Ilan Levin Pursuant to an employment agreement, dated June 27, 2011, Ilan Levin provides services to us as a full-time employee who leads special corporate executive functions. Under the agreement, Mr. Levin receives a gross monthly salary of NIS 27,000 (approximately $7,781) and other benefits that are provided for by Israeli law or that are customary for senior executives in Israel, including reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with his services, and the right to use (and all related fixed and variable costs in respect of) a leased car. The foregoing salary is in addition to and independent of the $19,400 per month plus Israeli value added tax, or VAT, that Mr. Levin is entitled to for continued service as a member of the board. Under the employment agreement, Mr. Levin is furthermore entitled to company contributions equivalent to 5%, 8.33%, 2.5%, and 7.5% of his gross monthly salary towards certain pension, severance, disability and tax-advantaged savings funds (known as a manager’s insurance policy, severance compensation fund, disability insurance, and a study fund, respectively) (Mr. Levin also contributes 5% and 2.5% of his gross monthly salary towards the manager’s insurance policy and study fund, respectively). The employment engagement is terminable by either party upon three months’ prior written notice, and contains customary provisions regarding noncompetition, confidentiality of information and assignment of inventions. As required under Israeli law, the terms of Mr. Levin’s engagement with our company were approved by our board of directors and shareholders. Mr. Levin has furthermore been granted an aggregate of 419,344 options to purchase ordinary shares, of which 124,844 are currently outstanding, all of which are fully vested. 100,062 of such options have an exercise price of $6.52 per share and 24,782 of such options have an exercise price of $2.208 per share. All of such options expire on December 31, 2017. All of the 124,844 ordinary shares underlying the foregoing options are subject to an agreement between Mr. Levin and our company under which they may only be disposed of (subject to minor exceptions involving the payment of taxes) in an orderly fashion, on a pro rata basis over the course of a five year period commencing in 2012. These restrictions governing the disposition of these shares supplement, and do not replace, any additional applicable restrictions under our share option and incentive plans. Consulting arrangement with an entity affiliated with Elchanan Jaglom An entity affiliated with Elchanan Jaglom, the Chairman of the board of directors, has provided consulting and director services to us pursuant to an oral arrangement that was approved by our board of directors and shareholders. The monthly amount payable to that entity under this arrangement is $35,000, plus VAT, currently. The consulting arrangement, which is not recorded in a written agreement, has no set term and may be terminated by either party at will upon written notice. C. Interests of Experts and Counsel. Not required. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION. A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information. The consolidated financial statements and other financial information for our company required by SEC are included in this annual report beginning on page F-1. 96 Export Sales The following table presents total export sales by Stratasys, Ltd for each of the fiscal years indicated (in thousands): Legal Proceedings We are a party to various legal proceedings incident to our business. Based upon the status of such cases, as determined with the advice of counsel, we have recorded provisions in our financial statements for amounts (if any) judged to be both quantifiable and probable to be paid. Except as noted below, there are no legal proceedings pending or threatened against us that we believe are likely to have, or that have had in the recent past, significant effects on our financial condition or profitability. Claims Related to Company Equity In December 2008, a former employee of ours, whose employment had been terminated, filed a claim against our company demanding that, based on an alleged undertaking we had made, we issue to him an option that would allow him to maintain an equity interest of 1.45% in Objet, as well as reimburse salary reductions he had suffered in an aggregate sum of NIS 552 thousand ($142 thousand). In July 2009, we filed our statement of defense, rejecting the claims raised by the former employee. Together with the former employee, we initiated mediation of the dispute, but did not reach any settlement. The former employee later amended his initial pleading to seek an additional NIS 441 thousand ($113 thousand) on account of alleged wrongful termination by our company. The court ruled in our favor in November 2013, also awarding us legal expenses of NIS 55,000. The plaintiff has appealed the decision to the national Israeli labor court, where the appeal is currently ongoing. On March 4, 2013, four current or former minority shareholders and former directors of our company filed two lawsuits against our company in an Israeli central district court. The lawsuits demand that we amend the capitalization table of our company such that certain shares previously issued to Objet shareholders named as defendants would be recognized as being owned by the plaintiffs with a consequent reduction of the share ownership of the named defendants. The lawsuits also name as defendants Elchanan Jaglom, the Chairman of the board of directors, David Reis, our Chief Executive Officer, various shareholders of ours who were also shareholders of Objet, and, in one of the lawsuits, Ilan Levin, one of our directors. The lawsuits allege in particular that a series of investments in Objet during 2002 and 2003 was effected at a price per share that was below fair market value, thereby illegally diluting those shareholders that did not participate in the investments. The plaintiffs also allege that a portion of the amount invested in those transactions was actually invested by an investor who was already a shareholder of Objet and allegedly acting in concert with Mr. Jaglom, and that the interest of these two shareholders in these transactions was not properly disclosed to the minority shareholders at the time. The lawsuits furthermore claim that we effectively engaged in backdating the issuance of certain shares, in that shares that Objet reported as having been issued in 2006 and 2007 were actually issued at a subsequent date—as late as 2009. We filed our statement of defense in response to these claims in May 2013, denying the claims. We also filed a motion to dismiss the claims on grounds of statute of limitations, laches and lack of cause. On April 8, 2014, the court held a hearing on the motion and the parties submitted summation briefs. The court’s decision is pending. On February 5, 9, and 20, 2015, lawsuits styled as class actions were commenced in the United States District Courts for the District of Minnesota, the Southern District of New York, and the Eastern District of New York, respectively, naming the Company and certain of our officers and directors as defendants. The lawsuits allege violations of the Exchange Act in connection with allegedly false and misleading statements concerning our business and prospects. The plaintiffs seek damages and awards of reasonable costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees. These lawsuits are in their initial stages and no substantive proceedings have occurred to date. We intend to mount vigorous defenses to these lawsuits. 2014 2013 2012 Total Export Sales* $ 341,395 $ 219,837 $ 104,883 as a percentage of Total Sales 45.5% 45.4% 48.73% * Export sales, as presented, are defined as sales to customers located outside of North America and Israel (where our dual headquarters are located). 97 Dividend Policy We have never paid cash dividends on our ordinary shares and do not anticipate that we will pay any cash dividends on our ordinary shares in the foreseeable future. We intend to retain our earnings to finance the development of our business. Any future dividend policy will be determined by our board of directors based upon conditions then existing, including our earnings, financial condition, tax position and capital requirements, as well as such economic and other conditions as our board of directors may deem relevant. Pursuant to our articles of association, dividends may be declared by our board of directors. Dividends must be paid out of our profits and other surplus funds, as defined in the Companies Law, as of the end of the most recent year or as accrued over a period of the most recent two years, whichever amount is greater, provided that there is no reasonable concern that payment of a dividend will prevent us from satisfying our existing and foreseeable obligations as they become due. In addition, because we have received certain benefits under Israeli law relating to Approved Enterprises and Beneficiary Enterprises, our payment of dividends (out of tax-exempt income) may subject us to certain Israeli taxes to which we would not otherwise be subject. We are also restricted under our credit agreement with Bank of America from paying dividends. Please see the risk factors captioned “We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Therefore, if our share price does not appreciate, our shareholders may not recognize a return, and could potentially suffer a loss, on their investment in our ordinary shares,” and “Even if we decide to pay dividends on our ordinary shares, we may be restricted from doing so or payment of such dividends may have adverse consequences for our company” in Item 3.D “Risk Factors—Risks related to an investment in our ordinary shares” above. For a discussion of the applicable rates of withholding tax on dividends paid out of income derived from an Approved Enterprise or a Beneficiary Enterprise, see “Israeli Tax Considerations and Government Programs — The Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments” in Item 4.B above. B. Significant Changes. Other than as otherwise described in this annual report, no significant change has occurred in our operations since the date of our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report. ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING. A. Listing Details. Since December 3, 2012 (the first trading day after the effective time of the merger), our ordinary shares have traded (and, prior to that time, Stratasys, Inc. common stock was traded) on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the trading symbol “SSYS.” The following table sets forth the high and low closing sale prices of our ordinary shares (and for periods preceding the merger, Stratasys, Inc. common stock) for the fiscal periods indicated below, as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Price Range Fiscal Period: High (U.S. $) Low (U.S. $) Six most recent months: February 2015 80.08 57.36 January 2015 81.05 70.02 December 2014 97.32 78.64 November 2014 122.57 101.11 October 2014 120.36 105.67 September 2014 129.28 119.14 Two most recent full financial years and subsequent periods, by quarter: Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2014 October 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014 122.57 78.64 July 1, 2014 - September 30, 2014 129.28 97.13 April 1, 2014 - June 30, 2014 113.63 88.04 January 1, 2014 - March 31, 2014 136.46 103.64 Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2013 October 1, 2013 - December 31, 2013 134.70 92.78 July 1, 2013 - September 30, 2013 110.26 84.30 April 1, 2013 - June 30, 2013 91.30 68.33 January 1, 2013 - March 31, 2013 89.69 62.50 Five most recent full financial years 2014 136.46 78.64 2013 134.70 62.50 2012 80.75 30.37 2011 55.43 18.00 2010 34.46 18.04 98  Our ordinary shares, nominal value NIS 0.01 per share, are registered on the books of our transfer agent, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company. There are no transfer restrictions apart from the requirement that any transfers comply with applicable securities laws and the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market or any other securities exchange on which our ordinary shares may be listed in the future. B. Plan of Distribution. Not Applicable. C. Markets. Our ordinary shares have been listed on, and began trading on, the NASDAQ Global Select Market on December 3, 2012 under the ticker symbol “SSYS”, replacing the Stratasys, Inc. common stock under that same listing and ticker symbol following the effective time of the Stratasys-Objet merger on December 1, 2012. D. Selling Shareholders. Not Applicable. E. Dilution. Not Applicable. F. Expenses of the Issue. Not Applicable. ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. A. Share Capital. Not applicable B. Memorandum and Articles of Association. Purposes and Objects of the Company We are a public company registered under Israel’s Companies Law as Stratasys Ltd., registration number 51-260769-8. Under our memorandum of association, our purpose includes every lawful purpose. Powers of Directors Under the provisions of the Companies Law and our amended articles, the management of the business of the Company is vested in our board of directors, which may exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as the Company is authorized to exercise and do. For certain approval requirements, disclosure obligations and limitation on participation of members of our board in board meetings, see “Fiduciary Duties of Officer Holders — Approval of Specified Related Party Transactions with Office Holders Under Israeli Law” in Item 6.C – “Board Practices” above, and the remainder of this Item 10.B below. The authority of our directors to enter into borrowing arrangements on our behalf is not limited, except to the same degree as any other transaction into which we may enter. Our amended articles do not impose any mandatory retirement or age-limit requirements on our directors, and our directors are not required to own shares in our company in order to qualify to serve as directors. 99 Rights Attached to Shares Our authorized share capital consists of 180,000,000 ordinary shares of a nominal value of NIS 0.01 each. All outstanding ordinary shares are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. The current authorized share capital reflects an increase in our authorized share capital (from 60,000,000 ordinary shares) that was approved by our shareholders at our 2013 annual general meeting of shareholders on June 21, 2013. The rights attached to the ordinary shares are as follows: Dividend Rights. Our board of directors may, in its discretion, declare that a dividend be paid pro rata to the holders of ordinary shares. Dividends must be paid out of our profits and other surplus funds, as defined in the Companies Law, as of the end of the most recent year or as accrued over a period of two years, whichever is greater, provided that there is no reasonable concern that payment of a dividend will prevent us from satisfying our existing and foreseeable obligations as they become due. Under the Companies Law, the declaration of a dividend does not require the approval of the shareholders of a company unless the company’s articles of association provide otherwise. Our amended articles provide that our board of directors may declare and distribute dividends without the approval of the shareholders. Rights to Share in the Company’s Profits. Our shareholders have the right to share in our profits distributed as a dividend or via any other permitted distribution. See “Rights Attached to Shares — Dividend Rights”, in this Item above. Rights to Share in Surplus in the Event of Liquidation. In the event of our liquidation, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors, our assets will be distributed to the holders of ordinary shares in proportion to the nominal value of their holdings. This right may be affected by the grant of preferential dividend or distribution rights to the holders of a class of shares with preferential rights that may be authorized in the future. Limited Liability. Our company is a limited liability company, and therefore, each shareholder’s liability for our obligations is limited to the payment of the nominal value of the shares held by such shareholder, subject to the provisions of the Companies Law. Limitations on Any Existing or Prospective Major Shareholder. See “Board Practices - Approval of Specified Related Party Transactions with Office Holders Under Israeli Law” in Item 6.C above. Voting Rights. Holders of our ordinary shares have one vote for each ordinary share held on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. Shareholders may vote at a shareholders’ meeting either in person or by proxy. Such voting rights may be affected by the grant of any special voting rights to the holders of a class of shares with preferential rights that may be authorized in the future. There are currently no preferred shares outstanding. The Companies Law imposes certain duties on our shareholders. A shareholder, in exercising his or her rights and performing his or her obligations to our other shareholders and us, must act in good faith and in an acceptable manner, and avoid abusing his or her powers. This duty is required when voting at general meetings on matters such as changes to our articles of association, increases to our registered capital, mergers and related party transactions. A shareholder also has a general duty to refrain from depriving any other shareholder of his or her rights as a shareholder. In addition, any controlling shareholder, any shareholder who knows that his or her vote can determine the outcome of a shareholder vote and any shareholder who, under our amended articles, can appoint or prevent the appointment of an office holder, is required to act fairly towards our company. The Companies Law does not specifically define the duty of fairness, but provides that the remedies generally available upon a breach of contract will apply also in the event of a breach of the duty to act with fairness. There is no binding case law that addresses this subject directly. Any voting agreement among shareholders is also subject to these duties. Election of Directors Directors of our company, other than external directors, are elected each year at our annual general meeting of shareholders by a vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power represented at the meeting. See Item 6.C– “Board Practices”—“Board of Directors” above. Our ordinary shares do not have cumulative voting rights for this purpose. As a result, holders of our ordinary shares that represent more than 50% of the voting power represented at a shareholders’ meeting at which a quorum is present will have the power to elect any or all of our directors whose 100 positions are being filled at that meeting, subject to the special approval requirements for external directors described under “Board Practices—External Directors” in Item 6.C above. In addition, pursuant to the Companies Law and our amended articles, any shareholder holding at least one percent (1%) of our outstanding voting power may make nominations for directors only if a written notice of such shareholder’s intent to make such nomination (together with certain documentation required under the Companies Law) has been delivered to our registered Israeli office within seven days after we publish notice of our upcoming annual general meeting (or within 14 days after we publish a preliminary notification of an upcoming annual general meeting) . Annual and Extraordinary Meetings Our board of directors must convene an annual general meeting of shareholders at least once every calendar year, within fifteen months of the last annual general meeting. All meetings other than the annual general meeting of shareholders are referred to as extraordinary general meetings. Our board of directors may call extraordinary general meetings whenever it sees fit, at such time and place, within or outside of Israel, as it may determine. In addition, the Companies Law and our amended articles provide that our board of directors will be required to convene an extraordinary general meeting upon the written request of (i) any two of our directors or one-quarter of our board of directors or (ii) one or more shareholders holding, in the aggregate, either (a) 5% of our outstanding issued shares and 1% of our outstanding voting power or (b) 5% of our outstanding voting power. The chairman of the board of directors presides at each of our general meetings. The chairman of the board of directors will not be entitled to vote at a general meeting in his capacity as chairman. Subject to the provisions of the Companies Law and the regulations promulgated thereunder, shareholders that will be entitled to participate and vote at general meetings are the shareholders of record on a date decided by our board of directors, which may be between four and 40 days prior to the date of the meeting. Furthermore, the Companies Law and our amended articles require that resolutions regarding the following matters must be passed at a general meeting of our shareholders: Notices The Companies Law and the amended articles require that a notice of any annual general meeting or extraordinary general meeting be published and provided to shareholders at least 21 days prior to the meeting, and if the agenda of the meeting includes the appointment or removal of directors, the approval of transactions with office holders or interested or related parties, or an approval of a merger, notice must be published at least 35 days prior to the meeting. Quorum The quorum required for a general meeting of our shareholders consists of at least two shareholders present in person, by proxy or written ballot who hold or represent between them at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the total outstanding voting rights. A meeting adjourned for lack of a quorum generally is adjourned to the same day in the following week at the same time and place, or to a later time/date if so specified in the summons or notice of the meeting. At the reconvened meeting, if the original meeting was convened upon requisition under the Companies Law, the required quorum consists of one or more shareholders, present in person or by proxy, and holding the number • amendments to the amended articles; • appointment or termination of our auditors; • appointment of directors and appointment and dismissal of external directors; • approval of acts and transactions involving related parties, as defined by the Companies Law or pursuant to our amended articles; • director compensation; • increases or reductions of our authorized share capital; • a merger; and • the exercise of our board of directors’ powers by a general meeting, if the board of directors is unable to exercise its powers and the exercise of any of its powers is required for our proper management. 101 of shares required for making such requisition, and, in any other reconvened meeting, the quorum that is required is any two shareholders present in person or by proxy (regardless of how many shares they hold). Adoption of Resolutions Our amended articles provide that all resolutions of our shareholders require the approval of a majority of the voting power present and voting at a general meeting, unless otherwise required by the Companies Law or by the amended articles. Under the Companies Law and the amended articles, shareholders are not permitted to take action via written consent in lieu of a meeting. Under the Companies Law, each of (i) the approval of an extraordinary transaction with a controlling shareholder and (ii) the terms of employment or other engagement of the controlling shareholder of the company or such controlling shareholder’s relative (even if not extraordinary) require, in addition to approval by the compensation committee (in the case of terms of employment) or audit committee (in the case of some other engagement) and the board of directors, approval by a special majority of the shareholders that fulfills one of the following requirements: Under our amended articles, if the share capital is divided into classes, the alteration of the rights, privileges, preferences or obligations of any class of share capital requires approval by a simple majority of the class so affected (or such other percentage of the relevant class that may be set forth in the governing documents relevant to such class), in addition to the ordinary majority vote of all classes of shares voting together as a single class at a general meeting, as required under the Companies Law. Further exceptions to the simple majority vote requirement are a resolution for the voluntary winding up, or an approval of a scheme of arrangement or reorganization, of the company pursuant to Section 350 of the Companies Law, which requires the approval of holders of 75% of the voting rights represented at the meeting, in person, by proxy or by voting deed and voting on the resolution. Israeli law provides that a shareholder of a public company may vote in a meeting and in a class meeting by means of a voting deed in which the shareholder indicates how he or she votes on resolutions relating to the following matters: The provision allowing the vote by voting deed does not apply if, to the best knowledge of the company at the time of calling the general shareholders’ meeting, a controlling shareholder will hold on the record date for such shareholders’ meeting, voting power sufficient to determine the outcome of the vote. Changing Rights Attached to Shares The rights attached to any class of shares, such as voting, liquidation and dividend rights, may be amended by adoption of a resolution by the holders of a majority of the shares of that class present at a separate class meeting, or otherwise in accordance with the rights attached to such class of shares, as set forth in our amended articles. Limitations on the Rights to Own Securities in Our Company Neither our memorandum of association nor our amended articles, nor the laws of the State of Israel, restrict in any way the ownership or voting of shares by non-residents, except with respect to citizens of countries that are in a state of war with Israel. • a disinterested majority; or • the votes of shareholders who have no personal interest in the transaction and who are present and voting, in person, by proxy or by voting deed at the meeting, and who vote against the transaction may not represent more than two percent (2%) of the voting rights of the company. • appointment or removal of directors; • approval of transactions with office holders or interested or related parties; • approval of a merger or any other matter in respect of which there is a provision in the articles of association providing that decisions of the general meeting may also be passed by voting deed; • approval of an arrangement or reorganization of the company pursuant to Section 350 of the Israeli Companies Law; and • other matters which may be prescribed by Israel’s Minister of Justice. 102 Provisions Restricting Change in Control of Our Company Full Tender Offer A person wishing to acquire shares of a public Israeli company and who could as a result hold over 90% of the target company’s issued and outstanding share capital or voting rights is required by the Companies Law to make a tender offer to all of the company’s shareholders for the purchase of all of the issued and outstanding shares of the company. A person wishing to acquire shares of a public Israeli company and who could as a result hold over 90% of the issued and outstanding share capital or voting rights of a certain class of shares is required to make a tender offer to all of the shareholders who hold shares of the relevant class for the purchase of all of the issued and outstanding shares of that class. If the shareholders who do not accept the offer hold less than 5% of the issued and outstanding share capital and voting rights of the company or of the applicable class, all of the shares that the acquirer offered to purchase will be transferred to the acquirer by operation of law (provided that a majority of the offerees that do not have a personal interest in such tender offer shall have approved it, which condition shall not apply if, following consummation of the tender offer, the acquirer would hold at least 98% of all of the company’s outstanding shares and voting rights (or shares and voting rights of the relevant class)). However, shareholders may, at any time within six months following the completion of the tender offer, petition the court to alter the consideration for the acquisition. Even shareholders who indicated their acceptance of the tender offer may so petition the court, unless the acquirer stipulated that a shareholder that accepts the offer may not seek appraisal rights). If the shareholders who did not accept the tender offer hold 5% or more of the issued and outstanding share capital or voting rights of the company or of the applicable class, the acquirer may not acquire shares of the company that will increase its holdings to more than 90% of the company’s issued and outstanding share capital or voting rights or 90% of the shares or voting rights of the applicable class, from shareholders who accepted the tender offer. Special Tender Offer The Companies Law provides that an acquisition of shares of a public Israeli company must be made by means of a special tender offer if as a result of the acquisition the purchaser could become a holder of 25% or more of the voting rights in the company, unless one of the exemptions in the Companies Law (as described below) is met. This rule does not apply if there is already another holder of at least 25% of the voting rights in the company. Similarly, the Companies Law provides that an acquisition of shares in a public company must be made by means of a tender offer if as a result of the acquisition the purchaser could become a holder of more than 45% of the voting rights in the company, if there is no other shareholder of the company who holds more than 45% of the voting rights in the company, unless one of the exemptions in the Companies Law is met. A special tender offer must be extended to all shareholders of a company but the offeror is not required to purchase shares representing more than 5% of the voting power attached to the company’s outstanding shares, regardless of how many shares are tendered by shareholders. A special tender offer may be consummated only if (i) at least 5% of the voting power attached to the company’s outstanding shares will be acquired by the offeror and (ii) the number of shares tendered in the offer exceeds the number of shares whose holders objected to the offer. If a special tender offer is accepted, then the purchaser or any person or entity controlling it or under common control with the purchaser or such controlling person or entity may not make a subsequent tender offer for the purchase of shares of the target company and may not enter into a merger with the target company for a period of one year from the date of the offer, unless the purchaser or such person or entity undertook to effect such an offer or merger in the initial special tender offer. Merger The Companies Law permits merger transactions if approved by each party’s board of directors and, unless certain requirements described under the Companies Law are met, by a majority vote of each party’s shares, and, in the case of the target company, a majority vote of each class of its shares, voted on the proposed merger at a shareholders meeting called with at least 35 days’ prior notice. For purposes of the shareholder vote, unless a court rules otherwise, the merger will not be deemed approved if a majority of the votes of shares represented at the shareholders’ meeting that are held by parties other than the other party to the merger, or by any person (or group of persons acting in concert) who holds (or hold, as the case may be) 25% or more of the voting rights or the right to appoint 25% or more of the directors of the other party, vote against the merger. If, however, the merger involves a merger with a company’s own controlling shareholder or if the controlling shareholder has a personal interest in the merger, then the merger is instead subject to the same special majority 103 approval that governs all extraordinary transactions with controlling shareholders (as described above in this annual report under Item 6.C “Board Practices—Approval of Related Party Transactions Under Israeli Law—Disclosure of Personal Interests of Controlling Shareholders”). If the transaction would have been approved by the shareholders of a merging company but for the separate approval of each class or the exclusion of the votes of certain shareholders as provided above, a court may still approve the merger upon the request of holders of at least 25% of the voting rights of a company, if the court holds that the merger is fair and reasonable, taking into account the value of the parties to the merger and the consideration offered to the shareholders of the company that have petitioned the court to approve the merger. Upon the request of a creditor of either party to the proposed merger, the court may delay or prevent the merger if it concludes that there exists a reasonable concern that, as a result of the merger, the surviving company will be unable to satisfy the obligations of any of the parties to the merger, and may further give instructions to secure the rights of creditors. In addition, a merger may not be consummated unless at least 50 days have passed from the date on which a proposal for approval of the merger was filed by each party with the Israeli Registrar of Companies and at least 30 days have passed from the date on which the merger was approved by the shareholders of each party. Anti-Takeover Measures Under Israeli Law The Companies Law allows us to create and issue shares having rights different from those attached to our ordinary shares, including shares providing certain preferred rights, distributions or other matters and shares having preemptive rights. Currently, no preferred shares are authorized under our amended articles. In the future, if we do authorize, create and issue a specific class of preferred shares, such class of shares, depending on the specific rights that may be attached to it, may have the ability to frustrate or prevent a takeover or otherwise prevent our shareholders from realizing a potential premium over the market value of their ordinary shares. The authorization and designation of a class of preferred shares will require an amendment to our amended articles, which requires the prior approval of the holders of a majority of the voting power present and voting at a general meeting. The convening of the meeting, the shareholders entitled to participate in such meeting, and the majority vote required to be obtained at such a meeting will be subject to the requirements set forth in the Companies Law as described above in this Item 10.B under “Memorandum and Articles of Association—Rights Attached to Shares—Voting Rights.” The foregoing description includes only a summary of certain provisions of the Companies Law and our memorandum of association and articles and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such documents, which are exhibits to this annual report. C. Material Contracts. We have not entered into any material contract within the two years prior to the date of this annual report, other than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, or as otherwise described herein in Item 4.A—“History and Development of the Company”, Item 4.B—“Business Overview”, Item 5.B—“Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources”, Item 6.C – “Board Practices—Director Service Contracts” and Item 7.B - “Related Party Transactions”. D. Exchange Controls. There are currently no Israeli currency control restrictions on payments of dividends or other distributions with respect to our ordinary shares or the proceeds from the sale of ordinary shares, except for the obligation of Israeli residents to file reports with the Bank of Israel regarding certain transactions. However, legislation remains in effect pursuant to which currency controls can be imposed by administrative action at any time. The ownership or voting of our ordinary shares by non-residents of Israel, except with respect to citizens of countries that are in a state of war with Israel, is not restricted in any way by our memorandum of association or amended articles or by the laws of the State of Israel. E. Taxation. The following is a short summary of certain provisions of the tax environment to which shareholders may be subject. This summary is based on the current provisions of tax law. To the extent that the discussion is based on new tax legislation that has not been subject to judicial or administrative interpretation, we cannot assure you that the views expressed in the discussion will be accepted by the appropriate tax authorities or the courts. 104 The summary does not address all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to all purchasers of our ordinary shares in light of each purchaser’s particular circumstances and specific tax treatment. For example, the summary below does not address the tax treatment of residents of Israel and traders in securities who are subject to specific tax regimes. As individual circumstances may differ, holders of our ordinary shares should consult their own tax adviser as to the United States, Israeli or other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of ordinary shares. The following is not intended, and should not be construed, as legal or professional tax advice and is not exhaustive of all possible tax considerations. Each individual should consult his or her own tax or legal adviser. Israeli Taxation Considerations Israeli law generally imposes a capital gains tax on the sale of any capital assets by residents of Israel, as defined for Israeli tax purposes, and on the sale of assets located in Israel, including shares of Israeli companies, by both residents and non-residents of Israel unless a specific exemption is available or unless a tax treaty between Israel and the seller’s country of residence provides otherwise. The Tax Ordinance distinguishes between “Real Capital Gain” and “Inflationary Surplus”. The Inflationary Surplus is a portion of the total capital gain which is equivalent to the increase of the relevant asset’s purchase price which is attributable to the increase in the Israeli consumer price index or, in certain circumstances, a foreign currency exchange rate, between the date of purchase and the date of sale. The Real Capital Gain is the excess of the total capital gain over the Inflationary Surplus. Israeli resident individuals Capital Gain As of January 1, 2006, the tax rate applicable to Real Capital Gain derived by Israeli individuals from the sale of shares which had been purchased on or after January 1, 2003, whether or not listed on a stock exchange, is 20%, unless such shareholder claims a deduction for interest and linkage differences expenses in connection with the purchase and holding of such shares, in which case the gain will generally be taxed at a rate of 25%. Additionally, if such shareholder is considered a “Significant Shareholder” ( i.e., a person who holds, directly or indirectly, alone or together with another, 10% or more of any of the company’s “means of control” (including, among other things, the right to receive profits of the company, voting rights, the right to receive the company’s liquidation proceeds and the right to appoint a director)) at the time of sale or at any time during the preceding 12-month period, such gain will be taxed at the rate of 25%. Individual shareholders dealing in securities in Israel are taxed at their marginal tax rates applicable to business income (up to 48% in 2014 ). Notwithstanding the foregoing, pursuant to the Law for Change in the Tax Burden (Legislative Amendments) (Taxes), 2011, the capital gain tax rate applicable to individuals was raised from 20% to 25% from 2012 and onwards (or from 25% to 30% if the selling individual shareholder is a Significant Shareholder at any time during the 12-month period preceding the sale and\or claims a deduction for interest and linkage differences expenses in connection with the purchase and holding of such shares). With respect to assets (not shares that are listed on a stock exchange) purchased on or after January 1, 2003, the portion of the gain generated from the date of acquisition until December 31, 2011 will be subject to the previous capital gains tax rates (20% or 25%) and the portion of the gain generated from January 1, 2012 until the date of sale will be subject to the new tax rates (25% or 30%). Dividend Income Israeli residents who are individuals are generally subject to Israeli income tax for dividends paid on our ordinary shares (other than bonus shares or share dividends) at 25%, or 30% if the recipient of such dividend is a Significant Shareholder, at the time of distribution or at any time during the preceding 12-month period. However, dividends distributed from taxable income accrued during the benefits period of an Approved Enterprise or Beneficiary Enterprise are subject to withholding tax at the rate of 15% (and 20% with respect to Preferred Enterprise), if the dividend is distributed during the tax benefits period under the Investment Law or within 12 years after such period. Israeli resident corporations Capital Gain Under Israeli current tax legislation, the tax rate applicable to Real Capital Gain derived by Israeli resident corporations from the sale of shares of an Israeli company is the general corporate tax rate. As described in “Israeli Tax Considerations and Government Programs — General Corporate Tax Structure” in Item 4.B above, as of 2014, the corporate tax rate is 26.5% . Dividend Income 105 Generally, Israeli resident corporations are exempt from Israeli corporate tax on the receipt of dividends paid on shares of Israeli resident corporations. However, dividends distributed from taxable income accrued during the benefits period of an Approved Enterprise or Beneficiary Enterprise are taxable at the rate of 15%, if the dividend is distributed during the tax benefits period under the Investment Law or within 12 years after that period. Non-Israeli Residents Capital Gain Israeli capital gains tax is imposed on the disposal of capital assets by a non-Israeli resident if such assets are either (i) located in Israel; (ii) shares or rights to shares in an Israeli resident company, or (iii) represent, directly or indirectly, rights to assets located in Israel, unless a tax treaty between Israel and the seller’s country of residence provides otherwise. As mentioned above, Real Capital Gain is generally subject to tax at the corporate tax rate (26.5% as of 2014), if generated by a company, or at the rate of 25% (for any asset other than shares that are listed on a stock exchange - 20% with respect to the portion of the gain generated up to December 31, 2011) or 30% (for any asset other than shares that are listed on a stock exchange - 25% with respect to the portion of the gain generated up to December 31, 2011), if generated by an individual from the sale of assets purchased on or after January 1, 2003. Individual and corporate shareholders dealing in securities in Israel are taxed at the tax rates applicable to business income (a corporate tax rate for a corporation and a marginal tax rate of up to 48% for an individual in 2014 ). Notwithstanding the foregoing, shareholders who are non-Israeli residents (individuals and corporations) are generally exempt from Israeli capital gains tax on any gains derived from the sale, exchange or disposition of shares publicly traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange or on a recognized stock exchange outside of Israel, provided, among other things, that (i) such gains are not generated through a permanent establishment that the non-Israeli resident maintains in Israel, (ii) the shares were purchased after being listed on a recognized stock exchange and (iii) with respect to shares listed on a recognized stock exchange outside of Israel, such shareholders are not subject to the Israeli Income Tax Law (Inflationary Adjustments) 5745-1985. However, non-Israeli corporations will not be entitled to the foregoing exemptions if Israeli residents (a) have a controlling interest of 25% or more in such non-Israeli corporation, or (b) are the beneficiaries of or are entitled to 25% or more of the revenues or profits of such non-Israeli corporation, whether directly or indirectly. Such exemption is not applicable to a person whose gains from selling or otherwise disposing of the shares are deemed to be business income. In addition, a sale of shares may be exempt from Israeli capital gains tax under the provisions of an applicable tax treaty. For example, under the U.S.-Israel Tax Treaty, to which we refer as the U.S.-Israel Treaty, the sale, exchange or disposition of shares of an Israeli company by a shareholder who is a U.S. resident (for purposes of the U.S.-Israel Treaty) holding the shares as a capital asset is exempt from Israeli capital gains tax unless (i) the shareholder holds, directly or indirectly, shares representing 10% or more of the voting rights during any part of the 12-month period preceding such sale, exchange or disposition, (ii) the shareholder, if an individual, has been present in Israel for a period or periods of 183 days or more in the aggregate during the applicable taxable year; or (iii) the capital gains arising from such sale are attributable to a permanent establishment of the shareholder which is maintained in Israel. In any such case, the sale, exchange or disposition of such shares would be subject to Israeli tax, to the extent applicable; however, under the U.S.-Israel Treaty, a U.S. resident would be permitted to claim a credit for the Israeli tax against the U.S. federal income tax imposed with respect to the sale, exchange or disposition, subject to the limitations in U.S. laws applicable to foreign tax credits. The U.S.-Israel Treaty does not provide such credit against any U.S. state or local taxes. In some instances where our shareholders may be liable for Israeli tax on the sale of their Ordinary Shares, the payment of the consideration may be subject to the withholding of Israeli tax at source. Shareholders may be required to demonstrate that they are exempt from tax on their capital gains in order to avoid withholding at source at the time of sale. Specifically, in transactions involving a sale of all of the shares of an Israeli resident company, in the form of a merger or otherwise, the Israel Tax Authority may require from shareholders who are not liable for Israeli tax to sign declarations in forms specified by this authority or obtain a specific exemption from the Israel Tax Authority to confirm their status as non Israeli resident, and, in the absence of such declarations or exemptions, may require the purchaser of the shares to withhold taxes at source. Dividend Income Non-Israeli residents (whether individuals or corporations) are generally subject to Israeli income tax on the receipt of dividends paid on ordinary shares at the rate of 25% or 30% (if the dividend recipient is a Significant Shareholder at the time of distribution or at any time during the preceding 12-month period) or 15% if the dividend is 106 distributed from income attributed to our Approved Enterprise or Beneficiary Enterprise, which tax is to be withheld at source. Such dividends are generally subject to Israeli withholding tax at a rate of 25% so long as the shares are registered with a nominee company (whether the recipient is a Significant Shareholder or not), unless a reduced rate is provided under an applicable tax treaty. For example, under the U.S.-Israel Treaty, the maximum rate of tax withheld in Israel on dividends paid to a holder of our ordinary shares who is a U.S. resident (for purposes of the U.S.-Israel Treaty) is 25%. However, generally, the maximum rate of withholding tax on dividends, not generated by our Approved Enterprise or Beneficiary Enterprise, that are paid to a U.S. corporation holding at least 10% or more of our outstanding voting capital from the start of the tax year preceding the distribution of the dividend through (and including) the distribution of the dividend, is 12.5%, provided that no more than 25% of our gross income for such preceding year consists of certain types of dividends and interest. Notwithstanding the foregoing, dividends generated by our Approved Enterprise or Beneficiary Enterprise are subject to a withholding tax rate of 15% for such U.S. corporation shareholder, provided that the condition related to our gross income for the previous year (as set forth in the previous sentence) is met. If the dividend is attributable partly to income derived from an Approved Enterprise, a Beneficiary Enterprise or Preferred Enterprise, and partly to other sources of income, the withholding rate will be a blended rate reflecting the relative portions of the two types of income. U.S residents who are subject to Israeli withholding tax on a dividend may be entitled to a credit or deduction for United States federal income tax purposes in the amount of the taxes withheld, subject to detailed rules contained in the Code. A non-Israeli resident who receives dividends from which tax was withheld is generally exempt from the obligation to file tax returns in Israel with respect to such income, provided that (i) such income was not generated from business conducted in Israel by the taxpayer, and (ii) the taxpayer has no other taxable sources of income in Israel with respect to which a tax return is required to be filed. Excess Tax Individuals who are subject to tax in Israel are also subject to an additional tax at a rate of 2% on annual income exceeding NIS 811,560 for 2014, which amount is linked to the annual change in the Israeli consumer price index, including, but not limited to, dividends, interest and capital gain, subject to the provisions of an applicable tax treaty. U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations Subject to the limitations described in the following paragraphs, the discussion below describes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to a beneficial owner of our ordinary shares, referred to in this discussion as a U.S. holder, that is: This summary is not a comprehensive description of all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to each person’s decision to purchase, hold or dispose of ordinary shares. This summary considers only U.S. holders that hold ordinary shares as capital assets. This discussion is based on current provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, to which we refer as the Code, current and proposed Treasury regulations, and administrative and judicial decisions as of the date of this annual report, all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. This discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to any particular shareholder based on the shareholder’s individual circumstances. In particular, this discussion does not address the potential application of the alternative minimum tax or the U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. holders that are subject to special treatment, including U.S. holders that: • an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes; • a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in the United States or under the law of the United States or of any state or the District of Columbia; • an estate, the income of which is includible in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of its source; or • a trust, if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person. 107  In addition, this discussion does not address any aspect of state, local or non-U.S. tax laws, or the possible application of the U.S. federal estate or gift tax or any state inheritance, estate or gift tax. Material aspects of U.S. federal income tax law relevant to a holder other than a U.S. holder, referred to in this discussion as a non-U.S. holder, are also discussed below. Each prospective investor is advised to consult his or her own tax adviser for the specific tax consequences to that investor of purchasing, holding or disposing of our ordinary shares. Taxation of Dividends Paid on Ordinary Shares Subject to the discussion below under “Tax Consequences if We Are a Passive Foreign Investment Company,” a U.S. holder will be required to include in gross income as ordinary income the amount of any distribution paid on ordinary shares, including any Israeli taxes withheld from the amount paid, on the date the distribution is received, to the extent the distribution is paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes..” Effective January 1, 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act raised the maximum long-term capital gains rate of 15% to 20% for individuals with annual taxable income over $ 400,000 depending on individual filing status. In addition, under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, higher income taxpayers must pay an additional 3.8 percent tax on net investment income to the extent certain threshold amounts of income are exceeded. See “New Tax on Investment Income” in this Item below. Dividends that fail to meet these requirements, and dividends taxable to corporate U.S. holders, are taxed at ordinary income rates. No dividend received by a U.S. holder will be a qualified dividend (1) if the U.S. holder held the ordinary share with respect to which the dividend was paid for less than 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date that is 60 days before the ex-dividend date with respect to the dividend, excluding for this purpose, under the rules of Code Section 246(c), any period during which the U.S. holder has an option to sell, is under a contractual obligation to sell, has made and not closed a short sale of, is the grantor of a deep-in-the-money or otherwise nonqualified option to buy, or has otherwise diminished its risk of loss by holding other positions with respect to, the ordinary share (or substantially identical securities); or (2) to the extent that the U.S. holder is under an obligation (pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in property substantially similar or related to the ordinary share with respect to which the dividend is paid. If we were to be a “passive foreign investment company” (as that term is defined in the Code) for any year, dividends paid on our ordinary shares in that year or in the year following that year would not be qualified dividends. In addition, a non-corporate U.S. holder will be able to take a qualified dividend into account in determining its deductible investment interest (which is generally limited to its net investment income) only if it elects to do so, in which case the dividend will be taxed at ordinary income rates. Corporate holders will not be allowed a deduction for dividends received in respect of our ordinary shares. Dividends on our ordinary shares will be foreign source passive income (or in some cases, general category income) for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. Distributions in excess of earnings and profits will be applied against and will reduce, on a share-by-share basis, the U.S. holder’s basis in the ordinary shares and, to the extent in excess of that basis, will be treated as gain from the sale or exchange of ordinary shares. The amount of a distribution paid to a U.S. holder in a foreign currency will be the U.S. dollar value of the foreign currency calculated by reference to the spot exchange rate on the day the U.S. holder receives the distribution. A U.S. holder that receives a foreign currency distribution and converts the foreign currency into U.S. dollars after receipt • are broker-dealers or insurance companies; • have elected mark-to-market accounting; • are tax-exempt organizations; • are financial institutions or financial services entities; • are partnerships or other entities treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes or partners thereof or members therein; • hold ordinary shares as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion or other integrated transaction with other investments; • own directly, indirectly or by attribution at least 10% of our voting power; or • have a functional currency that is not the U.S. dollar. 108 will have foreign exchange gain or loss based on any appreciation or depreciation in the value of the foreign currency against the U.S. dollar, which will generally be U.S. source ordinary income or loss. U.S. holders will have the option of claiming the amount of any Israeli income taxes withheld at source either as a deduction from gross income or as a dollar-for-dollar credit against their U.S. federal income tax liability. Individuals who do not claim itemized deductions, but instead utilize the standard deduction, may not claim a deduction for the amount of the Israeli income taxes withheld, but the amount may be claimed as a credit against the individual’s U.S. federal income tax liability. The amount of foreign income taxes that may be claimed as a credit in any year is generally subject to complex limitations and restrictions, which must be determined on an individual basis by each shareholder. Those limitations include the provisions described in the following paragraphs, as well as rules that limit foreign tax credits allowable for a class of income to the U.S. federal income taxes otherwise payable on the net income in that class. A U.S. holder will be denied a foreign tax credit for Israeli income tax withheld from dividends received on our ordinary shares: Any days during which a U.S. holder has substantially diminished its risk of loss on the ordinary shares are not counted toward meeting the 16-day holding period required by the statute. A foreign tax credit for the Israeli tax can be deferred if the U.S. holder enters into certain types of arrangements to defer inclusion of the related dividend in income for tax purposes. Taxation of the Disposition of Ordinary Shares Subject to the discussion below under “Tax Consequences if We Are a Passive Foreign Investment Company,” upon the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of our ordinary shares, a U.S. holder will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the U.S. holder’s basis in the ordinary shares, which is usually the cost to the U.S. holder of the shares, and the amount realized on the disposition. Capital gain from the sale, exchange or other disposition of ordinary shares held more than one year is long-term capital gain and is eligible for a reduced rate of taxation in the case of non-corporate taxpayers. Gain or loss recognized by a U.S. holder on the sale, exchange or other disposition of ordinary shares generally will be treated as U.S. source income or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. A U.S. holder that uses the cash method of accounting calculates the U.S. dollar value of foreign currency proceeds received on a sale as of the date on which the U.S. holder receives the foreign currency. However, a U.S. holder that uses an accrual method of accounting is required to calculate the value of the proceeds of the sale as of the date of sale and may therefore realize foreign currency gain or loss on a subsequent disposition of the foreign currency based on any subsequent appreciation or depreciation in the value of the foreign currency against the U.S. dollar. That gain or loss will generally be U.S. source ordinary income or loss. Tax Consequences if We Are a Passive Foreign Investment Company We will be a passive foreign investment company, to which we refer as a PFIC, if 75% or more of our gross income in a taxable year, including our pro rata share of the gross income of any corporation in which we are considered to own 25% or more of the shares by value (subject to certain exceptions in the case of a U.S. corporation), is passive income. Alternatively, we will be considered to be a PFIC if at least 50% of our assets in a taxable year, ordinarily determined based on the quarter-end average fair market value of our assets over the taxable year and including the pro rata share of the assets of any corporation in which we are considered to own 25% or more of the shares by value (subject to certain exceptions in the case of a U.S. corporation), produce or are held for the production of passive income. If we were a PFIC, and a U.S. holder did not make, as described below, a timely election either to treat us as a qualified electing fund or, if the election is available, to mark our shares to market, any excess distributions we pay to a U.S. holder would be taxed in a special way. Excess distributions are amounts paid on shares in a PFIC in any taxable year that exceed 125% of the average distributions paid on those shares in the shorter of: • if the U.S. holder has not held the ordinary shares for at least 16 days of the 30-day period beginning on the date that is 15 days before the ex-dividend date; or • to the extent that the U.S. holder is under an obligation to make related payments on substantially similar or related property. • the three previous years; and 109  Excess distributions must be allocated ratably to each day that a U.S. holder has held our ordinary shares. A U.S. holder would then be required to include amounts allocated to the current taxable year and each prior year in which we were not a PFIC (but not before our first taxable year beginning after December 31, 1986) in its gross income as ordinary income for the current year. Further, a U.S. holder would be required to pay tax on amounts allocated to each prior taxable year in which we were a PFIC at the highest rate in effect for that year on ordinary income, and the tax for each such year would be subject to an interest charge at the rate applicable to deficiencies for income tax. The entire amount of gain that is realized or treated as realized by a U.S. holder upon the sale or other disposition of ordinary shares (generally whether or not the disposition is a taxable transaction) will also be treated as an excess distribution and will be subject to tax as described in the preceding paragraph. In some circumstances a U.S. holder’s tax basis in our ordinary shares that were inherited from a deceased person who was a U.S. holder would not equal the fair market value of those ordinary shares as of the date of the deceased person’s death but would instead be equal to the deceased’s basis, if lower. The special PFIC rules described above will not apply to a U.S. holder if that U.S. holder makes an election to treat us as a qualified electing fund, to which we refer as a QEF, in the first taxable year in which the U.S. holder owns ordinary shares, provided we comply with specified reporting requirements. Instead, a U.S. holder who has made such a QEF election is required for each taxable year in which we are a PFIC to include in income a pro rata share of our ordinary earnings as ordinary income and a pro rata share of our net capital gain as long-term capital gain, subject to a separate election to defer payment of the related tax. If deferred, the taxes will be subject to an interest charge. We would supply U.S. holders with the information needed to report income and gain under a QEF election if we were classified as a PFIC. The QEF election is made on a shareholder-by-shareholder basis and can be revoked only with the consent of the Internal Revenue Service, to which we refer as the IRS. A shareholder makes a QEF election by attaching a completed IRS Form 8621, including the PFIC annual information statement, to a timely filed U.S. federal income tax return and by filing a copy of the form with the IRS Service Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Even if a QEF election is not made, a United States person who is a shareholder in a PFIC must file every year a completed IRS Form 8621 or other form as may be prescribed by the IRS pursuant to recently enacted legislation requiring annual reports with respect to PFICs. A U.S. holder of PFIC shares that are publicly traded may elect to mark the stock to market annually, recognizing as ordinary income or loss each year an amount equal to the difference as of the close of the taxable year between the fair market value of the PFIC shares and the U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in the PFIC shares. Losses would be allowed only to the extent of net mark-to-market gain previously included in income by the U.S. holder under the election for prior taxable years. If the mark-to-market election were made, then the rules described above (other than the rules for excess distributions, which would apply to the first year the election is made if we were a PFIC in a prior year and a QEF election were not made for the first year we were a PFIC) would not apply for periods covered by the election. Although we do not believe that we were a PFIC in 2014, we cannot assure you that the IRS will agree with that conclusion or that we will not become a PFIC in 2015 or in a subsequent year. The tests for determining PFIC status are applied annually, and it is difficult to make accurate predictions of future income and assets, which are relevant to this determination. U.S. holders who hold ordinary shares during a period when we are a PFIC will be subject to these rules, even if we cease to be a PFIC in later years, subject to specified exceptions for U.S. holders who made a QEF election in the first year they held our ordinary shares and we were a PFIC or if in a later year they made any of certain elections to purge the PFIC taint of our ordinary shares, which elections generally require the payment of tax. U.S. holders are urged to consult their tax advisers about the PFIC rules, including QEF and mark-to-market elections. New Tax on Investment Income For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, a U.S. holder that is an individual or estate, or a trust that does not fall into a special class of trusts that is exempt from the tax, will be subject to a 3.8% tax on the lesser of (1) the U.S. holder’s “net investment income” for the relevant taxable year and (2) the excess of the U.S. holder’s modified adjusted gross income for the taxable year over a certain threshold (which in the case of individuals will be between $125,000 and $250,000, depending on the individual’s circumstances). A U.S. holder’s net investment income generally will include its dividends on our ordinary shares and net gains from dispositions of our ordinary shares, unless those dividends or gains are derived in the ordinary course of the conduct of trade or business (other than trade or business that consists of certain passive or trading activities). Net investment income, however, may be • the U.S. holder’s holding period for ordinary shares before the present taxable year. 110 reduced by deductions properly allocable to that income. A U.S. holder that is an individual, estate or trust is urged to consult its tax adviser regarding the applicability of the Medicare tax to its income and gains in respect of its investment in our ordinary shares. Tax Consequences for Non-U.S. Holders of Ordinary Shares Except as described in “Information Reporting and Backup Withholding” below, a non-U.S. holder of ordinary shares will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on the payment of dividends on, and the proceeds from the disposition of, ordinary shares, unless: A non-U.S. holder is a beneficial owner of our ordinary shares that is (1) a nonresident alien as to the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes; (2) a corporation created or organized in or under the law of a country, or any of its political subdivisions, other than the United States; or (3) an estate or trust that is not a U.S. holder. Information Reporting and Backup Withholding U.S. holders generally are subject to information reporting requirements for dividends paid in the United States on ordinary shares. Dividends paid in the United States to a U.S. holder on ordinary shares are subject to backup withholding at a rate of 28% (for taxable years through 2013) unless the U.S. holder provides IRS Form W-9 or establishes an exemption. U.S. holders generally are subject to information reporting and backup withholding at a rate of 28% on proceeds paid from the disposition of ordinary shares unless the U.S. holder provides IRS Form W-9 or establishes an exemption. A non-U.S. holder who effects the sale of his ordinary shares by or through a U.S. office of a broker is subject to both information reporting and backup withholding tax on the payment of the proceeds unless he certifies, under penalties of perjury, that he is not a U.S. person or otherwise establishes an exemption. If a non-U.S. holder sells his ordinary shares through a non-U.S. office of a non-U.S. broker and the sales proceeds are paid to the holder outside the United States, then information reporting and backup withholding generally will not apply to that payment. However, information reporting requirements, but not backup withholding, will apply to a payment of sales proceeds, even if that payment is made to a non-U.S. holder outside the United States, if the holder sells his ordinary shares through a non-U.S. office of a broker that is a U.S. person or has some other contacts with the United States. Those information reporting requirements will not apply, however, if the broker has documentary evidence in its records that the holder is a non-U.S. person and certain other conditions are met, or the holder otherwise establishes an exemption. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the amount of any backup withholding will be allowed as a credit against a U.S. or non-U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, and a taxpayer generally may obtain a refund of any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules that exceed the taxpayer’s U.S. federal income tax liability by filing a refund claim with the IRS, provided in each case that required information is furnished to the IRS. Information Reporting by Certain U.S. Holders U.S. citizens and individuals taxable as resident aliens of the United States that own “specified foreign financial assets” with an aggregate value in a taxable year in excess of $50,000 (as determined under rules in new temporary Treasury regulations) and that are required to file a U.S. federal income tax return generally will be required to file an information report with respect to those assets with their tax returns. IRS Form 8938 has been issued for that purpose. “Specified foreign financial assets” include any financial accounts maintained by foreign financial institutions, foreign stocks held directly, and interests in foreign estates, foreign pension plans or foreign deferred compensation plans. Under those rules, our ordinary shares, whether owned directly or through a financial institution, estate or pension or deferred compensation plan, would be “specified foreign financial assets”. Under proposed Treasury regulations, the reporting obligation applies to certain U.S. entities that hold, directly or indirectly, specified foreign financial assets. Penalties can apply if there is a failure to satisfy this reporting obligation. A U.S. Holder is urged to consult his tax adviser regarding his reporting obligation. • the income is effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a trade or business in the United States and, in the case of a resident of a country that has an income treaty with the United States, the income is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment, or, in the case of an individual, a fixed place of business in the United States; • the non-U.S. holder is an individual who holds the ordinary shares as a capital asset and is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the disposition and does not qualify for an exemption; or • the non-U.S. holder is subject to tax under the provisions of U.S. tax law applicable to U.S. expatriates. 111 F. Dividends and Paying Agents. Not applicable. G. Statement by Experts. Not applicable. H. Documents on Display. We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. In accordance with these requirements, we are required to file reports and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy these materials, including this annual report and the accompanying exhibits and reports and other information that we have previously filed, at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room by calling 1(800)-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet Site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports and other information that we file electronically. The reports and other information filed by us with the SEC are also available at our websites, www.stratasys.com and www.objet.com. The web addresses of the SEC and our company have been included as inactive textual references only. Information on those websites is not part of this annual report. In addition, documents referred to in this annual report may be inspected at the offices of the NASDAQ Global Select Market, 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. You can also obtain copies of reports and other information that we file electronically, without charge, by requesting them in writing or by telephone from our company at the following address: Stratasys Ltd. c/o Stratasys, Inc. 7665 Commerce Way Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344 Attention: Shane Glenn, Vice President of Investor Relations Tel: (952) 937-3000 As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements, and our officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and “short-swing” profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we are not required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as United States companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act. I. Subsidiary Information. Not Applicable. ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK. Market risk is the risk of loss related to changes in market prices, including interest rates and foreign exchange rates, of financial instruments that may adversely impact our consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations or cash flows. Foreign Currency Exchange Risk Due to our international operations, currency exchange rates impact our financial performance. The majority of our balance sheet exposure relates to Euro-denominated assets and liabilities. Our net Euro balance sheet exposure as of December 31, 2014 was approximately €88.2 million. Our total revenues amounted to $750.1 million in 2014, of which approximately 15.0% were denominated in Euros. During 2014, our Euro-denominated revenues exceeded our Euro-denominated expenses. Conversely, our expenses denominated in shekels are higher than our expected shekel-denominated revenues. For those currencies which do not have a sufficient natural hedge within our operations (such as offsetting revenues and expenses recorded in a given currency, or some other hedge), we may choose to hedge in order to reduce the impact of currency fluctuations on our operating results. In 2014, we entered into hedging transactions to reduce the potential exposure resulting from the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Euro and strengthening of the shekel against the U.S. dollar. Our foreign exchange forward contracts in effect as of December 31, 2014 were for the conversion of $45.0 million into €33.9 million, and the conversion of $56.9 million into NIS 204.7 million. 112 The net effect of these risks stemming from currency exchange rate fluctuations on our operating results can be quantified as follows: (i) An increase of 10% in the value of the Euro relative to the U.S. dollar in 2014 would have resulted in an increase in the U.S. dollar reporting value of our consolidated operating income of $7.9 million for that year, mainly due to the increase in dollar value of products and services revenues earned in Euros, while a decrease of 10% in the value of the Euro relative to the U.S. dollar in 2014 would have resulted in a decrease in the U.S. dollar reporting value of our consolidated operating income of $7.9 million for 2014, reflecting the decreased dollar value of products and services revenues earned in Euros. (ii) An increase of 10% in the value of the shekel relative to the dollar in the year ended December 31, 2014 would have resulted in a net decrease in the dollar-reported value of our consolidated operating income of $13.9 million, due to the adverse impact to our operating margins that we would have experienced as a result of such an increase in dollar-reported value of shekel-recorded expenses. On the other hand, a 10% decrease in value of the shekel relative to the dollar in the year ended December 31, 2014 would have caused a net increase in the dollar-reported value of our consolidated operating income of $13.9 million for 2014, due to the favorable effect on our operating margins that would result from such devaluation of the shekel. We will continue to monitor exposure to currency fluctuations. Instruments that may be used to protect us against future risks may include foreign currency forward and swap contracts. These instruments may be used to selectively manage risks, but there can be no assurance that we will be fully protected against material foreign currency fluctuations. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes. Interest Rate Risk Our cash and cash equivalents are held primarily in bank deposits with maturities of less than 90 days, and our short-term bank deposits have maturities of more than 90 days. Both are subject to limited interest rate risk, with an average interest rate of 0.31%. During 2014 we borrowed $50 million under the credit facility. An immediate 10% change in interest rates would not have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations. ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES. Not Applicable. PART II ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES . None ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS. None ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES . (a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures . We carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act), as of December 31, 2014, the end of the period covered by this annual report. We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in filings and submissions under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms, and that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives, and our management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on such evaluation, our chief executive officer 113 and chief financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2014. (b) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting; Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and board of directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation and fair presentation of its published consolidated 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. Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014. The internal control over financial reporting of Solid Concepts was not included in that assessment due to the fact that our acquisition of that company was completed in the middle of 2014. In making our assessment, our management used the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on such assessment, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2014, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria. Kesselman & Kesselman, an independent registered public accounting firm in Israel and a member of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, to which we refer as PwC, which audited the financial statements included in this annual report containing the disclosure required by this Item 15 has issued an attestation report regarding the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. (c) Attestation Report of Registered Public Accounting Firm . PwC’s attestation report regarding the effectivenss of our internal control over financial reporting is included in “Item 18—Financial Statements” on page F-3 of this annual report, which attestation report is incorporated by reference in this Item 15(c). (d) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Based on the evaluation conducted by our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, pursuant to Rules 13a-15(d) and 15d-15(d) promulgated under the Exchange Act, our management (including such officers) have concluded that there were the following changes to our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the period covered by this annual report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting: During the year ended December 31, 2012, we completed the Stratasys-Objet merger. As part of our ongoing activities after the merger in the year ended December 31, 2014, we continued to integrate our financial reporting functions and our controls and procedures between our legacy Stratasys, Inc. and Objet businesses. We also augmented our company-wide controls to reflect the risks inherent in a business combination of the magnitude and complexity of the merger . Other than as described in the foregoing paragraph, there were no other changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT. Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Eyal Desheh, who serves as chairman of the audit committee of our board of directors, meets the requirements of an “audit committee financial expert”, as defined in Item 407(d)(5) of SEC Regulation S-K and Item 16A of SEC Form 20-F and is an independent director, as defined in Rule 5600(a)(2) of the NASDAQ Listing Rules. ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS. 114 We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, to which we refer as the code of ethics, that applies to all directors, officers, and employees of our company and its subsidiaries, including our chief executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller and other persons performing similar functions for us. A copy of the code of ethics has been posted on our Internet website, http://investors.stratasys.com/governance.cfm and is incorporated herein by reference. The foregoing website has been provided as an inactive textual reference only, and the content of that website is not a part of this annual report. ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES. The following table sets forth, for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the fees billed to us and our subsidiaries by our principal accountant. (1) Pre-approval Policies and Procedures Our audit committee approves, in advance, all audit, audit-related services, tax services and other services provided by our principal accountants. Any services provided by our principal accountant that are not specifically included within the scope of the audit must be pre-approved by our audit committee prior to any engagement. None of the services provided by our principal accountants in 2014 or 2013 was approved under the de minimus exception provision described in paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of SEC Regulation S-X. ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES. None. ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS. None. ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT. Not applicable. ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE. Year ended December 31, 2014 2013 Audit fees (2) $ 954,580 $ 625,236 Audit-related fees (3) 304,600 328,567 Tax fees (4) 465,322 381,785 All other fees (5) 178,143 274,577 Total $ 1,902,645 $ 1,610,165 (1) Comprised by fees billed by Kesselman & Kesselman, a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, an independent registered public accounting firm, or Kesselman & Kesselman (which served as our principal accountant with respect to the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013). (2) Audit fees consist of fees for professional services rendered by our principal accountant in connection with the audit of our consolidated annual financial statements and services that would normally be provided by our principal accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements. (3) Audit-related fees are fees for assurance and related services rendered by our principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of its audit of our financial statements and that are not reported under “Audit-fees” above. (4) Tax fees are fees for services rendered by our principal accountant in connection with tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice. (5) All other fees are fees for other consulting services (if any) rendered by our principal accountant to us. 115 The NASDAQ Global Select Market requires companies with securities listed thereon to comply with its corporate governance standards. As a foreign private issuer, we are not required to comply with all of the rules that apply to listed domestic U.S. companies. Pursuant to NASDAQ Listing Rule 5615(a)(3), we have notified NASDAQ that with respect to the corporate governance practices described below, we will instead follow Israeli law and practice and accordingly will not follow the NASDAQ Listing Rules. Except for the differences described below, we do not believe there are any significant differences between our corporate governance practices and those that apply to a U.S. domestic issuer under the NASDAQ Global Select Market corporate governance rules. ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE. Not applicable. • Quorum for Shareholder Meetings : As permitted under the Companies Law, under a recent amendment adopted to our amended and restated articles of association, the quorum required for an ordinary meeting of shareholders consists of at least two shareholders present in person, by proxy or by other voting instrument, who hold at least 25% of the voting power of our shares (and in an adjourned meeting, with some exceptions, two shareholders, regardless of the voting power associated with their shares), instead of 33 1 /3% of the issued share capital required under the NASDAQ Listing Rules. • Executive Sessions of Independent Directors : Under the Companies Law, our independent directors (as defined under the NASDAQ Listing Rules) do not need to meet regularly in sessions at which only they are present, as is required of U.S. domestic issuers under NASDAQ Listing Rule 5605(b)(2). • Independent Director Oversight of Executive Officer Compensation : As described under Item 6.C (“Board Practices”— “Board of Directors”— “Board Committees”— “Compensation Policy and Committee”), under the Companies Law, the compensation of our executives and other office holders is subject to a compensation policy and to the recommendations of a compensation committee of our board of directors that we have adopted and appointed, respectively. The required composition of that committee and the procedure for approval of compensation under that Companies Law amendment differ slightly from those under NASDAQ Listing Rule 5605(d), which requires that the compensation of executive officers be recommended or determined solely by independent directors or by a compensation committee of the board consisting solely of independent directors (as defined under the NASDAQ Listing Rules). While there is significant practical overlap as to who qualifies to serve on the compensation committee under the Companies Law and the NASDAQ Listing Rules, the requirements are not identical, and we comply with the Companies Law requirement. • Independent Director Oversight of Nominations : Under Israeli law, there is no requirement to have an independent nominating committee or the independent directors of a company select (or recommend for selection) director nominees, as is required under NASDAQ Listing Rule 5605(e) for a U.S. domestic issuer. Our board of directors (based on the recommendation of the executive committee thereof) handles this process, as is permitted by our amended articles and the Companies Law. We also need not adopt a formal board resolution or charter addressing the director nominations process and such related matters as may be required under the U.S. federal securities laws, as NASDAQ requires for a U.S. issuer. • Shareholder Approval : Pursuant to Israeli law, we seek shareholder approval for all corporate actions requiring such approval under the requirements of the Companies Law, which are different from, or in addition to, the requirements for seeking shareholder approval under NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices — Fiduciary Duties of Office Holders” in this annual report for a description of the some of the transactions requiring shareholder approval under the Companies Law. • Distribution of Annual and Interim Reports : As opposed to NASDAQ Listing Rule 5250(d), which requires listed issuers to make annual and quarterly reports available to shareholders in one of a number of specific manners, Israeli law does not require us to distribute such reports directly to shareholders, and the generally accepted business practice in Israel is not to distribute such reports to shareholders but to make such reports available through a public website. In addition, we will make our annual report containing audited financial statements available to our shareholders at our offices (in addition to a public website). We reserve the right to limit our mailing of such report to shareholders to an upon-request basis. 116 PART III ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. We have elected to provide financial statements and related information pursuant to Item 18. ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The consolidated financial statements and the related notes required by this Item are included in this annual report beginning on page F-1. Index to Consolidated Financial Statements Page Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm F-3 to F-4 Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 F-5 Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 F-6 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 F-7 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 F-8 to F-9 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements F-10 to F-49 Index to Financial Statement Schedule Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves S-1 117 STRATASYS LTD. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2014 F- 1 CONTENTS Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm F-3 to F-4 Consolidated Financial Statements Consolidated Balance Sheets F-5 Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) F-6 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity F-7 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows F-8 to F-9 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-10 to F-49 Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves S-1 F- 2 STRATASYS LTD. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the shareholders of Stratasys Ltd. In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), changes in equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Stratasys Ltd. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control -Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management and Board of Directors are responsible for these financial statements and the financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying “ Report of Stratasys Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting ” appearing under Item 15. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statements schedule and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits (which were integrated audits in 2014 and 2013). 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 and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management and Board of Directors and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions. 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 (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) 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 (iii) 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. F- 3 /s/ Kesselman & Kesselman Certified Public Accountants (Isr.) A member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited Tel-Aviv , Israel March 3, 2015 F- 4 STRATASYS LTD. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Consolidated Balance Sheets December 31, 2014 2013 U.S. dollars in thousands, except share data ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 442,141 $ 414,088 Short-term bank deposits 595 200,370 Accounts receivable, net 150,806 99,200 Inventories 123,385 88,406 Net investment in sales-type leases 8,170 6,696 Prepaid expenses 7,931 5,470 Deferred income taxes 25,697 16,501 Other current assets 37,903 21,398 Total current assets 796,628 852,129 Non-current assets Goodwill 1,323,502 1,195,891 Other intangible assets, net 597,903 622,330 Property, plant and equipment, net 157,036 91,005 Net investment in sales-type leases - long-term 14,822 11,219 Other non-current assets 9,216 9,647 Total non-current assets 2,102,479 1,930,092 Total assets $ 2,899,107 $ 2,782,221 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities Accounts payable $ 37,359 $ 35,375 Short-term debt 50,000 — Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 47,760 29,868 Accrued compensation and related benefits 42,332 21,441 Obligations in connection with acquisitions 28,092 12,027 Deferred revenues 45,023 36,033 Total current liabilities 250,566 134,744 Non-current liabilities Obligations in connection with acquisitions - long-term 26,461 16,998 Deferred tax liabilities 55,835 105,901 Deferred revenues - long-term 5,946 3,315 Other non-current liabilities 25,091 21,476 Total non-current liabilities 113,333 147,690 Total liabilities $ 363,899 $ 282,434 Commitments and contingencies, see notes 9 Redeemable non-controlling interests 3,969 — Equity Ordinary shares, NIS 0.01 nominal value, authorized 180,000 thousands shares; 50,923 thousands shares and 49,211 thousands shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively 139 133 Additional paid-in capital 2,568,149 2,412,197 Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) (33,871 ) 85,549 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (3,647 ) 1,908  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. Equity attributable to Stratasys Ltd. 2,530,770 2,499,787 Non-controlling interests 469 — Total equity 2,531,239 2,499,787 Total liabilities and equity $ 2,899,107 $ 2,782,221 F- 5 STRATASYS LTD. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. Years Ended December 31, 2014 2013 2012 U.S. dollars in thousands, except share and per share data Net sales Products $ 612,138 $ 414,853 $ 179,762 Services 137,991 69,550 35,482 750,129 484,403 215,244 Cost of sales Products 302,838 213,427 86,742 Services 84,897 44,803 18,591 387,735 258,230 105,333 Gross profit 362,394 226,173 109,911 Operating expenses Research and development, net 82,270 52,310 19,659 Selling, general and administrative 351,993 202,040 73,130 Goodwill impairment 102,470 — — Change in fair value of obligations in connection with acquisitions (26,150 ) 754 — 510,583 255,104 92,789 Operating income (loss) (148,189 ) (28,931 ) 17,122 Financial income (expense), net (6,529 ) (450 ) 1,388 Income (loss) before income taxes (154,718 ) (29,381 ) 18,510 Income taxes (35,248 ) (2,474 ) 9,687 Net income (loss) (119,470 ) (26,907 ) 8,823 Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests (50 ) 47 332 Net income (loss) attributable to Stratasys Ltd. $ (119,420 ) $ (26,954 ) $ 8,491 Net income (loss) per ordinary share attributable to Stratasys Ltd. Basic $ (2.39 ) $ (0.64 ) $ 0.37 Diluted $ (2.39 ) $ (0.68 ) $ 0.36 Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding (in thousands) Basic 50,019 42,079 22,812 Diluted 50,019 42,099 23,776 Comprehensive Income Net income (loss) $ (119,470 ) $ (26,907 ) $ 8,823 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Unrealized loss on securities — — (167 ) Losses on securities reclassified into earnings 167 — — Foreign currency translation adjustment (4,326 ) 2,036 (71 ) Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives designated as cash flow hedge (1,396 ) 153 — Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (5,555 ) 2,189 (238 ) Comprehensive income (loss) (125,025 ) (24,718 ) 8,585 Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests (50 ) 90 233 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Stratasys Ltd. $ (124,975 ) $ (24,808 ) $ 8,352 F- 6 STRATASYS LTD. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 U.S. dollars in thousands, except number of shares data The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. Retained Accumulated Ordinary Shares Additional Earnings Other Equity Number of shares (in thousands) Par Value Paid-In Capital (accumulated deficit) Comprehensive Income (Loss) attributable to Stratasys Ltd. Non-controlling Interests Total Equity Balances, January 1, 2012 21,246 $ 55 $ 79,343 $ 104,012 $ (99 ) $ 183,311 $ — $ 183,311 Exercise of stock options and warrant 1,681 4 15,293 15,297 15,297 Tax benefit from stock plan and warrant 15,192 15,192 15,192 Stock-based compensation 8,874 8,874 8,874 Issuance of shares for acquisitions 15,445 42 1,340,592 1,340,634 263 1,340,897 Comprehensive income (loss) 8,491 (139 ) 8,352 233 8,585 Balances, December 31, 2012 38,372 $ 101 $ 1,459,294 $ 112,503 $ (238 ) $ 1,571,660 $ 496 $ 1,572,156 Exercise of stock options 1,742 4 12,447 12,451 12,451 Tax benefit from stock plan and warrant 643 643 643 Stock-based compensation 24,262 24,262 24,262 Issuance of shares, net 5,175 15 463,893 463,908 463,908 Issuance of shares and options for acquisitions 3,922 13 453,204 453,217 453,217 Acquisition of non-controlling interest (1,546 ) (1,546 ) (586 ) (2,132 ) Comprehensive income (loss) (26,954 ) 2,146 (24,808 ) 90 (24,718 ) Balances, December 31, 2013 49,211 $ 133 $ 2,412,197 $ 85,549 $ 1,908 $ 2,499,787 $ — $ 2,499,787 Exercise of stock options 558 2 7,904 7,906 7,906 Stock-based compensation 30,207 30,207 30,207 Issuance of shares and options for acquisitions 1,154 4 117,841 117,845 117,845 Non-controlling interests arising from acquisitions — 519 519 Comprehensive loss (119,420 ) (5,555 ) (124,975 ) (50 ) (125,025 ) Balances, December 31, 2014 50,923 $ 139 $ 2,568,149 $ (33,871 ) $ (3,647 ) $ 2,530,770 $ 469 $ 2,531,239 F- 7 STRATASYS LTD. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. Years ended December 31, 2014 2013 2012 U.S. dollars in thousands Cash flows from operating activities Net income (loss) $ (119,470 ) $ (26,907 ) $ 8,823 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 109,429 92,436 19,497 Goodwill impairment 102,470 — — Stock-based compensation 30,207 24,262 8,874 Other impairment charges 14,636 — — Currency translation loss (gain) 10,327 (1,470 ) — Deferred income taxes (53,887 ) (19,449 ) (3,450 ) Change in fair value of obligations in connection with acquisitions (26,150 ) 754 — Excess tax benefit from stock options and warrant — (2,817 ) (15,192 ) Other non-cash items 275 (53 ) (461 ) Change in cash attributable to changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of the impact of acquisitions: Accounts receivable, net (46,717 ) (32,763 ) (19,635 ) Inventories (39,370 ) (27,102 ) (7,724 ) Net investment in sales-type leases (5,078 ) (4,909 ) (4,216 ) Other current assets and prepaid expenses (10,537 ) 1,222 (7,333 ) Other non-current assets 1,558 (1,625 ) 112 Accounts payable (4,305 ) (8,519 ) 28,147 Other current liabilities 31,047 14,000 (6,807 ) Deferred revenues 12,662 11,601 222 Other non-current liabilities 6,719 13,368 637 Net cash provided by operating activities 13,816 32,029 1,494 Cash flows from investing activities Change in short-term bank deposits, net 189,793 (180,307 ) 9,999 Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired (151,057 ) (8,758 ) — Purchase of property and equipment (60,497 ) (33,276 ) (12,057 ) Purchase of investments (3,767 ) — (8,407 ) Acquisition of intangible assets (3,087 ) (4,663 ) (3,018 ) Proceeds from maturities and sales of marketable securities 1,634 — 53,367 Other investing activities (458 ) 253 110 Cash acquired through merger with Objet Ltd. — — 41,524 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (27,439 ) (226,751 ) 81,518 Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from short-term debt 50,000 — — Payment of obligations in connection with acquisitions (10,795 ) — — Proceeds from follow-on offering, net of issuance costs — 462,872 — Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrant 7,906 12,451 15,297 Excess tax benefit from stock options and warrant — 2,817 15,192 Acquisition of non-controlling interest (2,170 ) — — Other financing activities — (3,225 ) — Net cash provided by financing activities 44,941 474,915 30,489 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (3,265 ) 69 233 Net change in cash and cash equivalents 28,053 280,262 113,734 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 414,088 133,826 20,092 Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 442,141 $ 414,088 $ 133,826 F- 8 STRATASYS LTD. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. Years ended December 31, 2014 2013 2012 U.S. dollars in thousands Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash paid for income taxes $ 6,241 $ 3,300 $ 8,169 Transfer of inventory to fixed assets 10,933 6,279 2,787 Transfer of fixed assets to inventory 3,819 316 96 Fair value of assets acquired, including $6,502, $3,405 and $41,524 of cash acquired for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively $ 360,595 $ 573,604 $ 1,456,924 Less liabilities assumed (22,416 ) (79,954 ) (116,027 ) Net acquired assets 338,179 493,650 1,340,897 Cash paid for merger and acquisitions $ 157,559 $ 12,163 $ — Shares and other consideration 180,620 481,487 1,340,897 Total consideration paid for merger and acquisitions 338,179 493,650 1,340,897 F- 9 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Stratasys Ltd. and subsidiaries (collectively the “Company”) is a leading global provider of additive manufacturing (“AM”) solutions for the creation of parts used in the processes of designing and manufacturing products and for the direct manufacture of end parts. The Company’s systems include desktop 3D printers for idea and design development, various systems for rapid prototyping (“RP”) and large production systems for direct digital manufacturing (“DDM”). The Company develops, manufactures and sells materials for use with its systems and provides related service offerings to its customers. The Company also provides a variety of custom manufacturing solutions through its direct manufacturing printed parts services. The Company is the result of the 2012 merger of two AM companies, Stratasys, Inc. and Objet Ltd. (“Objet”). On December 1, 2012 (the “merger date”), the two companies completed an all-stock merger (the “Stratasys-Objet merger” or “the merger”), pursuant to which Stratasys, Inc. became an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Objet, and Objet changed its name to Stratasys Ltd. Upon closing of the merger, the former Stratasys, Inc. stockholders owned approximately 55 percent and the Objet shareholders retained approximately 45 percent of the combined company, on a fully diluted basis. Accordingly, while Objet was the legal acquirer, Stratasys, Inc. was treated as the acquiring company in the merger for accounting purposes, and the merger was accounted for as a reverse acquisition under the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. As a result, the financial statements of the Company prior to the merger date are the historical financial statements of Stratasys, Inc., whereas the financial statements of the Company after the merger date reflect the results of the operations of Stratasys, Inc. and Objet on a combined basis. See additional disclosure provided in note 2, including pro forma financial information for the Company on a combined basis. The Company has one operating segment, which generates revenues via the sale of its 3D printing systems and related consumables and by providing additive manufacturing solutions. The Company operates mainly through offices in Israel, the United States, Germany, Hong Kong and Japan. Entity-wide disclosures on net sales and property, plant and equipment are presented in note 12. Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Stratasys Ltd., its majority-owned subsidiaries and Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) in which the Company is considered the primary beneficiary. All intercompany accounts and transactions, including profits from intercompany sales not yet realized outside the Company, have been eliminated in consolidation. Functional Currency and Foreign Currency Transactions A major part of the Company’s operations are carried out by the Company and its subsidiaries in the United States and Israel. The functional currency of these entities is the U.S. dollar (“dollar” or “$”). The functional currency of other subsidiaries is generally their local currency. The financial statements of those subsidiaries are included in consolidation, based on translation into U.S. dollars. Assets and liabilities are translated at year-end exchange rates, while revenues and expenses are translated at actual exchange rates during the year. Differences resulting from translation are presented in equity under accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions and exchange gains and losses denominated in non-functional currencies are reflected in financial income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) when they arise. a. Nature of Operations b. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies F- 10 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates using assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and related disclosures at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and such differences may have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. As applicable to these consolidated financial statements, the most significant estimates relate to revenue recognition, inventories, fair value of stock-based compensation, obligations in connection with acquisitions, intangible assets and goodwill, uncertain tax positions, valuation allowances and contingent liabilities. Fair Value Measurements Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A hierarchy has been established for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that are developed using market data, such as publicly available information about actual events or transactions, and that reflect the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are inputs for which market data are not available and that are developed using the best information available about the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. The fair value hierarchy categorizes into three levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity can access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs include inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 inputs) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs). Categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Cash and Cash Equivalents All highly liquid investments, which include short-term bank deposits that are not restricted as to withdrawal or use, with maturities of ninety days or less when acquired, are considered to be cash equivalents. Short-term Bank Deposits Short-term bank deposits are deposits with maturities of more than ninety days and up to one year. Short-term bank deposits are presented at their cost, including accrued interest. Accounts Receivable and Net investment in Sales-Type Leases Accounts receivable and net investment in sales-type leases are presented in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets net of allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company estimates the collectability of its accounts receivable balances and adjusts its allowance for doubtful accounts accordingly. The Company carries its investment in sales-type leases based on discounting the minimum lease payments by the interest rate implicit in the lease and less an allowance for doubtful accounts (see also note 5). F- 11 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS On a periodic basis, the Company evaluates its accounts receivable and its investment in sales-type leases and establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts based on past write-offs and collections, current credit conditions and the age of the balances. The Company evaluates a number of factors to assess collectability, including an evaluation of the creditworthiness of the specific customer, past due amounts, payment history, and current economic conditions. Allowance for doubtful accounts due to the Company’s accounts receivable amounted to $1,025 thousands and $1,804 thousands as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Allowance for doubtful accounts due to the Company’s investment in sales-type leases amounted to $452 thousands and $183 thousands as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Accounts are written-off against the allowance when management deems the accounts are no longer collectible. Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts are recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses. Derivative Instruments and Hedge Accounting The Company is exposed to global market risks and is exposed to the risk that its earnings, cash flows and equity could be adversely impacted by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. As part of the Company’s risk management strategy, it uses foreign currency exchange forward contracts to hedge against certain foreign currency exposures. The Company recognizes these derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at their fair value on a trade date basis. Derivatives in a gain position are reported in other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets and derivatives in a loss position are recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, on a gross basis. On the date that the Company enters into a derivative contract, it designates the derivative for accounting purposes, as either a hedging instrument or a non-hedging instrument. In order to qualify for hedge accounting, the Company formally documents at the inception of each hedging relationship the hedging instrument, the hedged item, the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking each hedging relationship, and the method used to assess hedge effectiveness. For each derivative instrument that hedges the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows and that is designated and effective as a cash flow hedge, the unrealized gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) in shareholders’ equity and reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument, if any, is recognized in financial income (expense), net. The cash flows associated with these derivatives are reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows consistently with the classification of cash flows from the underlying hedged items that these derivatives are hedging. If a derivative financial instrument does not qualify for hedge accounting, the Company records the changes in fair value of derivative instruments in financial income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The cash flows associated with these derivatives are reflected as cash flows from operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The Company does not enter into derivative transactions for trading purposes. Refer to Note 11 for further information regarding the Company’s derivative and hedging activities. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value which is based on net realizable value. Cost is determined mainly using standard cost, which approximates actual cost, on a first-in, first-out basis. Inventory costs consist of materials, direct labor and overhead. The Company periodically assesses inventory for obsolescence and excess balances and reduces the carrying value by an amount equal to the difference between its cost and the estimated market value based on assumptions of future demand and historical sales patterns. The Company provided inventory write-downs for obsolescence and excess inventories in the amounts of $5,370 thousands and $3,515 thousands as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. F- 12 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Inventories acquired in a business combination are recorded at their estimated fair value less costs of disposal and profit for sales efforts and recognized to cost of sales as that inventory is sold. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, or in the case of leasehold improvements, the shorter of the lease term (including any renewal periods, if appropriate) or the estimated useful life of the asset. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred, while betterments and improvements are capitalized. Estimated useful lives are principally as follows: The Company reviews the carrying amounts of property, plant and equipment for potential impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In evaluating recoverability, the Company groups assets and liabilities at the lowest level such that the identifiable cash flows relating to the group are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. The Company then compares the carrying amounts of the assets or asset groups with the related estimated undiscounted future cash flows. In the event impairment exists, an impairment charge is recorded at the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset or asset group exceeds the fair value. In addition, the remaining depreciation period for the impaired asset would be reassessed and, if necessary, revised. Goodwill Goodwill reflects the excess of the consideration transferred plus the fair value of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but rather is tested for impairment annually at the reporting unit level, or whenever events or circumstances present an indication of impairment. Goodwill is an asset representing the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. The primary items that generate goodwill include the value of the synergies between the acquired companies and the Company and the acquired assembled workforce, neither of which qualifies for recognition as an intangible asset. The Company applies the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance when testing goodwill for impairment, which permits the Company to make a qualitative assessment, per a reporting unit, of whether goodwill is impaired, or opt to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the first step of the two-step impairment test. If the Company performs a qualitative assessment and concludes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not considered impaired and the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. However, if the Company concludes otherwise, it is then required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test. The first step involves comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount. If the fair value of the reporting unit is determined to be greater than its carrying amount, there is no impairment. If the reporting unit’s carrying amount is determined to be greater than the fair value, the second step must be completed to measure the amount of impairment. Step two calculates the implied fair value of goodwill by deducting the fair value of all tangible and intangible assets, excluding goodwill, of the reporting unit from the fair value of the reporting unit as determined in step one. The implied fair value of the goodwill in this step is compared to the carrying value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of the goodwill is less than the carrying value of the goodwill, an impairment loss equivalent to the difference is recorded. Useful Life in Years Machinery and equipment 5 Buildings and improvements 25 Computer equipment and software 3 Office equipment, furniture and fixtures 5 F- 13 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The evaluation of goodwill impairment requires the Company to make assumptions about future cash flows of the reporting unit being evaluated that include, among others, growth in revenues, margins realized, level of operating expenses and cost of capital. These assumptions require significant judgment and actual results may differ from assumed and estimated amounts. On October 1, 2014, the Company performed its annual test for goodwill impairment, based on the reporting units to which the goodwill is allocated. Except for the MakerBot reporting unit, the Company performed a qualitative test for goodwill, and concluded that it is more likely than not that the fair value of each reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount. For the MakerBot reporting unit, the Company performed a quantitative test by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount. Based on this analysis, the fair value of the MakerBot reporting unit exceeded its carrying amount by 5%. The carrying amount of goodwill that was assigned to this reporting unit was approximately $376 million. During December 2014, the Company determined that certain indicators of potential impairment existed to require an additional interim goodwill impairment analysis for its MakerBot reporting unit. These indicators included a slower growth of MakerBot product and service revenues in the fourth quarter, challenges associated with the introduction and scaling of its new product platform, changes in timing of implementation of certain initiatives and changes in MakerBot’s distribution model. The Company updated its cash flow projections and related assumptions based on the indicators mentioned above and performed the two-step goodwill impairment test. The updated MakerBot reporting unit’s impairment analysis performed as part of step two of the goodwill impairment test determined that the carrying amount of goodwill assigned to the MakerBot reporting unit exceeds its fair value. As a result, the Company recorded non-tax deductible impairment charge of $102.5 million, in order to reduce the carrying amount of goodwill to its estimated fair value. When evaluating the fair value of MakerBot reporting unit the Company used a discounted cash flow model. Key assumptions used to determine the estimated fair value include: (a) expected cash flow for the five-year period following the testing date (including market share, sales volumes and prices, costs to produce and estimated capital needs); (b) an estimated terminal value using a terminal year growth rate of 3.5% determined based on the growth prospects of the reporting unit; and (c) a discount rate of 13.5% based on management’s best estimate of the after-tax weighted average cost of capital. The majority of the inputs used in the discounted cash flow model are unobservable and thus are considered to be Level 3 inputs. A decrease in the growth rate of 1% or an increase of 1% to the discount rate will reduce the fair value of MakerBot reporting unit by approximately an additional $28.9 million and $45.2 million, respectively. The Company will continue to monitor its reporting units to determine whether events and circumstances warrant further interim impairment testing. No goodwill was determined to be impaired during 2013 and 2012. F- 14 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Other Intangible Assets Intangible assets and their useful lives are as follows: Other intangible assets primarily represent acquired intangible assets including developed technology, trade names, customer relationships and in-process research and development (“IPR&D”). Definite life intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated period of useful life, which is determined by identifying the period over which most of the cash flows are expected to be generated. Amortization of acquired developed technology is recorded in cost of sales. Amortization of trade name, customer relationships and non-compete agreement is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company capitalizes IPR&D projects acquired as part of a business combination. On successful completion of each project, IPR&D assets are reclassified to developed technology and amortized over their estimated useful lives. For definite life intangibles, the Company reviews the carrying amounts for potential impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Examples of such a change in circumstances include a significant decrease in selling price, a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which an asset is being used, or a significant adverse change in the legal or business climate. In evaluating recoverability, the Company groups assets and liabilities at the lowest level such that the identifiable cash flows relating to the group are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. The Company then compares the carrying amounts of the assets or asset groups with the related estimated undiscounted future cash flows. In the event impairment exists, an impairment charge is recorded as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset or asset group exceeds the fair value. Fair value is determined by reference to estimated selling values of assets in similar condition or by using a discounted cash flow model. In addition, the remaining amortization period for the impaired asset would be reassessed and, if necessary, revised. During the third quarter of 2014 the Company recorded impairment charges of $11.6 million related to its developed technology intangible assets which were classified as costs of sales. Refer to Note 7 for further information. Indefinite-life intangibles are not amortized but rather tested for impairment annually, or whenever events or circumstances present an indication of impairment. The Company applies the FASB guidance, which permits the Company to make a qualitative assessment of whether the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, or opt to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to determine the indefinite-lived intangible asset’s fair value. If the Company determines, based on the qualitative tests, that it is not more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, no further action is required. Otherwise, the Company is required to perform the quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value of the indefinite-life intangible asset to the indefinite-lived intangible asset carrying amount. In the event impairment exists, an impairment charge is recorded as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset or asset group exceeds the fair value. Weighted Average Useful Life Developed technology 9 Patents 8 Trademarks and trade names 10 Customer relationships 9 Non-compete agreements 4 Capitalized software development costs 5 In-process research and development Indefinite F- 15 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS During the third quarter of 2014 the Company performed the qualitative test for its indefinite-lived intangible assets and concluded that it was required to perform a quantitative impairment test to one of its IPR&D projects. The decrease in fair value of the IPR&D project resulted in impairment charges of $3.0 million which were classified as research and development expenses. For the other IPR&D projects, the Company concluded that it was not required to perform quantitative impairment tests. Important qualitative factors included, among others, the current status of the IPR&D projects, the budget and future expected costs of the IPR&D projects the market size for similar developed products, and the technological risk of completion for the IPR&D projects , which represent those intangible assets, as well as other industry and market considerations. These assumptions require significant judgment and actual results may differ from assumed and estimated amounts. Contingent Liabilities Certain conditions, such as legal proceedings, may exist as of the date the financial statements are issued that may result in a loss to the Company, but that will only be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. In assessing loss contingencies related to legal proceedings that are pending against the Company or unasserted claims that may result in such proceedings, the Company’s management evaluates the perceived merits of any legal proceedings or unasserted claims as well as the perceived merits of the amount of relief sought or expected to be sought. Such assessment inherently involves an exercise of judgment. Legal fees are expensed as incurred. Management applies the FASB guidance when assessing losses resulting from contingencies. If the assessment of a contingency indicates that it is probable that loss has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be estimated, then the Company would record an accrued expense in the Company’s financial statements. If the assessment indicates that a potential loss contingency is not probable but is reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, then the nature of the contingent liability, together with an estimate of the range of possible loss, if determinable, is disclosed. Loss contingencies considered to be remote by management are generally not disclosed unless material or they involve guarantees, in which case the guarantee would be disclosed. Revenue Recognition The Company derives revenue from sales of AM systems, consumables, and services. The Company’s AM systems includes software and hardware that function together to provide the essential functionality of the tangible system. The Company recognizes revenue when (1) persuasive evidence of a final agreement exists, (2) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, (3) the selling price is fixed or determinable, and (4) collectability is reasonably assured. Revenues from sales to resellers are generally recognized upon shipment and when title and risk of loss have been transferred to the resellers. When products and services are sold to a reseller, the reseller is responsible for the installation of the system with the end user client. The Company accounts for such sales on a net basis since it is not the primary obligor in the arrangement with the end user client. Products and services sold directly by the Company to end customers are recognized based on the gross amount as the Company is the primary obligor in the arrangement, retains inventory risk for physical products, establishes the price for its products, and assumes the credit risk for amounts billed to its customers. Revenue from sales-type leases may include systems, other products and maintenance contracts. The Company recognizes revenue from sales-type leases based on the net present value of future lease payments. Product revenue from sales-type leases is generally recognized at the time of shipment. The portion of lease agreements related to maintenance contracts is deferred and recognized ratably over the coverage period. Revenue from operating leases is recognized ratably over the lease period. For multiple-element arrangements the Company allocates revenue to all deliverables based on their relative selling prices and recognizes revenue when each element’s revenue recognition criteria are met. In such circumstances, the Company uses the following hierarchy to determine the selling price to be used for allocating revenue to deliverables: (i) vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value (“VSOE”), (ii) third-party evidence of F- 16 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS selling price (“TPE”), and (iii) best estimate of selling price (“BESP”). VSOE exists only when the Company sells the deliverable separately and is established based on the price charged in such stand-alone transactions. BESP reflects the Company’s best estimates of the price at which the Company would have sold the product regularly on a stand-alone basis. Most service revenue is derived from the Company’s direct manufacturing printed parts services and sales of maintenance contracts. The Company’s direct manufacturing service revenue is recognized upon shipment or delivery of the parts, based on the terms of the sales arrangement. The Company provides customers with maintenance under a warranty agreement and defers a portion of the revenue from the related printer at the time of the sale based on the relative selling price of those services. After the initial warranty period, the Company offers customers optional maintenance contracts ranging generally from one to three years. Deferred maintenance revenue is recognized ratably, on a straight-line basis, over the period of the service. Unearned revenues are derived mainly from these prepaid maintenance agreements. The Company classifies the portion of unearned revenue not expected to be earned in the subsequent 12 months as long-term. The Company assesses collectability as part of the revenue recognition process. This assessment includes a number of factors such as an evaluation of the creditworthiness of the customer, past due amounts, past payment history, and current economic conditions. If it is determined that collectability cannot be reasonably assured, the Company will defer recognition of revenue until collectability is assured. Shipping Revenue The Company classifies shipping and handling costs charged to customers in connection with the sale of products and services as revenue. The related shipping and handling costs incurred by the Company are classified as costs of sales. Sales and Value Added Taxes Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are recorded on a net basis (excluded from revenues) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Advertising Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and were approximately $23.5 million, $13.5 million and $4.8 million, for the years ended 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Research and Development Costs Expenditures for research, development and engineering of products and manufacturing processes are expensed as incurred, in accordance with ASC 730, Research and Development . For collaborative agreements that entitle the Company to receive reimbursement payments of costs actually incurred under joint development projects, payments received are recorded as offsets to research and development expenditures. The Company has agreements with three manufacturing companies to jointly advance certain of its proprietary technology with each of those two companies. The agreements entitle the Company to receive reimbursement payments of costs actually incurred under joint development projects. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, approximately $4.6 million, $3.6 million and $3.2 million, respectively, of research and development expenses were offset by payments that were received from those companies. F- 17 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Income Taxes Deferred taxes are determined utilizing the “asset and liability” method based on the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount and tax bases of assets and liabilities under the applicable tax laws, and on effective tax rates in effect when the deferred taxes are expected to be settled or realized. Valuation allowance is provided if, based upon the weight of available evidence, it is “more likely than not” that a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are classified as current or non-current based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting, or according to the expected reversal dates of the specific temporary differences where appropriate. Deferred tax has not been provided on the following items: As a result of the Stratasys-Objet merger, foreign operations for 2014 and 2013 consist of non-Israel jurisdictions. For 2012, foreign operations consist of non-U.S. jurisdictions. Uncertain Tax Positions In accordance with ASC 740, Accounting for Income Taxes , the Company takes a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining whether the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that, on an evaluation of the technical merits, the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is performed only if the tax position meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold and is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount which is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company reevaluates these tax positions quarterly and makes adjustments as required. The liabilities relating to uncertain tax positions are classified as current in the consolidated balance sheets to the extent the company anticipates making payments within one year. The Company classifies interest and penalties recognized in the financial statements relating to uncertain tax positions under the provision for income taxes. The Company presents unrecognized tax benefits as a reduction to deferred tax asset where a net operating loss, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists, when settlement in this manner is available under the applicable tax law. 1) Taxes that would apply in the event of disposal of investments in foreign subsidiaries, as it is generally the Company’s intention to hold these investments, not to realize them. 2) Dividends distributable from the income of foreign companies as the Company does not expect these companies to distribute dividends in the foreseeable future. If these dividends were to be paid, the Company would have to pay additional taxes at a rate of up to 25% on the distribution, and the amount would be recorded as an income tax expense in the period the dividend is declared. 3) Amounts of tax-exempt income generated from the Company’s current Approved Enterprises (see note 8b) as the Company intends to permanently reinvest these profits and does not intend to distribute dividends from such income. If these dividends were to be paid, the Company would have to pay additional taxes at a rate up to 10% on the distribution, and the amount would be recorded as an income tax expense in the period the dividend is declared. F- 18 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Stock-Based Compensation The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for its equity classified stock-based awards, including stock-based option awards and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) under the Stratasys Ltd. 2012 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2012 Plan”) based on estimated fair values on the grant date. The Company calculates the fair value of stock-based option awards on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The option-pricing model requires a number of assumptions, of which the most significant are the expected share price volatility and the expected option term. The computation of expected volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company’s shares. The expected option term is calculated using the simplified method in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, as adequate historical experience is not available to provide a reasonable estimate . The interest rate for periods within the expected term of the award is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The Company’s expected dividend rate is zero since the Company does not currently pay cash dividends on its shares and does not anticipate doing so in the foreseeable future. Each of the above factors requires the Company to use judgment and make estimates in determining the percentages and time periods used for the calculation. If the Company were to use different percentages or time periods, the fair value of stock-based option awards could be materially different. Stock-based compensation cost for RSUs is measured based on the closing fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation cost for option awards and RSUs on a straight-line basis over the employee’s requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures. Liability classified stock-based awards which are deemed to have a substantive cash settlement feature are accounted for in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation . These awards are measured at each reporting date, based on their fair value until the awards are settled. Compensation costs for these awards are expensed over the requisite service period and adjusted for changes in fair value prorated for the portion of the requisite service period rendered. Business Combinations The Company allocates the fair value of consideration transferred in a business combination to the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and non-controlling interests in the acquired business generally based on their fair values at the acquisition date. Acquisition-related expenses and restructuring costs are recognized separately from the business combination and are expensed as incurred. The excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred plus the fair value of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree over the fair value of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed in the acquired business is recorded as goodwill. The fair value of the consideration transferred may include a combination of cash, equity securities, earn out payments and deferred payments. The allocation of the consideration transferred in certain cases may be subject to revision based on the final determination of fair values during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date. The Company includes the results of operations of the businesses that it has acquired in its consolidated results prospectively from the respective dates of acquisition. The Company records obligations in connection with its business combinations at fair value on the acquisition date. Each reporting period thereafter, the Company revalues earn-out payments and deferred payments which are classified as liabilities and records the changes in their fair value in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. Changes in the fair value of the obligations in connection with its business combinations can result from adjustments to the discount rates, the Company’s shares price, sales and profitability targets. These fair value measurements represent Level 3 measurements, as they are based on significant inputs not observable in the market. Significant judgment is required in determining the assumptions utilized as of the acquisition date and for each subsequent measurement period. Accordingly, changes in the assumptions described above could have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations. F- 19 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Redeemable Non-controlling Interests Non-controlling interests with embedded redemption features, such as put options, whose settlement is not at the Company’s discretion, are considered redeemable non-controlling interests. Redeemable non-controlling interests are considered to be temporary equity and are therefore presented as a mezzanine section between liabilities and equity on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Redeemable non-controlling interests are measured at the greater of the initial carrying amount adjusted for the non-controlling interest’s share of comprehensive income or loss or its redemption value. Changes in the redemption value are recorded through retained earnings. Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of short term bank deposits, cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, investment in sales-type leases, foreign currency exchange forward contracts and investment securities. Most of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents are invested in U.S. dollar instruments with major banks in the U.S., Israel and Europe. Management believes that the credit risk with respect to the financial institutions that hold the Company’s cash, cash equivalents and deposits is low. Concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited due to the relatively large number of customers and their wide geographic distribution. In addition, the Company tries to reduce its credit exposures to its accounts receivable by credit limits, credit insurance, ongoing credit evaluation and account monitoring procedures. Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no net effect on previously reported results of operations. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In November 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”), which clarifies how current guidance should be interpreted in evaluating the economic characteristics and risks of a host contract in a hybrid financial instrument that is issued in the form of a share. The ASU clarifies that an entity should consider all relevant terms and features on the basis of relevant facts and circumstances, including the embedded derivative feature being evaluated for bifurcation, in evaluating the nature of a host contract. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods, including interim periods within those reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. Earlier adoption is permitted. This ASU can be adopted either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued an ASU, issued as a new topic, Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) topic 606. The ASU supersedes the current revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition . The core principle of this amendment is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Earlier adoption is not permitted. This ASU can be adopted either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU on its consolidated financial statements. F- 20 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 2. Acquisitions 2014 Transactions On July 14, 2014 (the “Solid Concepts transaction date”) the Company completed the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding shares of Solid Concepts Inc. (“Solid Concepts”), an independent additive manufacturing service bureau for a total consideration of approximately $185.4 million. This transaction, together with the Harvest transaction, which is described below, is expected to enable the Company to expand its existing digital manufacturing printed parts services creating a leading strategic platform to meet a broad range of customers’ additive manufacturing needs and provide opportunities to leverage manufacturing services capabilities. In exchange for 100% of the outstanding shares of Solid Concepts the Company issued 978,601 ordinary shares, paid cash upon closing and was obligated to pay an additional holdback cash payment deferred for six months which was paid in January 2015. In addition, the Company is obligated to pay additional deferred payments in three separate annual installments after the Solid Concepts transaction date (“deferred payments”). Subject to certain requirements for cash payments, the Company retains the discretion to settle the deferred payments in its shares, cash or any combination of the two. The deferred payments are also subject to certain adjustments based on the Company’s share price. The Solid Concepts transaction is reflected in accordance with ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations”, using the acquisition method of accounting with the Company as the acquirer. The following table summarizes the fair value of the consideration transferred to Solid Concepts stockholders for the Solid Concepts transaction: The fair value of the ordinary shares issued was determined based on the closing market price of the Company’s ordinary shares on the Solid Concepts transaction date. The fair value of the deferred payments was determined based on the closing market price of the Company’s ordinary shares on the Solid Concepts transaction date, adjusted to reflect a discount for lack of marketability for the applicable periods. The discount for lack of marketability was calculated based on the historical volatility of the Company’s share price and thus represents a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. The deferred payments are recognized as liabilities at fair value in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and are classified under short-term and long-term obligations in connection with acquisitions. The fair value of the deferred payment as of December 31, 2014 was $35.7 million. The total amount of the deferred payments, which does not reflect a discount for lack of marketability, was approximately $40.6 million, based on the Company’s share price as of December 31, 2014. The fair value of the deferred payments is primarily linked to the Company’s share price. An increase of 10% of the Company’s share price as of December 31, 2014 will increase the fair value of the deferred payments by $3.6 million. In addition, changes in level 3 inputs that were used in the fair value calculation might change the fair value of the deferred payments. For example, a decrease of 10% in the Company’s share price volatility used in the calculation for discount for lack of marketability would increase the fair value of the Company’s deferred payments liability by approximately $1.0 million. U.S. $ in thousands Issuance of ordinary shares $ 97,869 Cash paid upon closing 40,130 Holdback amount 3,839 Deferred payments 43,576 Total fair value of consideration transferred $ 185,414 F- 21 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS During 2014, the Company recorded a gain of $7.9 million due to the revaluation of the deferred payments under Change in fair value of obligations in connection with acquisitions in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Under the terms of the definitive agreement, certain of Solid Concepts’ employees may also qualify for retention-related and other payments of $77.0 million, based on the Company’s share price as of the Solid Concepts transaction date, of which, $19.6 million was paid in cash upon closing and was expensed as incurred. The remaining retention payments will be paid in three separate annual installments (“deferred retention payments”). Expense due to the deferred retention payments of $13.1 million was recorded during 2014 from the Solid Concepts transaction date through December 31, 2014. Based on the Company’s share price as of December 31, 2014, the total deferred retention payments will amount to approximately $45.9 million. Subject to certain requirements for cash payments, the Company retains the discretion to settle any of the amounts payable under the definitive agreement in its shares, cash or any combination of the two. These amounts are also subject to certain adjustments based on the Company’s share price. In addition to the payments described above, The Company incurred approximately $2.9 million of costs related to the Solid Concepts transaction that were expensed during 2014. These costs are included in selling, general and administrative costs in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the Solid Concepts transaction date. The estimated fair values are preliminary and based on the information that was available as of December 31, 2014. Thus the measurements of fair value reflected are subject to changes and such changes could be significant. The allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is as follows: Allocation of Purchase Price (U.S. $ in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,225 Accounts receivable 7,995 Inventories 2,391 Other assets 2,962 Property, plant and equipment 15,203 Other intangible assets 37,606 Goodwill 124,239 Total assets acquired 193,621 Accounts payable 3,055 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 4,633 Total liabilities assumed 7,688 Non controlling interest 519 Net assets acquired $ 185,414 F- 22 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The allocation of the purchase price to the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed resulted in the recognition of intangible assets related to customer relationships of $36.5 million and intangible asset related to tradename of $1.1 million. These intangible assets have weighted average useful life of approximately 6.6 years. The fair values of the customer relationships were estimated using a discounted cash flow method with the application of the multi-period excess earnings method. Under this method, an intangible asset’s fair value is equal to the present value of the incremental after-tax cash flows attributable only to the subject intangible asset after deducting contributory asset charges. The useful life of the intangible assets for amortization purposes was determined considering the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the intangible assets adjusted as appropriate for the entity-specific factors, including legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or other factors that may limit the useful life of intangible assets. The goodwill recognized as a result of the Solid Concepts transaction is attributable primarily to the strategic and synergistic opportunities in the entry-level portion of the additive manufacturing spectrum, cross-selling synergies, expanded solutions portfolio, assembled workforce and economies of scale. The related goodwill and intangible assets are deductible for tax purposes. The unaudited pro forma condensed financial results have been prepared using the acquisition method of accounting and are based on the historical financial information of the Company and Solid Concepts. The unaudited pro forma condensed financial results have been prepared for illustrative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations that actually would have resulted had the acquisition of Solid Concepts occurred on January 1, 2013, or of future results of the combined entities. The unaudited pro forma condensed financial information does not reflect any operating efficiencies and expected realization of cost savings or synergies associated with the acquisition. Unaudited supplemental pro forma combined results of operations: Year ended December 31, 2014 2013 (U.S. $ in thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 785,385 $ 546,355 Net loss attributable to Stratasys Ltd. (106,924 ) (36,259 ) Net loss per ordinary share attributable to Stratasys Ltd.- basic and diluted $ (2.12 ) $ (0.84 ) F- 23 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Adjustments for the unaudited supplemental pro forma combined results of operations are as follows: Solid Concepts’ results of operations were included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) commencing July 14, 2014. Due to the full integration of Solid Concepts’ operations to the Company’s direct manufacturing service operations it is impractible to present the amounts of revenues and earnings of Solid Concepts since the acquisition date in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the period commencing July 14, 2014 through December 31, 2014. GrabCAD transaction On September 22, 2014 the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of GrabCAD Inc. (“GrabCAD”), which operates GrabCAD Workbench, a cloud based 3D computer aided-design (“CAD”) collaboration platform enabling engineering teams to manage, share and view CAD files as well as enhancing collaboration tools and improving accessibility relating to 3D CAD content. GrabCAD is expected to contribute accelerated innovation and increased value to a growing universe of customers seeking to utilize 3D printing solutions in the 3D ecosystem. Under the terms of the definitive agreement with GrabCAD, certain of GrabCAD’s employees may also qualify for certain retention-related payments. Harvest transaction On August 1, 2014, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Harvest Technologies Inc. (“Harvest”), a specialty additive manufacturing service bureau. The consideration was primarily paid in the Company’s shares and the remaining balance will be paid in cash. This transaction, together with the Solid Concepts transaction is expected to enable the Company to expand its existing digital manufacturing printed parts services and to enhance its expertise in parts production, as well as materials and systems knowhow. Under the terms of the definitive agreement with Harvest, certain of Harvest’s employees may also qualify for certain retention-related payments. Financial information giving effect to this business combination has not been provided as the acquisition is not material. MakerBot Europe transaction On August 1, 2014 the Company acquired certain assets and liabilities of HAFNER’S BÜRO, which is MakerBot’s reseller in Germany. This acquisition will enable the Company to expand its desktop 3D printing operations throughout the European market. Year ended December 31, 2014 2013 (U.S. $ in thousands) Adjustments due to amortization of intangibles $ 2,261 $ 6,446 Adjustments due to retention bonuses (266 ) 27,982 Adjustments due to expenses related to business combination (26,012 ) (20,697 ) Adjustments due to financial expenses related to Solid Concepts debts (406 ) (440 ) Taxes related adjustments to the supplemental pro forma 10,513 (755 ) $ (13,910 ) $ 12,536 F- 24 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The Company accounted for this transaction as a business combination. The acquisition consideration was attributed to net assets on the basis of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on an appraisal performed by management, which included a number of factors, including the assistance of independent appraisers. Financial information giving effect to this business combination has not been provided as the acquisition is not material. Interfacial Solutions transaction In April 2014, the Company acquired certain assets and liabilities of Interfacial Solutions LLC (“Interfacial Solutions”), a privately held provider of thermoplastics research and development and production services. This transaction is designed to strengthen the Company’s materials research and development skills and enable it to become vertically integrated in material development and manufacturing and also increase materials production space and capacity. The Company accounted for this transaction as a business combination. The acquisition consideration was attributed to net assets on the basis of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on an appraisal performed by management, which included a number of factors, including the assistance of independent appraisers. Financial information giving effect to this business combination has not been provided as the acquisition is not material. Collaborative Development Initiative On December 11, 2014, the Company formed a joint venture with a third party to develop new disruptive additive manufacturing technologies, materials and applications. The third party has the right to sell its interest in the joint venture to the Company, at fair value during a period of 5 years from the joint venture formation date. Financial information giving effect to this business combination has not been provided as the transaction is not material. Fiscal 2013 Transactions MakerBot transaction On August 15, 2013 (the “MakerBot transaction date”) the Company acquired privately held Cooperation Technology Corporation (“MakerBot”) for an aggregate purchase price of $493.7 million (the “MakerBot transaction”) which was calculated based on the Company’s share price as of the MakerBot transaction date. In exchange for 100% of MakerBot’s outstanding capital stock, the Company issued 3.92 million ordinary shares, made tax withholding payments on behalf of certain shareholders in lieu of issuing 115 thousand shares, held back from issuing 655 thousand shares to secure the indemnification rights of Stratasys and issued Stratasys options in exchange for certain MakerBot options with a fully diluted equivalent of 73 thousand shares. The 655 thousand shares were held back for approximately eighteen months after the MakerBot transaction date to secure the indemnification rights of the Company against any losses resulting from certain specified causes. At the end of the hold-back period the Company is expected to issue approximately 651 thousands shares to MakerBot’s shareholders, subject to settlements of certain indemnification rights. F- 25 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The MakerBot transaction is reflected in accordance with ASC Topic 805, "Business Combinations," using the acquisition method of accounting with the Company as the acquirer. The total consideration transferred to effect the MakerBot transaction is as follows: The $7.2 million fair value of the MakerBot stock options exchanged for Stratasys stock options was attributable to service prior to the MakerBot transaction date and was determined using the Stratasys share price on the MakerBot transaction date as an input to the Black-Scholes valuation model to determine the fair value of the options. The following assumptions were applied in determining the fair value of the exchanged MakerBot stock options: The computation of expected volatility was based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The expected option term was calculated in accordance with a combination of historical experience and the simplified method in ASC 718. The interest rate for periods within the expected life of the award is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the MakerBot transaction. In accordance with ASC Topic 805, the estimated earn-out obligations as of the MakerBot transaction date were included in the purchase price. The estimated fair value of the obligations is based on management’s assessment of whether, and at what level, the financial metrics will be achieved, and the present value factors associated with the timing of the payments. Because the amount of the earn-out obligation is based on the Company’s ordinary shares, changes in the price of the Company’s ordinary shares through the earn-out determination date will change the dollar obligation. Management re-measures the fair value of the earn-out obligations at the end of each reporting period, with any changes in fair value being recorded in that period’s statement of operations and comprehensive income. The fair value was estimated based on a Monte Carlo simulation, under which many scenarios are computed to measure possible outcomes of the financial metrics and the likelihood of occurrence. The resultant probability-weighted financial metrics are then applied to the earn-out formula to determine the cash flows under the earn-out. Those cash flows were then discounted using rates of the yields for U.S. treasury bonds with similar terms to maturity. This earn-out obligation fair value measurement is based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represents a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. Using this valuation technique, the fair value of the contractual obligation to pay the MakerBot earn-out was determined to be approximately $28.3 million at the MakerBot transaction date. U.S. $ in thousands Issuance of ordinary shares to MakerBot stockholders $ 446,019 Tax withholding and other payments on behalf of MakerBot stockholders 12,163 Exchange of MakerBot stock options for the Company options 7,198 Earn-out at estimated fair value 28,270 Total consideration $ 493,650 Risk-free interest rate 0.36 % Expected option term 1.38 years Expected price volatility 59.41 % Dividend yield —Weighted average merger date fair value $ 92.73 F- 26 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Under the transaction agreement, MakerBot stockholders were eligible for two earn-out payments. The first was for the six-month period ended December 31, 2013, which amounted to $10.8 million and which was paid in cash during April 2014. The second earn-out period was for the year ended December 31, 2014, for which MakerBot stockholders could qualify for a total payment of up to approximately 0.8 million of the Company’s ordinary shares, depending on the level of achievement of financial metrics for the period. The second earn-out payment was not earned, thus there would be no additional payments or issuance of the Company’s ordinary shares for MakerBot stockholders. During the year ended December 31, 2014 the Company recorded income of $18.3 million under change in fair value of obligations in connection with acquisitions in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. Certain MakerBot employees participated in a performance bonus plan adopted in connection with the MakerBot transaction. Participating employees were entitled, contingent on certain continuing employment conditions, to bonus payments of compensation that in the aggregate that are equal, dollar-for-dollar, to the actual amounts determined in the earn-out calculation. Accordingly, an amount of $10.8 million was earned in connection with the performance bonus plan for the first earn-out period. Since the second earn-out payment was not earned, the related bonus payments will not be paid. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the net tangible and intangible assets of MakerBot acquired were recorded at their fair values at the MakerBot transaction date. The allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed was as follows: Allocation of Purchase Price U.S. $ in thousands Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,405 Accounts receivable - Trade 878 Accounts receivable - Other 923 Deferred tax assets 5,964 Inventories 10,314 Property, plant and equipment 4,658 Goodwill 372,008 Intangible assets 168,386 Other non-current assets 7,068 Total assets acquired 573,604 Accounts payable & other liabilities 6,581 Unearned revenue 4,075 Deferred tax liabilities 69,120 Other non-current liabilities 178 Total liabilities assumed 79,954 Net assets acquired $ 493,650 F- 27 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The allocation of the purchase price to the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed resulted in the recognition of the following intangible assets: The fair values of the developed technology, in-process research and development (“IPR&D”), customer relationships and non-compete agreement were estimated using a discounted present value income approach. Under the income approach, an intangible asset’s fair value is equal to the present value of future economic benefits to be derived from ownership of the asset. Indications of value are developed by discounting future net cash flows to their present value at market-based rates of return. The non-compete agreement restricts a key individual from competing with the Company for a period of four years from the MakerBot transaction date. The fair value of the trade name was estimated using an income approach, specifically known as the relief from royalty method. The relief from royalty method is based on the hypothetical royalty stream that would be received if the Company were to license the trade name and was based on expected revenues. The useful life of the intangible assets for amortization purposes was determined considering the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the intangible assets adjusted as appropriate for the entity-specific factors, including legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or other factors that may limit the useful life of intangible assets. Refer to Note 7 for further information. The goodwill recognized as a result of the MakerBot transaction is attributable primarily to the strategic and synergistic opportunities in the entry level portion of the additive manufacturing spectrum, expected corporate synergies and the assembled workforce. None of the goodwill recognized is deductible for income tax purposes. The Company incurred $6.1 million of costs related to the MakerBot transaction that were expensed during 2013. These costs are included in selling, general and administrative costs in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. The unaudited pro forma condensed financial results have been prepared for illustrative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations that actually would have resulted had the acquisition of MakerBot occurred on January 1, 2012, or of future results of the combined entities. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not reflect any operating efficiencies and cost savings that may be realized from the integration of the acquisition. Unaudited supplemental pro forma combined results of operations: Weighted Average U.S. $ in thousands Life (Years) Developed technology $ 43,227 5 Trade name 42,134 11 Customer relationships - Distributors 19,315 10 Customer relationships - Direct 3,435 1 Non-compete agreement 10,004 4 IPR&D - Printers 34,189 Indefinite IPR&D - Peripherals 16,082 Indefinite Total $ 168,386 Year ended December 31, 2013 2012 (U.S. $ in thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 518,714 $ 230,052 Net loss attributable to Stratasys Ltd. (23,928 ) (30,211 ) Net loss per ordinary share attributable to Stratasys Ltd.- basic (0.54 ) (0.74 ) Net loss per ordinary share attributable to Stratasys Ltd.- diluted $ (0.54 ) $ (0.78 ) F- 28 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Adjustments for the unaudited supplemental pro forma combined results of operations are as follows: Actual MakerBot results of operations included in the Consolidated Results of Operations: MakerBot results of operations were included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income commencing August 15, 2013. Fiscal 2012 Acquisitions Merger between Stratasys, Inc. and Objet On December 1, 2012, Stratasys, Inc. and Objet completed their merger. Pursuant to the Stratasys-Objet merger, Objet issued to Stratasys, Inc. stockholders one Objet ordinary share for each share of Stratasys, Inc. common stock outstanding and Stratasys, Inc. became an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Objet. Immediately prior to the closing of the merger, Objet’s shareholders approved a conversion of all outstanding Objet preferred shares into ordinary shares and a reverse split of Objet’s ordinary shares at a ratio of 1 for 8.691. After giving effect to the reverse split and the conversion ratio of one Objet ordinary share for each share of Stratasys, Inc. common stock, the former holders of Stratasys, Inc. common stock held 55% of the Company’s ordinary shares and the holders of Objet ordinary shares retained 45% of the Company’s ordinary shares, on a fully diluted basis. The calculation of the ordinary shares to be held after the merger by the Stratasys, Inc. stockholders and the Objet shareholders gave effect to the assumed exercise of all outstanding in-the-money options of each entity as determined on the treasury stock basis of accounting. At the completion of the merger, each outstanding option to purchase one share of Stratasys, Inc. common stock was converted into an option to purchase one ordinary share of the Company at an exercise price equal to the original exercise price of the Stratasys, Inc. option, and otherwise in accordance with the remaining original terms of the Stratasys, Inc. option. Under the terms of the Stratasys, Inc. options, all outstanding Stratasys, Inc. options granted prior to the merger date plus certain options granted in May 2012 became fully exercisable automatically as a result of the completion of the merger. Stock-based compensation expense of $4.5 million was recognized on the merger date upon the options becoming fully exercisable, representing the unamortized expense calculated at the time of the original option grant. Year ended December 31, 2013 2012 (U.S. $ in thousands) Increase in amortization of intangibles $ 14,139 $ 23,556 Adjust performance bonus expenses (163 ) 19,836 Adjust expenses related to business combination (deal fees, inventory and deferred revenues step-up and earn-out revaluation ) (11,301 ) 11,272 Taxes related adjustments to the supplemental pro forma (4,239 ) (20,226 ) $ (1,564 ) $ 34,438 Year ended December 31, 2013 (U.S. $ in thousands) Net sales $ 35,603 Loss attributable to MakerBot $ (5,306 ) F- 29 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The merger has been accounted for as an acquisition of Objet by Stratasys, Inc. in accordance with ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations,” using the acquisition method of accounting with Stratasys, Inc. as the accounting acquirer. Since Stratasys Ltd. (formerly known as Objet Ltd.), as the parent company of Stratasys, Inc. after the merger, is the legal acquirer, the merger has been accounted for as a reverse acquisition. Under these accounting standards, Stratasys, Inc.’s total purchase price is calculated as if Stratasys, Inc. had issued its shares to Objet’s shareholders and converted options to purchase Objet’s ordinary shares to options to purchase Stratasys, Inc. common stock, as follows: Under the acquisition method of accounting, the total purchase price is allocated to the net tangible and intangible assets of Objet acquired in the merger, based on their fair values at the merger date. The allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is as follows (in thousands): U.S. $ in millions Number of shares of Objet ordinary shares outstanding on December 1, 2012 15.4 Exchange ratio 1.0 Stratasys, Inc. shares deemed (for accounting purposes only) issued to Objet shareholders 15.4 Total fair value of stock consideration $ 1,158.0 Fair value of deemed (for accounting purposes only) conversion of Objet equity awards 183.0 Fair value of non-controlling interest 0.3 Total purchase price $ 1,341.3 Allocation of Purchase Price (U.S. $ in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 41,524 Restricted cash 845 Short-term bank deposit 30,062 Accounts receivable - Trade 23,633 Accounts receivable - Other 12,477 Prepaid expenses 1,011 Inventories 40,364 Deferred tax assets 1,755 Property, plant and equipment 15,475 Goodwill 797,063 Intangible assets 490,176 Other non-current assets 2,539 Total assets acquired 1,456,924 Accounts payable & other liabilities 49,876 Unearned revenue 8,674 Deferred tax liabilities 51,003 Other non-current liabilities 6,474 Total liabilities assumed 116,027 Total purchase price $ 1,340,897 F- 30 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The allocation of the purchase price to the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed resulted in the recognition of the following intangible assets: The fair values of the developed technology, IPR&D and customer relationships were estimated using a discounted present value income approach. The fair value of the trade name was estimated using an income approach, specifically known as the relief from royalty method. The useful life of the intangible assets for amortization purposes was determined considering the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the intangible assets adjusted as appropriate for the entity-specific factors, including legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or other factors that may limit the useful life of intangible assets. Six of the IPR&D projects were launched in 2014 and 2013 and are classified as developed technology as of December 31, 2014. The goodwill recognized as a result of the merger is attributable primarily to the strategic and synergistic opportunities across the entire additive manufacturing spectrum, expected corporate synergies and the assembled workforce. None of the goodwill recognized is deductible for income tax purposes. The Company incurred $7.6 million of Stratasys, Inc.’s acquisition-related costs that were expensed during the year ended December 31, 2012. These costs are included in selling, general and administrative costs in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The actual Objet net sales and net income included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2012 (for the period from the December 1, 2012 merger date through December 31, 2012, which are not indicative of the results to be expected for a full year) and the supplemental unaudited pro forma net sales and net income of the combined entity had the acquisition been completed on January 1, 2011 are as follows: Unaudited supplemental pro forma combined results of operations: Weighted Average U.S. $ in thousands Life (Years) Developed technology $ 374,126 9.6 Customer relationships 72,679 10 Trade name 15,291 9 IPR&D 28,080 Indefinite Total intangible assets $ 490,176 Year ended December 31, 2012 (U.S. $ in thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 359,054 Loss attributable to Stratasys Ltd. (21,577 ) Loss per ordinary share attributable to Stratasys Ltd. - basic and diluted $ (0.58 ) F- 31 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Adjustments for the unaudited supplemental pro forma combined results of operations are as follows: These unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial results have been prepared for illustrative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations that actually would have resulted had the acquisition occurred on the first day of the earliest period presented, or of future results of the combined entities. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not reflect any operating efficiencies and cost savings that may be realized from the integration of the acquisition. Actual Objet results of operations included in the Consolidated Results of Operations: Subsequent transaction Transaction in China On February 10, 2015 the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Intelligent CAD/CAM Technology Ltd., a Hong Kong Company. This acquisition is expected to enable the Company to expand its operations in the Chinese market. Financial information giving effect to this business combination has not been provided as the acquisition is not material. Year ended December 31, 2012 (U.S. $ in thousands) Stock-based compensation related to business combination $ 22,642 Increase in amortization of intangibles 44,239 Adjust expenses related to business combination (deal fees, inventory step-up, backlog, deferred revenues, stock-based compensation accelerations) (28,850 ) Adjust taxes related to the adjustments to the supplemental pro forma (2,899 ) $ 35,132 Year ended December 31, 2012 (U.S. $ in thousands) Net sales $ 19,098 Loss attributable to Objet $ (4,626 ) F- 32 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 3. Fair Value Measurement The following tables summarize the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis, by fair value hierarchy, in the condensed consolidated balance sheets: Long term investment consists of an investment in debt securities classified as available-for-sale and are recorded at fair value. The fair value is based on the sale of similar securities in the market, as well as last sales of these securities in the market (Level 2 inputs). The debt securities were sold during the first quarter of 2014. The Company’s foreign exchange forward contracts are classified as Level 2, as they are not actively traded and are valued using pricing models that use observable market inputs. Other financial instruments consist mainly of cash and cash equivalents, short-term bank deposits, current and non-current receivables, net investment in sales-type leases, short-term debt, accounts payable and accruals. The fair value of these financial instruments approximates their carrying values. December 31, 2014 (U.S. $ in thousands) Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Foreign exchange forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments $ 3,753 $ — $ 3,753 Liabilities: Foreign exchange forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments (2,901 ) — (2,901 ) Foreign exchange forward contracts designated as hedging instruments (1,243 ) — (1,243 ) Obligations in connection with acquisitions — (35,656 ) (35,656 ) $ (391 ) $ (35,656 ) $ (36,047 ) December 31, 2013 (U.S. $ in thousands) Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Long term investment $ 1,634 $ — $ 1,634 Foreign exchange forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments 301 — 301 Foreign exchange forward contracts designated as hedging instruments 153 — 153 Liabilities: Foreign exchange forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments (1,543 ) — (1,543 ) Obligations in connection with acquisitions — (29,025 ) (29,025 ) $ 545 $ (29,025 ) $ (28,480 ) F- 33  STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The following table is a reconciliation of the change for those financial liabilities where fair value measurements are estimated utilizing Level 3 inputs, which consist of obligations in connection with acquisitions (in thousands): The Company’s additions to the obligations in connection with acquisitions during 2014 relates to the deferred payments in connection with the Solid Concepts transaction. The additions to the obligations in connection with acquisitions during 2013 relates to the earn-out obligations in connection with the MakerBot transaction. The Company’s payments during 2014 of the obligations in connection with acquisitions are related to the earn-out payment in connection with the MakerBot transaction. Change in fair value recognized in earnings during 2014 includes approximately $7.9 million unrealized gain due to revaluation of the deferred payments in connection with the Solid Concepts transaction. For further information on these obligations refer to note 2. Note 4. Inventories Inventories consisted of the following: Note 5. Net Investment in Sales-type Leases Certain sales made under lease arrangements are recorded as sales-type leases and may include systems, other products and maintenance contracts. The portion of lease arrangements related to maintenance contracts is deferred and recognized ratably over the coverage period. 2014 2013 (U.S. $ in thousands) Fair value as of January 1 $ 29,025 $ — Cash settlements (10,795 ) — Additions 43,576 28,271 Change in fair value recognized in earnings (26,150 ) 754 Fair value as of December 31 $ 35,656 $ 29,025 December 31, December 31, 2014 2013 (U.S. $ in thousands) Finished goods $ 66,779 $ 42,251 Work-in-process 7,815 164 Raw materials 48,791 45,991 $ 123,385 $ 88,406 F- 34 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The Company’s net investment in sales-type leases consisted of the following: Future minimum lease payments due from customers under sales-type leases as of December 31, 2014 were as follows: The interest income for sales-type leases is recorded in financial income (expense), net and amounted to approximately $0.8 million, $0.5 million and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Note 6. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following: Depreciation expenses were $26.2 million, $14.6 million and $7.6 million in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. December 31, December 31, 2014 2013 (U.S. $ in thousands) Future minimum lease payments receivable $ 24,930 $ 19,403 Less allowance for doubtful accounts (452 ) (183 ) Net future minimum lease payment receivable 24,478 19,220 Less unearned interest income (1,486 ) (1,305 ) Net investment in sales-type leases $ 22,992 $ 17,915 U.S. $ in thousands Year ending December 31, 2015 $ 9,325 2016 6,960 2017 5,031 2018 2,752 2019 and thereafter 862 $ 24,930 December 31, December 31, 2014 2013 (U.S. $ in thousands) Machinery and equipment $ 95,558 $ 58,443 Buildings and improvements 53,171 34,820 Computer equipment and software 40,556 31,103 Office equipment, furniture and fixtures 14,559 9,930 Land 11,102 11,121 214,946 145,417 Accumulated depreciation (84,228 ) (61,439 ) 130,718 83,978 Capital work-in-progress 26,318 7,027 $ 157,036 $ 91,005 F- 35 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 7. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill Changes in the carrying amount of the Company’s goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows: Other Intangible Assets Other intangible assets consisted of the following: In process research and development projects with a gross carrying value of $49.5 million as of December 31, 2013, of which $24.7 million were acquired in connection with the Stratasys-Objet Merger and $23.7 million were acquired in connection with the MakerBot transaction, were launched during 2014 and are now classified as developed technology. During 2014 the Company recorded impairment charges of $14.6 million related to one of its developed technology assets. The Company assessed the recoverability of the asset based on the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from it. The impairment charges were measured as the difference between the carrying amount of the asset and its fair value. The fair value of the asset was determined under the income approach based on a discounted cash flow model using updated future revenue and operating income projections. Amortization expense relating to intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, was approximately $81.9 million, $61.3 million and $8.1 million, respectively. 2014 2013 (U.S. $ in millions) Goodwill as of January 1 $ 1,195.9 $ 822.5 Goodwill impairment charges (102.5 ) — Goodwill acquired 233.3 372.0 Translation differences (3.2 ) 1.4 Goodwill as of December 31 $ 1,323.5 $ 1,195.9 December 31, 2014 December 31, 2013 Gross Gross Carrying Accumulated Carrying Accumulated Amount Amortization Amount Amortization (U.S. $ in thousands) Developed technology $ 497,416 $ 106,466 $ 447,842 $ 54,029 Patents 15,209 8,136 14,065 6,523 Trademarks and trade names 60,046 9,519 59,019 3,817 Customer relationships 148,338 26,219 100,679 10,793 Non-compete agreements 10,843 3,952 10,354 1,249 Capitalized software development costs 17,290 14,423 16,612 13,828 In process research and development 17,476 — 63,998 — 766,618 $ 168,715 712,569 $ 90,239 Accumulated amortization 168,715 90,239 Net book value of other intangible assets $ 597,903 $ 622,330 F- 36 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS As of December 31, 2014, estimated amortization expense relating to intangible assets currently subject to amortization for each of the next five years and thereafter was as follows: Note 8. Income Taxes The components of the Company’s deferred tax assets (liabilities) at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows: U.S. $ in thousands Year ending December 31, 2015 $ 88,095 2016 85,499 2017 83,742 2018 77,836 2019 71,910 Thereafter 173,345 Total $ 580,427 December 31, December 31, 2014 2013 (U.S. $ in thousands) Current deferred tax assets: Inventory related $ 11,878 $ 9,309 Tax losses carry forward 263 3,773 Deferred revenue 2,272 612 Allowance for doubtful accounts 430 462 Research and development credit carryforward 2,009 475 Reserve for warranty expenses 373 67 Provision for employee related obligations 6,505 1,219 Issuance costs 541 431 Foreign currency losses 1,260 — Other 166 153 Current deferred tax assets $ 25,697 $ 16,501 Long-term deferred tax assets: Tax losses carry forward and other 279 407 Foreign currency losses — 358 Stock-based compensation expense — 586 Long-term deferred tax assets $ 279 $ 1,351 Current deferred tax liabilities Issuance costs — (112 ) Current deferred tax liabilities $ — $ (112 ) Long-term deferred tax assets: Stock-based compensation expense $ 5,673 $ 903 Tax losses carry forward 35,362 8,311 Depreciation 3,907 579 Research and developmen credit carryforward — 1,904 Issuance costs — 478 Foreign tax credit — 893 Provision for employee related obligations 3,011 — Other Carryforwards 1,266 — Other 128 367 Long-term deferred tax assets 49,347 13,435 Long-term deferred tax liabilities: Intangibles (103,541 ) (115,248 ) Issuance costs — (430 ) Depreciation (1,556 ) (3,658 ) Valuation allowance (85 ) — Long-term deferred tax liabilities $ (105,182 ) $ (119,336 ) Total long-term deferred tax liabilities, net $ (55,835 ) $ (105,901 ) F- 37 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS As of December 31, 2014, the Company had a tax net operating loss carryforward of approximately $91.7 million, resulting in a deferred tax asset of approximately $35.4 million. The Company believes it is more likely than not that it will fully utilize this net operating loss carryforward using future, projected taxable income, and accordingly, no valuation allowance has been provided for this deferred tax asset. A valuation allowance has been recorded in 2014 for capital losses that are not expected to be realized before their expiration. Included in the net deferred tax liability are net operating loss and credit carryovers of $40.1 million which expire in years ending from December 31, 2019 through December 31, 2034. Income (loss) before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows: The components of income tax (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows: A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 is set forth below: 2014 2013 2012 (U.S. $ in thousands) Domestic (1) $ 25,903 $ (13,391 ) $ 23,274 Foreign (180,621 ) (15,990 ) (4,764 ) $ (154,718 ) $ (29,381 ) $ 18,510 (1) As a result of the Stratasys-Objet Merger, “domestic” reflects income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and non-controlling interest for Israel in 2014 and 2013 and for the U.S. for 2012. 2014 2013 2012 (U.S. $ in thousands) Current Domestic (2) $ 10,650 $ 14,714 $ 12,319 Foreign 7,989 1,914 1,445 18,639 16,628 13,764 Deferred Domestic (2) (5,177 ) (9,428 ) (3,113 ) Foreign (48,710 ) (9,674 ) (964 ) (53,887 ) (19,102 ) (4,077 ) Total income taxes $ (35,248 ) $ (2,474 ) $ 9,687 (2) For 2014 and 2013, domestic represents Israel taxes, while foreign represents non-Israel taxes, including U.S. federal, state and local taxes. For 2012 domestic represents U.S. federal taxes, while foreign reflects non-U.S. 2014 2013 2012 Statutory rate (3) 26.5 % 25.0 % 35.0 % Approved and Privileged enterprise benefits 3.7 6.0 — State income taxes, net of federal benefit — — 2.5 Goodwill impairment (17.3 ) — — MakerBot earn-out revaluation 3.1 — — Stock compensation expense (3.7 ) (17.3 ) 3.4 Manufacturing deduction — — (5.9 ) Tax contingencies 1.6 (12.1 ) (3.5 ) Non-deductible acquisition expenses (0.1 ) (4.8 ) 12.9 Earning taxed under foreign law 9.6 13.2 3.4 Other (0.7 ) (1.6 ) 4.5 Effective income tax rate 22.8 % 8.4 % 52.3 % F- 38 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (3) As a result of the Stratasys-Objet merger, the statutory rate for 2014 and 2013 reflects the Israel statutory rate of 26.5% and 25%, respectively. For 2012 (since income was primarily in the U.S with the December 1, 2012 merger date), the statutory rate reflects the U.S. statutory rate of 35%. As a result of the Stratasys-Objet merger, the tax effect of foreign operations for 2014 and 2013 consists of non-Israel jurisdictions. For 2012, the tax effect of foreign operations consists of non-U.S. jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in evaluating the Company’s tax positions and determining its provision for income taxes. During the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Company establishes 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 the Company believes that certain positions might be challenged despite its belief that its tax return positions are fully supportable. The Company adjusts these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the outcome of a tax audit or changes in the tax law. The provision for income taxes includes the impact of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that are considered appropriate. Accruals for tax contingencies are provided for in accordance with the requirements of ASC 740. The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S., various states, Israel and certain other foreign jurisdictions. In the U.S., Stratasys, Inc. is currently being audited by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for the years 2011 and 2012 and may be subject to examination for 2013. The IRS has completed its examination of Stratasys, Inc.’s federal income tax returns for the years 2009 and 2010. The Company files income tax returns in various jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations. Tax returns of Stratasys Ltd. submitted in Israel through the 2012 tax year are considered to be final following settlement upon audit. The expiration of the statute of limitations related to the various other foreign and state income tax returns that the Company and its subsidiaries file vary by state and foreign jurisdiction. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of $8.6 million and $10.3 million, respectively. If recognized, these benefits would favorably impact the effective tax rate. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: The balance of the reserve for tax uncertainties includes $183 thousand for estimated interest and penalties at December 31, 2014. The Company does not expect uncertain tax positions to change significantly over the next twelve months. The Company is asserting that all future profits in its subsidiaries will be indefinitely reinvested or that there is no expectation to distribute any taxable dividends from these subsidiaries. The determination of the amount of the unrecognized deferred tax liability related to the undistributed earnings is estimated as a non-material amount. December 31, December 31, December 31, 2014 2013 2012 (U.S. $ in thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 10,346 $ 4,041 $ 1,598 Additions for tax positions related to the current year 2,705 3,997 455 Additions for tax positions related to previous years 734 2,562 14 Reduction of reserve for statute expirations (5,233 ) (254 ) (1,156 ) Addition from the Stratasys-Objet merger — — 3,130 Balance at end of year $ 8,552 $ 10,346 $ 4,041 F- 39 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The enacted statutory tax rates applicable to the Company’s major subsidiaries outside of Israel are as follows: Company incorporated in the U.S.—tax rate of 35%. Company incorporated in Germany—tax rate of 27.9%. Company incorporated in Hong Kong—tax rate of 16.5%. A significant portion of the Company’s income after the December 1, 2012 merger date is taxed in Israel. The following is a summary of how the Company’s income is taxed in Israel: a. Basis of taxation: Tax rates: Corporate tax rates in Israel were as follows: 2012 and 2013-25%, 2014 and thereafter-26.5%. The Company elected to compute its taxable income in accordance with Income Tax Regulations (Rules for Accounting for Foreign Investors Companies and Certain Partnerships and Setting their Taxable Income), 1986. Accordingly, the Company’s taxable income or loss is calculated in U.S. dollars. Applying these regulations reduces the effect of foreign exchange rate fluctuations (of the NIS in relation to the U.S. dollar) on the Company’s Israeli taxable income. b. Tax benefits under the Law for Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959 (the “Law”): Various industrial projects of the Company have been granted “Approved Enterprise” and “Beneficiary Enterprise” status, which provides certain benefits, including tax exemptions for undistributed income and reduced tax rates. Income not eligible for Approved Enterprise and Beneficiary Enterprise benefits is taxed at the regular corporate rate, which was 26.5% in 2014. The Company is a Foreign Investors Company, or FIC, as defined by the Israeli Investment Law. FICs are entitled to further reductions in the tax rate normally applicable to Approved Enterprises and Beneficiary Enterprises, depending on the level of foreign ownership. When foreign (non-Israeli) ownership equal or exceeds 90%, the Approved Enterprise and Beneficiary Enterprise income is either tax-exempt for a limit period between two to ten years depending on the location of the enterprise or taxable at a tax rate of 10% for a 10-year period. The Company cannot assure that it will continue to qualify as a FIC in the future or that the benefits described herein will be granted in the future. In the event of distribution of dividends from the said tax-exempt income as described above, the amount distributed will be subject to corporate tax at the rate ordinarily applicable to the Approved Enterprise’s or Beneficiary Enterprise’s income. Dividends paid out of income attributed to Approved Enterprise’s or Beneficiary Enterprise are subject to withholding tax at the source at the rate of 15%, unless a lower rate is provided in a treaty between Israel and the shareholder’s country of residence. The entitlement to the above benefits is conditional upon the Company’s fulfilling the conditions stipulated by the Investment Law and regulations published hereunder. Should the Company fail to meet such requirements in the future, income attributable to its Approved Enterprise and Beneficiary Enterprise programs could be subject to the statutory Israeli corporate tax rate and the Company could be required to refund a portion of the tax benefits already received with respect to such programs. The Company does not intend to distribute any amounts of its undistributed tax-exempt income as dividends, as it intends to reinvest its tax-exempt income within the Company. Accordingly, no deferred income taxes have been provided on income attributable to the Company’s Approved or Beneficiary Enterprise programs, as the undistributed tax exempt income is essentially permanent in duration. As of December 31, 2014, tax-exempt income of approximately $148.1 million is attributable to the Company’s various Approved and Beneficiary Enterprise programs. If such tax exempt income is distributed, it would be taxed at the reduced corporate tax rate applicable to such income, and taxes of approximately $14.8 million would be incurred as of December 31, 2014. A January 2011 amendment to Investment Law (the “2011 Amendment”) sets alternative benefit tracks to those previously in place, as follows: an investment grants track designed for enterprises located in national development F- 40 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS zone A and two new tax benefits tracks (“Preferred Enterprise” and “Special Preferred Enterprise”), which provide for application of a unified tax rate to all preferred income of the company, as defined in the Investment Law. The 2011 Amendment canceled the availability of the benefits granted in accordance with the provisions of the Investment Law prior to 2011 and, instead, introduced new benefits for income generated by a “Preferred Company” through its Preferred Enterprise (as such term is defined in the Investment Law) effective as of January 1, 2011 and thereafter. A Preferred Company is defined as either (i) a company incorporated in Israel and not fully owned by a governmental entity or (ii) a limited partnership that: (a) was registered under the Partnerships Ordinance; (b) all of its limited partners are companies incorporated in Israel, but not all of them are governmental entities, which, among other things, has Preferred Enterprise status and are controlled and managed from Israel. Pursuant to the 2011 Amendment, a Preferred Company is entitled to a reduced corporate flat tax rate of 15% with respect to its preferred income derived by its Preferred Enterprise in 2011-2012, unless the Preferred Enterprise is located in a certain development zone, in which case the rate will be 10%. Such corporate tax rate will be reduced to 12.5% and 7%, respectively, in 2013 and will increase to 16% and 9% in 2014 and thereafter. Income derived by a Preferred Company from a “Special Preferred Enterprise” (as such term is defined in the Investment Law) would be entitled, during a benefits period of 10 years, to further reduced tax rates of 8%, or to 5% if the Special Preferred Enterprise is located in a certain development zone. Dividends paid out of income attributed to a Preferred Enterprise were subject to withholding tax at the source at the rate of 15% before 2014 and 20% in 2014 and thereafter or such lower rate as may be provided in an applicable tax treaty. However, if such dividends are paid to an Israeli company, no tax will be withheld. Should a company elect to implement the 2011 Amendment with respect to its existing Approved and Benefiting Enterprises prior to June 30, 2015, dividends distributed from taxable income derived from Approved Enterprises or Benefiting Enterprises to another Israeli company would also not be subject to tax. The 2011 Amendment also provided transitional provisions to address companies already enjoying current benefits. These transitional provisions provide, among other things, the following: The Company has examined the possible effect, if any, of these provisions of the 2011 Amendment on its financial statements and has decided, at this time, not to opt to apply the new benefits under the 2011 Amendment. c. Tax benefits under the Israeli Law for the Encouragement of Industry (Taxation), 1969: The Company is an “Industrial Company” as defined by the Israeli Law for the Encouragement of Industry (Taxation), 1969, and, as such, is entitled to certain tax benefits including accelerated depreciation, deduction of public offering expenses in three equal annual installments and amortization of other intangible property rights for tax purposes. • The terms and benefits included in any certificate of approval that was granted to an Approved Enterprise that chose to receive grants, before the 2011 Amendment came into effect, will remain subject to the provisions of the Investment Law as in effect on the date of such approval, while provided that certain conditions are met. • The terms and benefits included in any certificate of approval that was granted to an Approved Enterprise, that had participated in an alternative benefits program, before the 2011 Amendment came into effect will remain subject to the provisions of the Investment Law as in effect on the date of such approval, provided that certain conditions are met. However, a company that has such enterprise can file a request with the Israeli Tax Authority, to treat its income derived as of January 1, 2011 as subject to the provisions of the Investment Law as amended in 2011. • A Beneficiary Enterprise can elect to continue to benefit from the benefits provided to it before the 2011 Amendment came into effect, provided that certain conditions are met, or can file a request with the Israeli Tax Authority to treat its income derived as of January 1, 2011 as subject to the provisions of the Investment Law as amended in 2011. Such request may not be withdrawn. F- 41 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies The Company leases certain of its facilities under non-cancellable operating leases, which expire through 2025. Future minimum annual lease payments under all non-cancelable operating leases with an initial term in excess of one year as of December 31, 2014 are as follows: Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $10.7 million, $4.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively. In November 2013, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company entered into an unsecured five-year revolving credit facility (“credit facility”) of up to $250 million, which is intended to serve as the Company’s primary senior unsecured bank credit facility to meet the liquidity needs of the Company. The credit facility matures in October 2018. Interest is calculated at defined margins above the Eurodollar, prime or Federal Funds rates. The obligations under the credit facility are guaranteed collectively by the Company, its active Israeli subsidiaries and certain U.S subsidiaries. The credit facility requires the Company to maintain certain financial ratios and also contains other events of default and covenants that limit various matters. During 2014, the Company has borrowed $50 million under the credit facility. As of December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all the required covenants under the credit facility agreement. As of December 31, 2014, the Company also had obligations in connection with acquisitions, mainly due to the Solid Concepts transaction. For additional information refer to note 2. Claims and Proceedings In December 2008, an employee, whose employment with the Company was subsequently terminated, filed a claim against the Company demanding that, based on an alleged undertaking the Company had made, the Company issue to him an option that would allow him to maintain an equity interest of 1.45% in the Company, as well as reimburse salary reductions he had suffered in an aggregate sum of NIS 552,000 ($142,000). In July 2009, the Company filed its statement of defense, rejecting the claims raised by the former employee. Together with the former employee, the Company initiated mediation of the dispute, but did not reach a settlement. The former employee later amended his initial pleading to seek an additional NIS 441,000 ($113,000) on account of alleged wrongful termination by the Company. The claim was dismissed in November 2013 by the Israeli labor court, also awarding the Company legal expenses of NIS 55,000. The plaintiff has appealed the decisions and the appeal is currently ongoing at the national Israeli labor court. On March 4, 2013, four current or former minority shareholders (two of whom were former directors) of the Company filed two lawsuits against the Company in an Israeli central district court. The lawsuits demand that the Company amend its capitalization table such that certain share issuances prior to the Stratasys-Objet merger to certain of Objet’s shareholders named as defendants would be cancelled, with a consequent issuance of additional shares to the plaintiffs to account for the subsequent dilution to which they have been subject. The lawsuits also name as defendants Elchanan Jaglom, Chairman of the Company’s board of directors, a. Commitments Operating lease payments Year ending December 31, (U.S. $ in thousands) 2015 $ 12,723 2016 11,002 2017 7,097 2018 6,607 2019 6,044 Thereafter 24,607 $ 68,080 b. Contingencies F- 42 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS David Reis, Chief Executive Officer, various shareholders of the Company who were also shareholders of Objet, and, in one of the lawsuits, Ilan Levin, a director. The lawsuits allege in particular that a series of investments in Objet during 2002 and - 2007 was effected at a price per share that was below fair market value, thereby illegally diluting those shareholders that did not participate in the investments. The plaintiffs also allege that a portion of the amount invested in those transactions was actually invested by an investor who was already a shareholder of Objet and allegedly acting in concert with Mr. Jaglom, and that the interest of these two shareholders in these transactions was not properly disclosed to the minority shareholders at the time. The lawsuits furthermore claim that the Company effectively engaged in backdating the issuance of certain shares, in that shares that Objet reported as having been issued in 2006 and 2007 were actually issued at a subsequent date—as late as 2009. The Company filed its statements of defense in May 2013 denying the plaintiffs’ claims. Also, the Company filed motion to dismiss the claims on grounds of statute of limitations, laches and lack of cause. On April 8, 2014, the court held a hearing on the motion and the parties submitted summation briefs. The court's decision is pending. On February 5, 9, and 20, 2015, lawsuits styled as class actions were commenced in the United States District Courts for the District of Minnesota, the Southern District of New York, and the Eastern District of New York, respectively, naming the Company and certain of the Company’s officers as defendants. The lawsuits allege violations of the Exchange Act in connection with allegedly false and misleading statements concerning the Company’s business and prospects. The plaintiffs seek damages and awards of reasonable costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees. These lawsuits are in their initial stages and no substantive proceedings have occurred to date. The Company intends to mount vigorous defenses to these lawsuits. The Company is a party to various other legal proceedings, the outcome of which, in the opinion of management, will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company. Note 10. Equity On September 18, 2013, the Company completed a follow-on public offering of 5.2 million of its ordinary shares and received net proceeds of $462.9 million. During 2012, Hewlett-Packard Company exercised its warrant to purchase 0.5 million shares of the Company through a “cashless exercise”in accordance with the terms of the warrant and was issued 360,115 shares. The Company received a tax benefit of $6.1 million in excess of the tax benefit based on intrinsic value on date of issuance of the warrant and the tax benefit is reflected as an increase to additional paid-in capital in the statement of changes in equity. As discussed in note 2, the Stratasys-Objet merger was accounted for as reverse acquisition with Objet as the legal acquirer and Stratasys, Inc. as the accounting acquirer. Under reverse acquisition accounting, the U.S. dollar amount for ordinary shares is based on the nominal value and number of shares issued by Objet (reflecting the legal structure of Objet as the legal acquirer) on the merger date plus subsequent shares issued by the Company. The amounts in additional paid-in capital represent that of Stratasys, Inc. and include the fair value of shares deemed for accounting purposes to have been issued by Stratasys, Inc. on the merger date and the fair value of the Objet stock options included in the purchase price calculation. The Stratasys, Inc. additional paid-in capital was also adjusted for the difference between the number of ordinary shares discussed in note 2 above and the historical number of shares of Stratasys, Inc. common stock, as well as the elimination of the recorded number of Stratasys, Inc. treasury stock. In September, 2012 Objet shareholders adopted resolutions according to which, upon the effectiveness of the merger, the Company’s authorized share capital was reduced to 60 million ordinary shares of a nominal value of NIS 0.01 each. All outstanding ordinary shares are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. a. Share capital F- 43 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The current authorized share capital reflects (i) the automatic conversion of all Objet preferred shares and options to purchase preferred shares outstanding prior to the effective time of the merger into ordinary shares and options to purchase ordinary shares, respectively, on a one-for-one basis, in accordance with the articles of association of Objet in effect prior to the closing of the merger, and (ii) a one-for-8.691 reverse stock split ratio and accompanying reduction in Objet’s authorized share capital from NIS 5 million to NIS 0.6 million and a corresponding reduction in the nominal value per share from NIS 0.0833 to NIS 0.01, each of which became effective at the effective time of the merger. At the Company’s annual general meeting held in June 2013, the Company’s shareholders approved an amendment to the Company’s articles of association to increase the number of ordinary shares the Company is authorized to issue to 180 million and correspondingly to increase the Company’s share capital to NIS1.8 million. The Stratasys Ltd. 2012 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2012 Plan”), which became effective upon closing of the Stratasys-Objet merger, provides for the grant of options, restricted shares, restricted share units (“RSUs”) and other share-based awards to the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ respective directors, employees, officers, consultants, and advisors and to any other person whose services are considered valuable to the Company or any of its affiliates. Under the 2012 plan, options and RSUs generally have a contractual term of ten years from the grant date. Options granted become exercisable over the vesting period, which is normally a four-year period beginning on the grant date, subject to the employee’s continuing service to the Company. As of December 31, 2014, 3.1 million shares were available for equity awards under the 2012 plan. On January 1, 2015, the reserve pool under the 2012 plan was automatically increased by 0.5 million shares. Stratasys-Objet merger stock options The Company recognized a one-time stock compensation expense of $4.5 million in 2012 in connection with stock options granted by Stratasys, Inc. prior to the date of the merger agreement and certain options granted in May 2012, all of which became fully exercisable under their terms on completion of the merger. Stratasys, Inc. options outstanding on the merger date were replaced with Company options with the same terms and equivalent value. Objet options outstanding on the merger date remained outstanding under their original terms. Under purchase accounting, the value of options that were vested and exercisable on the merger date was included as part of the purchase price. The value of options with remaining vesting after the merger date was re-valued as of the merger date and that value will be reflected in stock compensation expense over the remaining vesting period. The valuation on the merger date used assumptions of risk free interest rate of 0.4% to 0.5%; expected option terms of 2.5 to 3.7 years; expected price volatility of 60.7% to 62.6%; and no dividend yield. A summary of the stock option activity (reflecting historical Stratasys, Inc. stock options prior to the Stratasys-Objet merger date) for the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows: b. Stock-based compensation plans Per Share Weighted Average Number of Options Exercise Price Exercise Price Options outstanding as of December 31, 2013 2,007,433 $ 2.21 – $ 120.51 $ 29.66 Granted in 2014 239,583 91.48 – 115.12 103.55 GrabCAD options from merger in 2014 72,876 2.89 – 9.32 7.28 Exercised in 2014 (557,605 ) 2.21 – 99.01 14.14 Forfeited in 2014 (43,046 ) 2.74 – 120.51 52.22 Options outstanding as of December 31, 2014 1,719,241 2.21 – 120.51 43.89 Exercisable options as of December 31, 2014 870,569 $ 2.21 – $ 120.51 $ 22.70 F- 44 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014: The weighted average life remaining on vested options was 3.8 years at December 31, 2014. The weighted average grant date fair value based on the Black-Scholes model was $60.82 for options granted in 2014. The Company issues new ordinary shares upon exercise of stock options. The total intrinsic value of options exercised was approximately $55.6 million in 2014, $160.1 million in 2013 and $74.5 million in 2012. The Company used the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of grants made in 2014, 2013 and 2012. The following assumptions were applied in determining the compensation cost: As of December 31, 2014, there were 848,672 unvested options of the Company. As of December 31, 2014, the unrecognized compensation cost related to all unvested stock options of $36.1 million is expected to be recognized as an expense over a weighted-average period of 1.36 years. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company granted RSUs for 475,511 and 215,153 ordinary shares of the Company at a weighted average fair value of $92.66 and $97.88, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense equal to the aggregate fair value of the RSUs at grant date, less an estimate of forfeitures, is being recorded on a straight-line basis over the four-year vesting period. As of December 31, 2014, the unrecognized compensation cost related to all unvested RSUs of $56.1 million is expected to be recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over a weighted-average period of 3.52 years. Equity classified stock-based compensation expenses included in the Company’s Statements of Operations were: Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Outstanding Weighted- Average Exercisable options at Remaining Weighted- Average options at Weighted- Average Range of December 31, Contractual Exercise December 31, Exercise Exercise Prices 2014 Life in Years Price 2014 Price $ 2.21 – $ 9.90 579,605 3.95 $ 6.90 478,305 $ 6.79 9.91 – 46.87 552,969 2.98 28.88 282,495 24.98 46.88 – 101.98 387,097 8.60 86.58 108,750 85.79 $ 101.99 – $ 120.51 199,570 8.48 106.34 1,019 120.51 1,719,241 $ 43.89 870,569 $ 22.70 Aggregate intrinsic value (U.S. $ in thousands) $ 74,501 $ 53,010 2014 2013 2012 Risk-free interest rate 1.3% - 2.0% 1.4% - 1.7% 0.8 % Expected option term (years) 4.2 - 6.5 5.1 - 5.2 4.5 Expected price volitility 45.8% - 47.6% 56% - 57% 62 % Dividend yield — — — Weighted average grant date fair value $ 60.82 $ 40.94 $ 22.36 2014 2013 2012 U.S. $ in thousamds Cost of sales $ 4,495 $ 2,980 $ 603 Research and development, net 4,862 3,491 960 Selling, general and administrative 20,850 17,791 7,311 Total stock-based compensation expenses $ 30,207 $ 24,262 $ 8,874 F- 45 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The following table presents the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes for the year ended December 31, 2014: Realized gains and losses on cash flow hedges were reclassified to research and development and selling and general and administrative expenses. Other reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income were reclassified to financial income (expense), net. Note 11. Derivatives and Hedging Activities The Company carries out transactions involving foreign currency exchange derivative financial instruments. The transactions are designed to hedge the Company’s exposure in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The Company is primarily exposed to foreign exchange risk with respect to recognized assets and liabilities, forecasted transactions and net assets denominated in the New Israeli Shekel (“NIS”) and the Euro. The Company manages its foreign currency exposures on a consolidated basis, which allows the Company to net exposures and take advantage of any natural offsets. In addition, the Company uses derivative instruments to reduce the net exposure to foreign exchange. Gains and losses on the hedging instruments offset losses and gains on the hedged items. Financial markets and currency volatility may limit the Company’s ability to hedge these exposures. The following table summarizes the consolidated balance sheets classification and fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments: c. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Year ended December 31, 2014 Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Total (U.S. $ in thousands) Balance as of January 1, 2014 $ 153 $ 1,922 $ (167 ) $ 1,908 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications (2,222 ) (4,326 ) — (6,548 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income 826 — 167 993 Other comprehensive income (loss) (1,396 ) (4,326 ) 167 (5,555 ) Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ (1,243 ) $ (2,404 ) $ — $ (3,647 ) Fair Value Notional Amount December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, Balance sheet location 2014 2013 2014 2013 (U.S. $ in thousands) Assets derivatives -Foreign exchange contracts, not designated as hedging instruments Other current assets $ 3,753 $ 301 $ 45,000 $ 12,490 Assets derivatives -Foreign exchange contracts, designated as cash flow hedge Other current assets — 153 — 5,760 Liability derivatives -Foreign exchange contracts, not designated as hedging instruments Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (2,901 ) (1,543 ) 18,424 54,000 Liability derivatives -Foreign exchange contracts, designated as cash flow hedge Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (1,243 ) — 38,426 — $ (391 ) $ (1,089 ) $ 101,850 $ 72,250 F- 46 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Foreign exchange forward contracts are valued primarily based on observable inputs, including interest rate curves and both forward and spot prices for currencies (Level 2 inputs). As of December 31, 2014, the Company had foreign exchange forward contracts, not designated as hedging instruments in effect for the conversion of $45.0 million into €33.9 million and $18.4 million into NIS 66.3 million. These derivatives are primarily used to reduce the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on certain balance sheet exposures. With respect to such derivatives, gain of $4.4 million was recognized under financial income (expense), net for the year ended December 31, 2014. Such gain partially offset the revaluation of the balance sheet items, which are also recorded under financial income (expense), net. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had foreign exchange forward contracts in effect for the conversion of $38.4 million designated as a cash flow hedge for accounting purposes. The Company uses short-term cash flow hedge contracts to reduce its exposure to variability in expected future cash flows resulting mainly from payroll costs denominated in New Israeli Shekels. The net changes in fair value of those contracts of $1.4 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, are included in the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). These contracts mature through September 30, 2015. Note 12. Entity-Wide Disclosure Net sales by geographic area were as follows*: *Net sales are attributed to geographic areas based on the location of customer Property, plant and equipment by geographical area were as follows: Property, plant and equipment that were located in Israel amounted to $31.5 million and $20.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively and are included under the EMEA region in the above table. No single customer accounted for 10% or more of Company’s total net sales, or Company’s net accounts receivable, in any fiscal year presented. Year ended December 31, 2014 2013 2012 (U.S. $ in thousands) North America $ 405,880 $ 262,614 $ 113,854 EMEA 183,462 126,214 62,781 Asia Pacific 150,475 90,023 35,450 Other 10,312 5,552 3,159 $ 750,129 $ 484,403 $ 215,244 December 31, 2014 2013 (U.S. $ in thousands) North America $ 106,899 $ 63,141 EMEA 46,239 25,360 Asia Pacific 3,805 2,504 Other 93 — $ 157,036 $ 91,005 F- 47 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 13. Retirement Plans and Employee Rights Upon Termination Israeli law generally requires the Company to pay a severance payment upon dismissal of an employee or upon termination of employment in certain other circumstances. The Company makes ongoing deposits into its Israeli employee pension plans to fund their severance liabilities. According to the general collective pension agreement in Israel, Company deposits with respect to employees who were employed by the Company after the agreement took effect are made in lieu of the Company’s severance liability therefore, no obligation is provided for in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Severance pay liabilities with respect to employees who were employed by the Company prior to the collective pension agreement effective date, as well as employees who have special contractual arrangements, are provided for in the Company’s consolidated financial statements based upon the number of years of service and their latest monthly salary. These liabilities, in the amount of $3.2 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, are presented on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets under other non-current liabilities. The liability is funded in part from the purchase of insurance policies or by the establishment of pension funds with dedicated deposits in the funds. The amounts used to fund these liabilities are included in the balance sheets under other non-current assets. These policies are the Company’s assets. However, under employment agreements and subject to certain limitations, any policy may be transferred to the ownership of the individual employee for whose benefit the funds were deposited. In accordance with its current employment agreements with certain employees, the Company makes regular deposits with certain insurance companies for accounts controlled by each applicable employee in order to secure the employee’s rights upon retirement. The Company is fully relieved from any severance pay liability with respect to each such employee after it makes the payments on behalf of the employee. The liability accrued in respect of these employees and the amounts funded, as of the respective agreement dates, are not reflected in the Company’s balance sheets, as the amounts funded are not under the control and management of the Company and the pension or severance pay risks have been irrevocably transferred to the applicable insurance companies (the “Contribution Plans”). The Company has a defined contribution retirement plan (the “Plan”) under the provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) that covers eligible U.S. employees as defined in the Plan. Participants may elect to contribute up to 50% of pre-tax annual compensation, as defined by the Plan, up to a maximum amount prescribed by the Code. The Company, at its discretion, makes matching contributions equal to the lesser of $3,000 or 3% of the participant’s annual compensation. On January 1, 2014, the Company changed its contributions to the lesser of $3,000 or 4% of the participant’s annual compensation. The Company, at its discretion, may make additional contributions, also subject to Code limitations. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 the Company made 401(k) Plan contributions of approximately $2.8 million, $1.1 million and $0.8 million respectively. Note 14. Computation of net income (loss) per share The Company complies with ASC 260, Earnings Per Share , which requires dual presentation of basic and diluted income (loss) per ordinary share attributable to Stratasys Ltd. for all periods presented. Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the reporting periods. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed using the weighted-average number of ordinary shares and the potential dilutive ordinary shares outstanding during the period. Potential diluted shares outstanding include the dilutive effect of in-the-money options and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) using the treasury stock method, as well as, shares held back from issuance in connection with the MakerBot transaction. In addition, the effect of the earn-out obligation is included in basic net income (loss) per share calculation only when there is no circumstance under which the earn-out settlement shares would not be issued. When calculating diluted net income (loss) per share, earn-out obligation settlement shares are included in the denominator of the calculation as of the beginning of the interim period in which the earn-out conditions are satisfied. F- 48 STRATASYS LTD. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share: The computation of diluted net income (loss) per share excluded stock options, RSUs and shares held back in connection with the MakerBot transaction to purchase 3.0 million, 2.9 million and 0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, because their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive effect on the diluted net income (loss) per share. Year ended December 31, 2014 2013 2012 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Numerator: Net income (loss) – numerator for basic net income (loss) per share $ (119,420 ) $ (26,954 ) $ 8,491 Add: Dilutive effect of earn-out obligation — (1,683 ) — Numerator for diluted income (loss) per share $ (119,420 ) $ (28,637 ) $ 8,491 Denominator: Weighted average shares – denominator for basic net income (loss) per share 50,019 42,079 22,812 Add: Dilutive effect of earn-out obligation — 20 — Additional shares from the assumed exercise of employee stock options — — 964 Denominator for diluted income (loss) per share 50,019 42,099 23,776 Net income (loss) per share Basic $ (2.39 ) $ (0.64 ) $ 0.37 Diluted $ (2.39 ) $ (0.68 ) $ 0.36 F- 49  Years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 (in thousands): SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES COLUMN A Column B Column C - Additions Column D Column E Description Balances at beginning of period Charged to costs and expenses Charged to other accounts Deductions Balances at end of period 2014 Reserve for bad debts and allowances $ 1,987 $ 958 $ — $ 1,468 $ 1,477 2013 Reserve for bad debts and allowances $ 955 $ 1,300 $ — $ 268 $ 1,987 2012 Reserve for bad debts and allowances $ 1,319 $ 232 $ — $ 596 $ 955 S-1 ITEM 19. EXHIBITS. Item 19. Exhibits . Exhibit Number Document Description 1.1 Amended and Restated Articles of Association of Stratasys Ltd. (1) 1.2 Memorandum of Association of Stratasys Ltd. (2) 2.1 Specimen ordinary share certificate of Stratasys Ltd. ( 3 ) 4.1 Stratasys Ltd. (formerly known as Objet Geometries Ltd.) Amended and Restated 2004 Omnibus Stock Option and Restricted Stock Incentive Plan( 4 ) 4.2.1 Stratasys Ltd. 2012 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan ( 5 ) 4.2.2 Amendment to Stratasys Ltd. 2012 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan ( 6 ) 4.3 Form of Indemnification Agreement by and between Stratasys Ltd. and each of its directors and executive officers ( 7 ) 4.4 Employment Agreement, dated September 15, 2008, by and between Stratasys Ltd. (formerly known as Objet Geometries Ltd.) and David Reis ( 8 ) 4.5 Employment Agreement, dated June 27, 2011, by and between Stratasys Ltd. (formerly known as Objet Ltd.) and Ilan Levin ( 9 ) 4.6 OEM Purchase and License Agreement, effective as of May 5, 2011, by and between Stratasys Ltd. (formerly known as Objet Geometries Ltd.) and Ricoh Printing Systems America, Inc. ( 10 )# 4.7 Assignment, dated October 23, 1989, from S. Scott Crump to Stratasys, Inc. (a subsidiary of Stratasys Ltd.) with respect to a patent application for an apparatus and method for creating three-dimensional objects ( 11 ) 4.8 Assignment, dated June 5, 1992, from S. Scott Crump to Stratasys, Inc. (a subsidiary of Stratasys Ltd.) with respect to a patent application for a modeling apparatus for three dimensional objects ( 11 ) 4.9 Assignment, dated June 1, 1994, from S. Scott Crump, James W. Comb, William R. Priedeman, Jr., and Robert Zinniel to Stratasys, Inc. (a subsidiary of Stratasys Ltd.) with respect to a patent application for a process and apparatus of support removal for three-dimensional modeling ( 11 ) 4.10 Credit Agreement, dated November 7, 2014, by and among Stratasys Ltd., Stratasys International Ltd., Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Swing Line Lender, and the lenders party thereto ( 12 ) 4.11 Stratasys Ltd. Compensation Policy for Executive Officers and Directors ( 13 ) 8.1 Subsidiary List of Stratasys Ltd. 12.1 Certificate of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/Rule 15d-14(a) under the Exchange Act 12.2 Certificate of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/Rule 15d-14(a) under the Exchange Act 13 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b)/Rule 15d-14(b) under the Exchange Act and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 15.1 Consent of Kesselman & Kesselman, a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, an independent registered public accounting firm 101 The following financial information from Stratasys Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2014 formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated 118  # Portions of this exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the SEC pursuant to a confidential treatment request. Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012; and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text. Users of this data are advised, in accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T promulgated by the SEC, that this Interactive Data File is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, and otherwise is not subject to liability under those sections. (1) Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the registrant’s proxy statement for its February 3, 2015 extraordinary general meeting of shareholders, attached as Exhibit 99.1 to the registrant’s report of foreign private issuer on Form 6-K furnished to the SEC on January 6, 2015 (2) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to the registrant’s registration statement on Form F-4, SEC File No. 333-182025, filed with the SEC on June 8, 2012 (3) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to the registrant’s registration statement on Form F-4, SEC File No. 333-182025, filed with the SEC on June 8, 2012 (4) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the registrant’s registration statement on Form F-4, SEC File No. 333-182025, filed with the SEC on June 8, 2012 (5) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the registrant’s registration statement on Form F-4, SEC File No. 333-182025, filed with the SEC on June 8, 2012 ( 6 ) Incorporated by reference to Proposal 3 of the registrant’s proxy statement for its February 2013 extraordinary general meeting of shareholders, attached as Exhibit 99.1 to the registrant’s report of foreign private issuer on Form 6-K furnished to the SEC on January 28, 2013 (7) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the registrant’s registration statement on Form F-4, SEC File No. 333-182025, filed with the SEC on June 8, 2012 (8) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the registrant’s registration statement on Form F-4, SEC File No. 333-182025, filed with the SEC on June 8, 2012 (9) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the registrant’s registration statement on Form F-4, SEC File No. 33-99108) filed with the SEC on June 8, 2012 (10) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the registrant’s registration statement on Form F-4, SEC File No. 333-182025, filed with the SEC on June 8, 2012 (11) Incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to Stratasys, Inc. ’s registration statement on Form SB - 2 ( SEC File No. 333- 99108) filed with the SEC on December 20, 1995 (12) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s report of foreign private issuer on Form 6-K furnished to the SEC on November 7, 2013 (13) Incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the registrant’s proxy statement for its February 3, 2015 extraordinary general meeting of shareholders, attached as Exhibit 99.2 to the registrant’s report of foreign private issuer on Form 6-K furnished to the SEC on January 6, 2015 119 SIGNATURES The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report filed on its behalf. STRATASYS LTD. /s/ David Reis David Reis Chief Executive Officer March 3, 2015 120 EXHIBIT 8.1 Subsidiaries JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION ENTITY OR ORGANIZATION Stratasys, Inc. Delaware Objet Geometries Inc. (dba Objet Inc.) Delaware Stratasys AP Limited Hong Kong Stratasys Shanghai Ltd. China Stratasys GMBH Germany Technimold, S.R.L. Italy Stratasys Japan Co. Ltd. Japan Stratasys International Ltd. Israel Stratasys Direct, Inc. California Solidscape, Inc. Delaware Stratasys Advanced Technologies, Inc. Delaware Stratasys Schweiz AG (Stratasys Switzerland Ltd.) Switzerland Stratasys Singapore Pte. Ltd. (Singapore) Singapore Stratasys Latin America Representacao De Equipamentos Ltd., Brazil Stratasys Korea Ltd. Korea Baccio Corporation Delaware MakerBot Industries, LLC New York Thinginverse, LLC New York GrabCAD, Inc. Delaware GrabCAD UK Limited England GrabCAD OU Republic of Estonia Exhibit 12.1 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a)/RULE 15d-14(a) UNDER THE EXCHANGE ACT I, David Reis, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Stratasys Ltd.; 2. Based on my knowledge, this 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 report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The company’s other certifying officer(s) 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 Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have: 5. The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): (a) 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 company, 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; (b) 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; (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’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 (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’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 company’s internal control over financial reporting; and (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 company’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 company’s internal control over financial reporting. Date: March 3, 2015 /s/ David Reis David Reis Chief Executive Officer Exhibit 12.2 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a)/RULE 15d-14(a) UNDER THE EXCHANGE ACT I, Erez Simha, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Stratasys Ltd.; 2. Based on my knowledge, this 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 report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The company’s other certifying officer(s) 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 Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have: 5. The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): (a) 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 company, 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; (b) 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; (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’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 (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’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 company’s internal control over financial reporting; and (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 company’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 company’s internal control over financial reporting. Date: March 3, 2015 /s/ Erez Simha Erez Simha Chief Financial Officer Exhibit 13 CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(b)/RULE 15d-14(b) UNDER THE EXCHANGE ACT AND 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 In connection with the Annual Report of Stratasys Ltd. (the “ Company ”) on Form 20-F for the period ended December 31, 2014 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “ Report ”), we, David Reis, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Erez Simha, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b)/Rule 15d-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that: (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company. Dated: March 3, 2015 By /s/ David Reis David Reis Chief Executive Officer By /s/ Erez Simha Erez Simha Chief Financial Officer Exhibit 15.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (No. 333-185240 and 333-190963) and Form F-3 (No. 333-190965) of Stratasys Ltd. of our report dated March 3, 2015 relating to the financial statements, financial statement schedule, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, that appears in this Form 20-F. /s/ Kesselman & Kesselman Certified Public Accountants (Isr.) A member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited Tel-Aviv, Israel March 3, 2015 Kesselman & Kesselman, Trade Tower, 25 Hamered Street, Tel-Aviv 68125, Israel, P.O Box 50005 Tel-Aviv 61500 Telephone: +972-3-7954555, Fax:+972-3-7954556, www.pwc.com/il Kesselman & Kesselman is a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each member firm of which is a separate legal entity 

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