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Formula Systems (1985) Ltd – ‘20-F’ for 12/31/15

On:  Monday, 5/16/16, at 4:04pm ET   ·   For:  12/31/15   ·   Accession #:  1144204-16-102542   ·   File #:  0-29442

Previous ‘20-F’:  ‘20-F/A’ on 6/30/15 for 12/31/14   ·   Next:  ‘20-F’ on 5/16/17 for 12/31/16   ·   Latest:  ‘20-F/A’ on 12/11/23 for 12/31/22

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  As Of               Filer                 Filing    For·On·As Docs:Size             Issuer                      Filing Agent

 5/16/16  Formula Systems (1985) Ltd        20-F       12/31/15  126:16M                                    Toppan Merrill/FA

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 20-F

OR

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015

OR

For the transition period from __________ to ___________

OR

Date of event requiring this shell company report ______________

Commission File Number: 000-29442

FORMULA SYSTEMS (1985) LTD.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter
and translation of Registrant’s name into English)

Israel

(Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)

5 Haplada Street, Or Yehuda 60218, Israel

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

Asaf Berenstin; 5 Haplada Street, Or Yehuda 60218, Israel

Tel: 972 3 5389487, Fax: 972 3 5389645

(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile Number and Address of Company Contact Person)

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

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None

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:

As of December 31, 2015, the registrant had 14,728,782 outstanding ordinary shares, NIS 1 par value, of which 210,791 were represented by American Depositary Shares.

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

Yes ¨ No x

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes ¨ No x

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

Yes x No ¨

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 x No ¨

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

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 ¨ Item 18 ¨

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

Yes ¨ No x

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

INTRODUCTION

This annual report on Form 20-F contains various "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, with respect to our business, financial condition and results of operations. Such forward-looking statements reflect our current view with respect to future events and financial results. Statements which use the terms “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements. We remind readers that forward-looking statements are merely predictions and therefore inherently subject to uncertainties and other factors and involve known and unknown risks that could cause the actual results, performance, levels of activity, or our achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance, levels of activity, or our achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States, we undertake no obligation to publicly release any update or revision to any forward looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances, or otherwise after the date hereof. We have attempted to identify significant uncertainties and other factors affecting forward-looking statements in the Risk Factors section that appears in Item 3D. “Key Information - Risk Factors.”

Our consolidated financial statements appearing in this annual report are prepared in U.S. dollars and in accordance with Untied States generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP. All references in this annual report to “dollars” or “$” are to U.S. dollars and all references in this annual report to “NIS” are to New Israeli Shekels. References to the Israeli CPI refer to the Israeli consumer price index.

Statements made in this annual report concerning the contents of any contract, agreement or other document are summaries of such contracts, agreements or documents and are not complete descriptions of all of their terms. If we filed any of these documents as an exhibit to this annual report or to any previous filling with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, you may read the document itself for a complete recitation of its terms.

As used in this annual report, references to “we,” “our,” “ours” and “us” refer to Formula Systems (1985) Ltd. and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated. References to “Formula” refer to Formula Systems (1985) Ltd. alone. Our operations are currently conducted through our subsidiaries –, Matrix IT Ltd., or Matrix, and, InSync Staffing Solutions, Inc., or InSync, and our affiliated companies Sapiens International Corporation N.V., or Sapiens, Magic Software Enterprises Ltd., or Magic Software and TSG Advanced IT Systems, Ltd., or TSG. following our acquisition of a 50% share interest in TSG on May 9, 2016).

From January 28, 2012 through November 18, 2013, when we lost control of Sapiens for accounting purposes (under U.S. GAAP) following Formula’s direct interest in Sapiens outstanding common shares decreasing from 56.8% to 48.8% and from December 23, 2014, when we regained control of Sapiens, through September 30, 2015, when we lost control of Sapiens for accounting purposes (under U.S. GAAP) following Formula’s direct interest in Sapiens outstanding common shares decreasing from 50% to 49.1%, Sapiens was our subsidiary. Through March 5, 2014, when we lost control of Magic Software for accounting purposes (under U.S. GAAP) following Formula’s direct interest in Magic outstanding ordinary shares decreasing from 51.4% to 45.1%, Magic Software was our subsidiary.

All trademarks appearing in this annual report are the property of their respective holders.

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

The following tables present selected consolidated financial data as of the dates and for each of the periods indicated. The selected consolidated financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with and are qualified entirely by reference to Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this annual report.

We have derived the following consolidated income statement data for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2014 and 2015 from our audited consolidated financial statements and notes included elsewhere in this annual report. We have derived the consolidated income statement data for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 from our audited consolidated financial statements that are not included in this annual report. Our historical consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP and presented in U.S. dollars. During 2014, certain insignificant irregularities were discovered in one of our subsidiaries which affected certain income statement line items for the year’s 2009 through-2013. These irregularities were corrected retroactively and such corrections are reflected in the Income Statement Data presented below. You should read the selected consolidated financial data together with our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report and with “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.”

Income Statement Data:

Balance Sheet Data:

1) As indicated above, the balance sheet data as of December 31, 2014 and the statement of income data for the year ended December 31, 2015 reflect the carrying amounts combination between Sapiens and Insseco as of December 31, 2014 and as of January 1, 2015, respectively, consistent with the pooling of interest accounting method that we applied to the acquisition of Insseco.

Dividends

In January 2016, Formula declared a cash dividend to its shareholders, to be paid in February 2016, of $0.34 per share. The aggregate amount distributed by Formula was approximately $5.0 million.

In June 2015, Formula declared a cash dividend to its shareholders, to be paid in August 2015, of $0.34 per share. The aggregate amount distributed by Formula was approximately $5.0 million.

In December 2014, Formula declared a cash dividend to its shareholders, to be paid in February 2015, of $0.535 per share. The aggregate amount distributed by Formula was approximately $7.9 million.

In July 2014, Formula distributed to its shareholders a cash dividend of $0.48 per share. The aggregate amount distributed by Formula was approximately $7.1 million.

In December 2013, Formula declared a cash dividend to its shareholders, to be paid on February 2014, of $0.31 per share. The aggregate amount distributed by Formula was approximately $4.6 million.

In July 2013, Formula distributed to its shareholders a cash dividend of $0.37 per share. The aggregate amount distributed by Formula was approximately $5.4 million.

In June 2011, Formula distributed to its shareholders a cash dividend of $0.71 per share. The aggregate amount distributed by Formula was approximately $10 million.

In April 2010, Formula distributed to its shareholders a cash dividend of $1.47 per share, previously announced in March 2010. The aggregate amount distributed by Formula was approximately $20 million.

Under Formula’s dividend policy adopted by its board of directors, sums that are not planned to be used for investments in the near future may be distributed to the shareholders as a cash dividend, to the extent that our performance allows for such distribution and subject to applicable Israeli law.

Cash dividends may be declared and paid in NIS or dollars. Dividends to the holders of Formula’s American Depositary Shares, or ADSs, are paid by the depositary of the ADSs, for the benefit of owners of ADSs. If a dividend is declared and paid in NIS in Israel, the NIS amount is converted into, and paid out in, dollars by the depositary of the ADSs.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Our business prospects, operating results and financial condition could be seriously harmed due to any of the following risks. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are not aware of or that we currently believe are immaterial may also adversely affect our business prospects, financial condition, and results of operations. The trading prices of our ordinary shares and ADSs could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Related to Our Business and Our Industry

Rapid technological changes may adversely affect the market acceptance of our products and services, and our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected; adapting to evolving technologies can require substantial financial investments, distract management and adversely affect the demand for our existing products or services.

We compete in markets that are characterized by rapid technological changes. Other companies are also seeking to offer software solutions and other products and services in our markets, including enterprise mobility solutions, internet-related solutions, such as cloud computing and business solutions for the insurance and financial services industry, all to generate growth. These companies may develop technological or business model innovations in the markets that we seek to address that are, or are perceived to be, equivalent or superior to our products. Furthermore, many of our smaller competitors have been acquired by larger competitors, which provides such smaller competitors with greater resources and potentially a larger client base for which they can develop solutions. Our customers or potential customers may prefer suppliers that are larger than us, are better known in the market or that have a greater global reach.

In addition, our customers’ business models may change in ways that we do not anticipate and these changes could reduce or eliminate our customers’ needs for our products and services. Our operating results depend on our ability to adapt to market changes and develop and introduce new products and services into existing and emerging markets.

The introduction of new technologies and devices could render existing products and services obsolete and unmarketable and could exert price pressures on our products and services. Our future success will depend upon our ability to address the increasingly sophisticated needs of our customers by:

·     Supporting existing and emerging hardware, software, databases and networking platforms; and

·     Developing and introducing new and enhanced software development technology and applications that keep pace with such technological developments, emerging new product markets and changing customer requirements.

Adapting to evolving technologies can require substantial financial investments, distract management and adversely affect the demand for our existing products and services.

Adapting to evolving technologies may require us to invest a significant amount of resources into the development, integration, support and marketing of products and services that work with or utilize those technologies. For example, the acceptance and growth of cloud computing, enterprise mobility, security and cyber and digital are examples of rapid technological changes for which we have adapted our products and software services offerings. Developing and implementing cloud computing, enterprise mobility, security and cyber and digital into certain of our software solution models and software services offerings required us to make a substantial financial investment and required significant attention from our management to refine our business strategies to include the delivery of these solutions. As the market continues to adopt new technologies, we expect to continue to make substantial investments in our service solutions and system integrations related to these changing technologies. Even if we succeed in adapting to a new technology by developing attractive products and services and successfully bringing them to market, there is no assurance that the new product or service will have a positive impact on our financial performance and could even result in lower revenue, lower margins and higher costs and therefore could negatively impact our financial performance.

Unfavorable national and global economic conditions could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.

During periods of slowing economic activity our customers may reduce their demand for our products, technology and software services, which would reduce our sales, and our business, operating results and financial condition may be adversely affected. Economies throughout the world currently face a number of challenges, including threatened sovereign defaults, credit downgrades, restricted credit for businesses and consumers and potentially falling demand for a variety of products and services. Notwithstanding the improving economic conditions in some of our markets, many companies are still cutting back expenditures or delaying plans to add additional personnel or systems. Any further worsening of global economic conditions could result in longer sales cycles, slower adoption of new technologies and increased price competition for our products and services. We could also be exposed to credit risk and payment delinquencies on our accounts receivable, which are not covered by collateral. Any of these events would likely harm our business, operating results and financial condition.

Our development cycles are lengthy, we may not have the resources available to complete development of new, enhanced or modified, solutions and we may incur significant expenses before we generate revenues, if any, from our solutions.

Because development of a significant portion of our solutions is complex and requires rigorous testing, development cycles can be lengthy, taking us up to two years to develop and introduce new, enhanced or modified solutions. Moreover, development projects can be technically challenging and expensive. The nature of these development cycles may cause us to experience delays between the time we incur expenses associated with research and development and the time we generate revenues, if any, from such expenses. Furthermore, we may invest substantial resources in the development of solutions that do not achieve market acceptance or commercial success. We may also not have sufficient funds or other resources to make the required investments in product development. Even where we succeed in our sales efforts and obtain new orders from customers, the complexity involved in delivering certain of our solutions to such customers makes it more difficult for us to consummate delivery in a timely manner and to recognize revenue and maximize profitability. Failure to deliver our solutions in a timely manner could result in order cancellations, damage our reputation and require us to indemnify our customers. Any of these risks relating to our lengthy and expensive development cycle could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial conditions and results of operations.

Our sales cycle is variable, depends upon many factors outside our control, and could cause us to expend significant time and resources prior to earning associated revenues.

The typical sales cycle for certain of our solutions and services is lengthy and unpredictable, requires pre-purchase evaluation by a significant number of persons in our customers’ organizations, and often involves a significant operational decision by our customers. Our sales efforts involve educating our customers and industry analysts about the use and benefits of our products and services, including the technical capabilities of our products and the potential cost savings achievable by organizations deploying our solutions or utilize our services. Customers typically undertake a significant evaluation process, which frequently involves not only our products, but also those of our competitors and can result in a lengthy sales cycle with little or no control over any delays encountered by us. We spend substantial time, effort and money in our sales efforts without any assurance that such efforts will produce any sales.

If our products and software services fail to compete successfully with those of our competitors, we may have to reduce the prices of our products, which, in turn, may adversely affect our business.

We face competition, both in Israel and internationally, from a variety of companies, including companies with significantly greater resources than ours who are likely to enjoy substantial competitive advantages, including:

·     longer operating histories;

·     closer proximity to future markets;

greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources;

cheaper costs, including labor cost;

political leverage;

·     greater name recognition;

·     well-established relationships with our current and potential clients; and

·     a broader range of products and services.

Magic Software competes with other companies in the areas of application platforms, business integration and business process management, or BPM, tools, and in the applications, mobile solutions, vertical solutions and services markets in which it operates. Magic Software competes for potential customers with providers of outsourcing services, systems integrators, computer systems consultants, other providers of technical IT consulting services and, to a lesser extent, temporary personnel agencies.

Sapiens’ competitors in the insurance software solutions market differ from it in size, geography and lines of business. Some of its competitors offer a full suite, while others offer only one module; some operate in specific (domestic) geographies, while others operate on a global basis. Delivery models vary, with some competitors keeping delivery in-house, using IT outsourcing (ITO) or business process outsourcing (BPO).

These competitors may be able to respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies or changes in customer requirements. They may also benefit from greater purchasing economies, offer more aggressive product and service pricing or devote greater resources to the promotion of their products and services. Current and potential competitors have established or may establish cooperative relationships among themselves or with third parties to increase such competitors’ ability to successfully market their tools and services. We also expect that competition will increase as a result of continued consolidation within the industry. Our further penetration of international markets may likewise cause us to face additional competition. As a result, we cannot assure you that the products and solutions that we offer will compete successfully with those of our competitors.

We may be unable to differentiate our tools and services from those of our competitors or successfully develop and introduce new tools and services that are less costly than, or superior to, those of our competitors. This could have a material adverse effect on our ability to compete.

Furthermore, several software development centers in Israel and worldwide offer software development services at lower prices than we do. Due to the intense competition in the markets in which we operate, software products and services prices may fluctuate significantly. As a result, we may have to reduce the prices of our products, which in turn, may adversely affect our revenues and the gross margins for our products.

As some of our revenues are derived from the Israeli government sector, including defense, healthcare, education and finance, a reduction of government spending in Israel on IT services may reduce our revenues and profitability; and any delay in the annual budget approval process may negatively impact our cash flows.

We perform work for a wide range of Israeli governmental agencies and related subcontractors. Any reduction in total Israeli government spending for political or economic reasons, such as what occurred during the Israeli recession that ended in 2004 or the recent worldwide recession may reduce our revenues and profitability. In addition, the government of Israel has experienced significant delays in the approval of its annual budget in recent years. Such delays in the future could negatively affect our cash flows by delaying the receipt of payments from the government of Israel for services performed.

TSG, our latest acquisition, derives most of its revenues directly or indirectly from government agencies, mainly the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) and authorities of various countries, pursuant to contracts awarded to it under defense and homeland security-related programs. The funding of these programs could be reduced or eliminated due to numerous factors, including geo-political events and macro-economic conditions that are beyond our control. Reduction or elimination of government spending under our contracts would cause a negative effect on TSG’s revenues, results of operations, cash flow and financial condition. Furthermore, the Israeli government may reduce its expenditures for defense items or change its defense priorities in the coming years. In addition, the Israeli defense budget may be adversely affected if there is a reduction in U.S. foreign military assistance.

Our clients’ complex regulatory requirements may increase our costs, which could negatively impact our profits.

Some of our clients, particularly those in the financial services, life sciences, healthcare and defense verticals, are subject to complex and constantly changing regulatory requirements. On occasion, these regulatory requirements change unpredictably. These regulations may increase our potential liabilities if our services are found to contribute to a failure by our clients to comply with the requirements applicable to them and may increase compliance costs as regulatory requirements increase or change. These increased costs could negatively impact our profits.

With respect to certain of our defense sector command and control software solutions which are developed and offered by our affiliate, TSG, we depend on governmental approval of our exports.

Our international sales, as well as our international procurement of skilled human resources, technology and components, related to our command and control software solutions, depends largely on export license approvals from the governments of Israel, the U.S. and other countries. If we fail to obtain material approvals in the future, or if material approvals previously obtained are revoked or expire and are not renewed, our ability to sell our products and services to overseas customers and our ability to obtain goods and services essential to TSG’s business could be interrupted, resulting in a material adverse effect on TSG’s business, revenues, assets, liabilities and results of operations.

Investment in highly skilled research and development and customer support personnel is critical to our ability to develop and enhance our solutions and support our customers, but an increase in such investment may reduce our profitability.

As providers of software solutions that rely upon technological advancements, we rely heavily on our research and development activities to remain competitive. We consequently are highly dependent on the ability to attract, train, motivate and retain highly skilled information technology professionals for our research and development team, particularly individuals with knowledge and experience in the insurance and defense industries. Because our software solutions are highly complex and are generally used by our customers to perform critical business functions, we also depend heavily on other skilled technology professionals to provide ongoing support to our customers. Skilled technology professionals are often in high demand and short supply. If we are unable to hire or retain qualified research and development personnel and other technology professionals to develop, implement and modify our solutions, we may be unable to meet the needs of our customers. Even if we succeed in retaining the necessary skilled personnel in our research and development and customer support efforts, our investment in our personnel and product development might increase our costs of operations and thereby reduce our profitability, unless compensated through increased revenues. Given the highly competitive industry in which we operate, we may not succeed in increasing our revenues in line with our increasing investments in our personnel and research and development efforts.

Furthermore, if we seek to expand the marketing and offering of our products into new territories, it would require the retention of new, additional skilled personnel with knowledge of the particular market and applicable regulatory regime. Such skilled personnel may not be available at a reasonable cost relative to the additional revenues that we expect to generate in those territories, or may not be available at all.

Our business involves long-term, large projects, some of which are fixed-price projects that involve uncertainties, such as estimated project costs and profit margins, and which can therefore adversely affect our results of operations.

Our business is characterized by certain relatively large projects or engagements that can have a significant impact on our total revenue and cost of revenue from quarter to quarter. A high percentage of our expenses, particularly employee compensation, are relatively fixed. Therefore, a variation in the timing of the initiation, progress or completion of projects or engagements can cause significant variations in operating results from quarter to quarter.

This is particularly the case on fixed-price contracts. Some of our solutions and services are sold as fixed-price projects with delivery requirements spanning more than one year. As certain of our projects can be highly complex, we may not be able to accurately estimate our actual costs of completing a fixed-price project. If our actual cost-to-completion of these projects exceeds significantly the estimated costs, we could experience a loss on the related contracts, which would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position and cash flow.

Similarly, delays in executing client contracts (whether fixed price or not) may affect our revenue and cause our operating results to vary widely. Certain of our solutions are delivered over periods of time ranging from several months to a few years. Payment terms are generally based on periodic payments or on the achievement of milestones. Any delays in payment or in the achievement of milestones may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Certain of our contracts may be terminated for convenience of the customer.

Our contracts with governments often contain provisions permitting termination for convenience of the customer. Our subcontracts with non-governmental prime contractors sometimes contain similar provisions permitting termination for the convenience of the prime contractors. In a minority of contracts with such customers, an early termination for convenience would not entitle us to reimbursement for a proportionate share of our fee or profit for work still in progress.

We may be liable to our clients for damages caused by a violation of intellectual property rights, the disclosure of other confidential information, including personally identifiable information, system failures, errors or unsatisfactory performance of services, and our insurance policies may not be sufficient to cover these damages.

We often have access to, and are required to collect and store, sensitive or confidential client information, including personally identifiable information. Some of our client agreements do not limit our potential liability for breaches of confidentiality, infringement indemnity and certain other matters. Furthermore, breaches of confidentiality may entitle the aggrieved party to equitable remedies, including injunctive relief. If any person, including any of our employees and subcontractors, penetrates our network security or misappropriates sensitive or confidential client information, including personally identifiable information, we could be subject to significant liability from our clients or from our clients’ customers for breaching contractual confidentiality provisions or privacy laws. Despite measures we take to protect the intellectual property and other confidential information or personally identifiable information of our clients, unauthorized parties, including our employees and subcontractors, may attempt to misappropriate certain intellectual property rights that are proprietary to our clients or otherwise breach our clients’ confidences. Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential client information, including personally identifiable information, or a violation of intellectual property rights, whether through employee misconduct, breach of our computer systems, systems failure or otherwise, may subject us to liabilities, damage our reputation and cause us to lose clients.

Many of our contracts involve projects that are critical to the operations of our clients’ businesses and provide benefits to our clients that may be difficult to quantify. Any failure in a client’s system or any breach of security could result in a claim for substantial damages against us, regardless of our responsibility for such failure. Furthermore, any errors by our employees in the performance of services for a client, or poor execution of such services, could result in a client terminating our engagement and seeking damages from us.

In addition, while we have taken steps to protect the confidential information that we have access to, including confidential information we may obtain through usage of our cloud-based services, our security measures may be breached. If a cyber-attack or other security incident were to result in unauthorized access to or modification of our customers’ data or our own data or our IT systems or in disruption of the services we provide to our customers, or if our products or services are perceived as having security vulnerabilities, we could suffer significant damage to our business and reputation.

Although we attempt to limit our contractual liability for consequential damages in rendering our services, these limitations on liability may not apply in all circumstances, may be unenforceable in some cases, or may be insufficient to protect us from liability for damages. There may be instances when liabilities for damages are greater than the insurance coverage we hold and we will have to internalize those losses, damages and liabilities not covered by our insurance.

Changes in privacy regulations may impose additional costs and liabilities on us, limit our use of information, and adversely affect our business.

Personal privacy has become a significant issue in the United States, Europe, and many other countries where we operate. Many government agencies and industry regulators continue to impose new restrictions and modify existing requirements about the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information. Changes to laws or regulations affecting privacy and security may impose additional liability and costs on us and may limit our use of such information in providing our services to customers. If we were required to change our business activities, revise or eliminate services or products, or implement burdensome compliance measures, our business and results of operations may be harmed. Additionally, we may be subject to regulatory enforcement actions resulting in fines, penalties, and potential litigation if we fail to comply with applicable privacy laws and regulations.

If we fail to locate, successfully compete for and consummate suitable acquisitions and investments, we may be unable to grow or maintain our market share.

As part of our strategy, we intend to pursue acquisitions of, and investments in, other businesses, particularly businesses offering products, technologies and services that are complementary to ours and are suitable for integration into our business. We cannot assure you that we will be able to locate suitable potential acquisition or investment opportunities in Israel or internationally, or if we do identify suitable candidates, that at the conclusion of related discussions and negotiations, we will be able to consummate the acquisitions or investments on terms which are favorable to us. If and when acquisition or investment opportunities arise, we expect to compete for these opportunities with other established and well-capitalized entities and we cannot guarantee that we will succeed in such competition on terms which remain favorable to us. If we fail to consummate further acquisitions or investments in the future, our ability to grow or to even maintain our market share may be harmed.

Any future acquisitions of, or investments in, companies or technologies, especially those located outside of Israel, may distract our management, disrupt our business and may be difficult to finance on favorable terms.

As described above, it is part of our strategy to pursue acquisitions of, and investments in, companies offering products, technologies and services in order to expand our product offerings or services or otherwise enhance our market position and strategic strengths. In the past three years we made a number of acquisitions, including:

In April 2014, Formula acquired InSync Staffing Solutions, Inc., a U.S. based full-service provider of consulting and staffing solutions for IT, engineering and other professional staff (i.e. accounting and finance, administrative, customer service, healthcare, human resources, manufacturing, marketing/sales, and operations). The total consideration paid by Formula was $4.0 million.

In May 2016, Formula and Israel Aerospace Industries (“IAI”) each acquired 50% of TSG, a subsidiary and the military arm of Ness Technologies, which is engaged in the fields of command and control systems, intelligence, homeland security and cybersecurity. Each of Formula and IAI acquired and each paid a purchase price of $25.8 million (subject to certain adjustments).

In August 2014, our affiliated company Sapiens acquired Knowledge Partners International LLC, or KPI and the assets of The Decision Model Licensing LLC, or TDML. KPI is a leader in decision management consultancy, services and training and through TDML owns certain patents used as part of Sapiens’ Decision solution. The total consideration was $2.1 million in cash and 57,000 ordinary shares of Sapiens Software Solutions (Decision) Ltd., or Sapiens Decision, the subsidiary of Sapiens which holds all of the interests in KPI. In addition, one of the shareholders of KPI received 88,500 restricted shares of Sapiens Decision plus $450,000 in cash, subject to certain performance criteria.

In May 2015, Sapiens acquired IBEXI Solutions Private Limited (“IBEXI”), an India-based provider of insurance solutions and services, which services 18 insurers in both the P&C and L&P markets throughout Southeast Asia. The total purchase price in this acquisition was approximately $4.8 million, which was paid in cash by Sapiens at the closing, and which is subject to adjustment based on certain future criteria.

In August 2015, Sapiens acquired Insseco, a Poland-based software and services provider for the insurance market, from Asseco, the controlling shareholder of Formula, which helped Sapiens to establish a strong presence in the Polish insurance market. Sapiens paid approximately $9.1 million in cash for Insseco, subject to upwards adjustment based on its achieving future revenue goals.

In November 2013, Magic Software acquired the operations of Allstates Technical Services, LLC, a U.S. based full-service provider of consulting and staffing solutions for IT, Engineering and Telecom personnel, for a total consideration of $11.0 million.

In April 2015 Magic acquired a 70% interest in Comblack IT Ltd., an Israeli-based company that specializes in software professional and outsource management services for mainframes and complex large-scale environments, for a total consideration of $1.8 million, of which $ 1.5 million was paid upon closing and $ 0.3 million was contingent upon the acquired business meeting certain operational targets in 2015. Magic and the seller hold mutual Call and Put options respectively for the remaining 30% interest in the company. In March 2016, Magic paid the seller the remaining contingent payments for meeting 2015 operational targets.

In June 2015 Magic acquired a 70% interest in Infinigy Solutions LLC, a US-based services company focused on expanding the development and implementation of technical solutions throughout the telecommunications industry with offices over the US, providing nationwide coverage and support for wireless engineering, deployment services, surveying, environmental service and project management, for a total consideration of $6.4 million, of which $ 5.6 was paid upon closing and $ 0.8 million is contingent upon the acquired business meeting certain operational targets in 2016 and 2017. Magic and the seller hold mutual Call and Put options respectively for the remaining 30% interest in the company.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, Matrix completed three acquisitions for a total cash consideration of up to approximately $4.7 million, of which $ 3.1 million was attributed to goodwill and $ 1.3 million to other identifiable intangible assets. These acquisitions generally enhance our group's technologies, product and services offerings.

In April 2015 Xtivia Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Matrix) completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of Hydus Inc. in total consideration of $ 2.5 million. Hydus Inc. is a U.S based consulting firm specializing in software services in the field of EIM (Enterprise Information Management). In addition, the sellers may be eligible for future consideration, valued at $ 1.6 million as of December 31, 2015, subject to obtaining accumulated operating income targets during three years (not exceeding Hydus operating income).

In May 2015, Matrix completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of Ono Apps Ltd., an Israeli based service provider specializing in mobile applications development services, for total consideration of NIS 4.6 million (approximately $ 1.2 million). In addition, the sellers may be eligible for future consideration, valued at $ 0.3 million as of December 31, 2015, subject to obtaining accumulated operating income targets during three years commencing on January 1, 2016, not exceeding NIS 5.0 million (approximately $ 1.3 million).

During the year ended December 31, 2015, Formula and its subsidiaries and affiliates completed an additional five other acquisitions for a total cash consideration of approximately $3.8, million and increased their share interest in two existing subsidiaries for total consideration of $ 1.7 million. These acquisitions generally enhance our technologies, product and services offerings. Pro forma results of operations for these acquisitions have not been presented because they are not material to the consolidated results of operations, either individually or in the aggregate.

Mergers and acquisitions of companies are inherently risky and subject to many factors outside of our control and no assurance can be given that our future acquisitions will be successful and will not adversely affect our business, operating results, or financial condition. Failure to manage and successfully integrate acquisitions could materially harm our business and operating results. Prior acquisitions have resulted in a wide range of outcomes, from successful introduction of new products and technologies to a failure to do so. Even when an acquired company has previously developed and marketed products, there can be no assurance that new product enhancements will be made in a timely manner or that pre-acquisition due diligence will have identified all possible issues that might arise with respect to such products. If we acquire other businesses, we may face difficulties, including:

Furthermore, we may not be able to retain the key employees that may be necessary to operate the businesses we acquired and may acquire and we may not be able to timely attract new skilled employees and management to replace them. An acquisition may also involve accounting charges and/or amortization of significant amounts of intangible assets, which would adversely affect our ability to achieve and maintain profitability. These difficulties could disrupt our ongoing business, distract our management and employees, increase our expenses and adversely affect our results of operations.

Any acquisition or investment in a company located outside of Israel poses additional risks, including risks related to the monitoring of a management team from a great distance and the need to integrate a potentially different business culture. Our failure to successfully integrate such a newly acquired business or such an investment could harm our business.

We may furthermore need to raise capital in connection with any such acquisition or investment, which we would likely seek via public or private equity or debt offerings. For example, we issued $58.3 million (net of issuance expenses) of secured debentures, or Series A Secured Debentures, and convertible debentures, or Series B Convertible Debentures as part of a public offering in Israel in September 2015. The issuance of equity securities pursuant to any such financing could be dilutive to our existing shareholders. The issuance of equity securities by any of our significant subsidiaries and affiliates pursuant to any such financing could be dilutive to our existing interest in these subsidiaries and affiliates. If we raise funds through debt offerings, we may be pressured in serving such debt. If we use cash or debt financing, our financial liquidity will be reduced, the holders of our debt may have claims on our assets ahead of holders of our ordinary shares and our business operations may be restricted by the terms of any debt. Our ability to raise capital in this manner also depends upon market and other conditions, many of which are beyond our control. Due to unfavorable conditions, we could be required to seek alternative financing methods, such as bank financings, which involve borrowing money on terms that are not favorable to us. Difficulties in raising equity capital or obtaining debt financing on favorable terms, or the unavailability of financing, including bank borrowings, may hinder our ability to implement our strategy for selective acquisitions and investments.

If we fail to manage our growth, our business could be disrupted and our profitability will likely decline.

We have experienced rapid growth during the last five years, through acquisitions and organic growth. The number of our employees increased from approximately 5,339 as of December 31, 2010 to approximately 10,981 as of December 31, 2015 (including our affiliated companies Sapiens and Magic Software) and may increase further as we aim to enhance our businesses. This increase may significantly strain our management and other operational and financial resources. In particular, continued headcount growth increases the integration challenges involved in:

The rapid execution necessary to exploit the market for our business model requires an effective planning and management process. Our systems, procedures or controls may not be adequate to support the growth in our operations, and our management may not be able to achieve the rapid execution necessary to exploit the market for our business model. Our future operating results will also depend on our ability to expand our development, sales and marketing organizations. If we are unable to manage growth effectively, our profitability will likely decline.

The increasing amount of intangible assets and goodwill recorded on our balance sheet may lead to significant impairment charges in the future.

We regularly review our long-lived assets, including identifiable intangible assets and goodwill, for impairment. Goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets are subject to impairment review at least annually. Other long-lived assets are reviewed when there is an indication that impairment may have occurred. The amount of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets on our consolidated balance sheet has increased significantly from $199.6 million as of December 31, 2010 to $449.3 million and $167.1 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively, as a result of our acquisitions, and may increase further following future acquisitions. Impairment testing under U.S. GAAP may lead to further impairment charges in the future. Any significant impairment charges could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. The decrease in the amount of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets on our consolidated balance sheet from December 31, 2014 to December 31, 2015 is solely due to the deconsolidation of Sapiens as of September 30, 2015.

During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, no impairment was required for any of our reporting units and no impairment losses were identified for these intangible assets and software products.

Our credit facility agreements  with banks and other financial institutions contain and our Series A Secured Debentures and Series B Convertible Debentures are subject to a number of restrictive covenants which, if breached, could result in acceleration of our obligation to repay our debt.

In the context of our engagements with banks and other financial institutions for receiving various credit facilities and under the terms governing our Series A Secured Debentures and Series B Convertible Debentures, we have undertaken to maintain a number of conditions and limitations on the manner in which we can operate our business, including limitations on our ability to distribute dividends, incur debt and sell or acquire assets. These credit facilities agreements also contain various covenants which require us to maintain certain financial ratios related to shareholders’ equity, total rate of debt and liabilities, minimum outstanding balance of total cash and short-term investments and operating results that are customary for companies of comparable size and the risk that we may not be able to maintain in the future the rating level assigned to the Notes. These limitations and covenants may force us to pursue less than optimal business strategies or forego business arrangements which could have been financially advantageous to us and, by extension, to our shareholders. In addition, we have secured a credit facility and our Series A Secured Debentures with certain of the shares of Formula’s publicly held subsidiary Matrix and our affiliated companies Sapiens and Magic Software. A breach of the restrictive covenants could result in the acceleration of our obligations to repay our debt.

Marketing our products and services in international markets may require increased expenses and greater exposure to risks that we may not be able to successfully address.

We intend to continue to focus our efforts on selling proprietary software solutions and services in international markets and to devote significant resources to these efforts to expand our international operations as part of our growth strategy. If we are unable to continue achieving market acceptance for our solutions or continue to successfully penetrate international markets, our business will be harmed. In 2014 and 2015, we received approximately 16.5% and 30.0% of our consolidated revenues, respectively, from customers located outside of Israel (including but not limited to the United States, Europe, Japan, Asia-Pacific, India and South Africa). The expansion of our existing operations and entry into additional international markets will require significant management attention and financial resources which could adversely affect our business. If we had continued to consolidate Magic’s and Sapiens’ revenues in all of 2015, 42% of our revenues would have been generated from customers located outside of Israel.

Our international operation subjects us to many risks inherent to international business activities, including:

As we continue to expand our business globally, our success will depend, in large part, on our ability to anticipate and effectively manage these and other risks associated with our international operations. Any of these risks could harm our international operations and reduce our international sales, adversely affecting our business, results of operations, financial condition and growth prospects.

Errors or defects in our software solutions could inevitably arise and would harm our profitability and our reputation with customers, and could even give rise to liability claims against us.

The quality of our solutions, including new, modified or enhanced versions thereof, is critical to our success. Since certain of our software solutions are complex, they may contain errors that cannot be detected at any point in their testing phase. While we continually test all our software solutions for errors or defects and work with customers our partners and end-users (who occasionally participate in our beta-testing of certain programs) to identify and correct them, errors in our technology may be found in the future. Testing for errors or defects is complicated because it is difficult to simulate the breadth of operating systems, user applications and computing environments that our customers use or in the applications developed with our technology. Errors or defects in our technology have resulted in terminated work orders and could result in delayed or lost revenue, diversion of development resources and increased services, termination of work orders, damage to our brand and warranty and insurance costs in the future. In addition, time-consuming implementations may also increase the number of services personnel we must allocate to each customer, thereby increasing our costs and adversely affecting our business, results of operations and financial condition.

In addition, since our customers rely on our solutions to operate, monitor and improve the performance of their business processes or to develop or integrate their business applications, they are sensitive to potential disruptions that may be caused by the use of, or any defects in, our software. As a result, we may be subject to claims for damages related to software errors in the future. Liability claims could require us to spend significant time and money in litigation or to pay significant damages. Regardless of whether we prevail, diversion of key employees’ time and attention from our business, the incurrence of substantial expenses and potential damage to our reputation might result. While the terms of our standard sales contracts typically limit our exposure to potential liability claims and we carry errors and omissions insurance against such claims, there can be no assurance that such insurance will continue to be available on acceptable terms, if at all, or that such insurance will provide us with adequate protection against any such claims. A significant liability claim against us could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial position. Accordingly, the adverse consequences of, and expenses related to, failures, errors and defects could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.

Failure to meet customer expectations with respect to the implementation and use of our solutions or damage caused by our solutions to our customers’ information systems could result in negative publicity, reduced sales and diversion of resources, may cause the cancellation of our contracts and may subject us to liability claims, all of which would harm our business, results of operations, financial condition and growth prospects.

We generally provide our customers with upfront estimates regarding the duration, budget and costs associated with the implementation of our products. Implementation of some of our solutions is complex and meeting the anticipated duration, budget and costs often depends on factors relating to our customers or their other vendors. We may not meet the upfront estimates and expectations of our customers for the implementation of products as a result of our products’ capabilities or service engagements by us, our system integrator partners or our customers' IT employees. Consequently, if we fail to meet upfront estimates and the expectations of our customers for the implementation of our products, our reputation could be harmed, which could adversely affect our ability to attract new customers and sell additional products and services to existing customers.

In addition, some of the products and software services that we provide involve key aspects of customers’ information systems and may be considered critical to the operations of our clients’ businesses. As a result, our customers have a greater sensitivity to failures in these systems than do customers of other software products generally. In addition, our exposure to legal liability may be increased in the case of outsourcing contracts in which we become more involved in our clients’ operations. If a customer’s system fails during or following the provision of products or services by us, or if we fail to provide customers with proper support for our software products or do so in an untimely manner, we are exposed to the risks of cancellation of our contract with the customer and a legal claim for substantial damages being filed against us, regardless of whether or not we are responsible for the failure. While we typically strive to include provisions designed to limit our exposure to legal claims relating to our services and the solutions we develop, these provisions may not adequately protect us or may not be enforceable in all cases. The general liability insurance coverage that we maintain, including coverage for errors and omissions, is subject to important exclusions and limitations. We cannot be certain that this coverage will continue to be available on reasonable terms or will be available in sufficient amounts to cover one or more large claims, or that the insurer will not disclaim coverage as to any future claim. A successful assertion of one or more large claims against us that exceeds our available insurance coverage or changes in our insurance policies, including premium increases or the imposition of large deductible or co-insurance requirements, could adversely affect our profitability.

Incorrect or improper use of our products or our failure to properly train customers on how to implement or utilize our products could result in customer dissatisfaction and negatively affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and growth prospects.

Certain of our software solutions are complex and are deployed in a wide variety of network environments. The proper use of these solutions requires training of the customer. If these solutions are not used correctly or as intended, inadequate performance may result.

Additionally, our customers or third-party partners may incorrectly implement or use our solutions. Our solutions may also be intentionally misused or abused by customers or their employees or third parties who are able to access or use our solutions. Similarly, our solutions are sometimes installed or maintained by customers or third parties with smaller or less qualified IT departments, potentially resulting in sub-optimal installation and, consequently, performance that is less than the level anticipated by the customer. Because our customers rely on our software, services and maintenance support to manage a wide range of operations, the incorrect or improper use of our solutions, our failure to properly train customers on how to efficiently and effectively use our solutions, or our failure to properly provide implementation or maintenance services to our customers has resulted in terminated work orders and may result in termination of work orders, negative publicity or legal claims against us in the future. Also, as we continue to expand our customer base, any failure by us to properly provide these services will likely result in lost opportunities for follow-on sales of our software and services.

In addition, if there is substantial turnover of customer personnel responsible for implementation and use of our products, or if customer personnel are not well trained in the use of our products, customers may defer the deployment of our products, may deploy them in a more limited manner than originally anticipated or may not deploy them at all. Further, if there is substantial turnover of the customer personnel responsible for implementation and use of our products, our ability to make additional sales may be substantially limited.

Any unauthorized, and potentially improper, actions of our personnel could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.

The recognition of our revenue depends on, among other things, the terms negotiated in our contracts with our customers. Our personnel may act outside of their authority and negotiate additional terms without our knowledge. We have implemented policies to help prevent and discourage such conduct, but there can be no assurance that such policies will be followed. For instance, in the event that our sales personnel negotiate terms that do not appear in the contract and of which we are unaware, whether such additional terms are written or verbal, we could be prevented from recognizing revenue in accordance with our plans. Furthermore, depending on when we learn of unauthorized actions and the size of the transactions involved, we may have to restate revenue for a previously reported period, which would seriously harm our business, operating results and financial condition.

If existing customers do not make subsequent purchases from us and continue using our solutions and services or if our relationships with our largest customers are impaired, our revenue and profitability could be negatively affected

The loss of any of our major customers or a decrease or delay in orders or anticipated spending by such customers could reduce our revenues and profitability, due to our reliance on such customers. Our customers could also engage in business combinations, which could increase their size, reduce their demand for our products and solutions as they recognize synergies or rationalize assets, and increase or decrease the portion of our total sales concentration with respect to any single customer.

For example, five customers of one of our five directly held subsidiaries and affiliated companies and during 2014 and 2015— Sapiens— and its subsidiaries accounted for 31% and 32% of Sapiens’ consolidated revenues in 2014 and 2015, respectively (or 8% of our consolidated revenues, in each of the respective years). two significant customers of an affiliate—Magic Software— accounted for 10% and 3% and 7% and 11% of its consolidated revenues in 2014 and 2015, respectively . One significant customer of TSG (the Israeli Ministry of Defense, IMOD) accounted for approximately 40% of its revenues in 2014 and 2015. There can be no assurance that the existing customers of our significant subsidiaries and affiliates will enter into new project contracts with us or that they will continue using our technologies and IT services. A significant decline in our revenue stream from existing customers would have an adverse effect on our operating results.

There may be consolidation in the markets and industries in which we operate, which could reduce the use of our products and services and adversely affect our revenues.

Mergers or consolidations among our customers could reduce the number of our customers and potential customers. This could adversely affect our revenues even if these events do not reduce the aggregate number of customers or the activities of the consolidated entities. If our customers merge with or are acquired by other entities that are not our customers, or that use fewer of our products and services, they may discontinue or reduce their use of our products and services. Any of these developments could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows. Furthermore, as the number of companies in the defense industry has decreased in recent years, the market share of some prime contractors has increased. Some of these companies are vertically integrated with in-house capabilities similar to ours in certain areas. Thus, at times we could be seeking business from certain of these prime contractors, while at other times we could be in competition with some of them. Failure to maintain good business relations with these major contractors could negatively impact TSG’s business.

If our interest in our subsidiaries’ outstanding equity interests becomes diluted below 50% or if we are unable to retain effective control over our subsidiaries and affiliated companies, we would cease to consolidate them and our operating results may fluctuate significantly.

We currently hold a controlling interest in Matrix and InSync under U.S. GAAP through our direct equity holdings. As a result of our controlling interests in those subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015, we consolidated their balance sheets with ours and with respect to InSync, beginning from April 1, 2014, following our consummation of the acquisition of InSync.

As of January 1, 2013, Formula’s interest in Sapiens common shares was 56.6%. On November 19, 2013, Sapiens completed a follow-on public offering of its ordinary shares on the NASDAQ. Sapiens issued 6,497,400 shares at a price of $ 6.25 per share before issuance expenses. Total net proceeds from the issuance amounted to approximately $37.8 million. As a result of the offering, Formula’s interest in Sapiens' outstanding common shares was diluted below 50% (from 56.8% to 48.6%). Our investment in Sapiens following the dilution was measured under the equity method of accounting. The gain, net, recognized in relation to Formula’s loss of control in Sapiens amounted to $61.2 million and is presented in the income statement as equity in gains of affiliated companies, net.

During the period following the offering through December 23, 2014, Formula purchased additional Sapiens common shares, bringing its interest in Sapiens common shares to 50.2% of Sapiens common shares on December 23, 2014. As a result, Formula regained control, for accounting purposes, over Sapiens as of such date. As of September 30, 2015, due to exercises of options by employees of Sapiens, Formula’s interest in Sapiens outstanding common shares decreased to 49.13% and we lost control of Sapiens for accounting purposes (under U.S. GAAP). Formula’s interest in Sapiens common shares is currently 49%, although Formula has received a proxy from the CEO of Sapiens with respect to his common shares of Sapiens, which results in Formula having voting control over 50.6% of Sapiens common shares. Under U.S. GAAP, such proxy does not result in Formula controlling Sapiens for accounting purposes and our investment in Sapiens following the decrease is measured under the equity method of accounting.

From November 19, 2013 until December 23, 2014 and from October 2, 2015, Sapiens' results of operations were reflected in our results of operations using the equity method of accounting.

On March 5, 2014, following Magic Software’s public offering of additional 6,900,000 of its ordinary shares our percentage interest in Magic Software outstanding ordinary shares decreased from 51.6% to 45.0% and Magic Software was no longer our subsidiary as of such date and thereafter its results of operations were reflected in our results of operations using the equity method of accounting.

Although it is our board of directors’ investment strategy to maintain effective control over our directly held subsidiaries, if we are unable to continue maintaining a controlling interest in Matrix, as a result of equity issuances to third parties that are unaffiliated with us or otherwise or we are unable to regain control over Sapiens or Magic Software, we would cease to consolidate the operating results of Matrix and not reconsolidate Sapiens or Magic Software, based on relevant accounting guidelines. This, in turn, could result in significant fluctuations of our consolidated operating results.

Risks Related to our Intellectual Property

Assertions by third parties of infringement or other violation by us of their intellectual property rights could result in significant costs and substantially harm our business and results of operations.

The software industry is characterized by the existence of a large number of patents and frequent claims and related litigation regarding patents and other intellectual property rights. In particular, leading companies in the software industry own large numbers of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets, which they may use to assert claims against us. From time to time, third parties, including certain of these leading companies, may assert patent, copyright, trademark or other intellectual property claims against us, our customers and partners, and those from whom we license technology and intellectual property.

Although we believe that our products and services do not infringe upon the intellectual property rights of third parties, we cannot assure you that third parties will not assert infringement or misappropriation claims against us with respect to current or future products or services, or that any such assertions will not require us to enter into royalty arrangements or result in costly litigation, or result in us being unable to use certain intellectual property. We cannot assure you that we are not infringing or otherwise violating any third party intellectual property rights. Infringement assertions from third parties may involve patent holding companies or other patent owners who have no relevant product revenues, and therefore our own issued and pending patents may provide little or no deterrence to these patent owners in bringing intellectual property rights claims against us.

Any intellectual property infringement or misappropriation claim or assertion against us, our customers or partners, and those from whom we license technology and intellectual property could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, reputation and competitive position regardless of the validity or outcome. If we are forced to defend against any infringement or misappropriation claims, whether they are with or without merit, are settled out of court, or are determined in our favor, we may be required to expend significant time and financial resources on the defense of such claims. Furthermore, an adverse outcome of a dispute may require us to pay damages, potentially including treble damages and attorneys’ fees, if we are found to have willfully infringed on a party’s intellectual property; cease making, licensing or using our products or services that are alleged to infringe or misappropriate the intellectual property of others; expend additional development resources to redesign our products or services; enter into potentially unfavorable royalty or license agreements in order to obtain the right to use necessary technologies or works; and to indemnify our partners, customers, and other third parties. Royalty or licensing agreements, if required or desirable, may be unavailable on terms acceptable to us, or at all, and may require significant royalty payments and other expenditures. Any of these events could seriously harm our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, any lawsuits regarding intellectual property rights, regardless of their success, could be expensive to resolve and divert the time and attention of our management and technical personnel.

Although we apply measures to protect our intellectual property rights and our source code, there can be no assurance that the measures that we employ to do so will be successful.

Our success and ability to compete depend in large part upon our ability to protect our proprietary technology. Since we have no registered patents, we rely on a combination of trade secret and copyright laws and confidentiality, non-disclosure and assignment-of-inventions agreements to protect our proprietary technology. We believe that due to the dynamic nature of the computer and software industries, copyright protection is less significant than factors such as the knowledge and experience of our management and personnel, the frequency of product enhancements and the timeliness and quality of our support services. We seek to protect the source code of our products as trade secret information and as unpublished copyright works. We also rely on security and copy protection features in our proprietary software. We distribute our products under software license agreements that grant customers a personal, non-transferable license to use our products and contain terms and conditions prohibiting the unauthorized reproduction or transfer of our products. In addition, while we attempt to protect trade secrets and other proprietary information through non-disclosure agreements with employees, consultants and distributors, not all of our employees have signed invention assignment agreements. Although we intend to protect our rights vigorously, there can be no assurance that these measures will be successful. Our failure to protect our rights, or the improper use of our products by others without licensing them from us could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We and our customers rely on technology and intellectual property of third parties, the loss of which could limit the functionality of our products and disrupt our business.

We use technology and intellectual property licensed from unaffiliated third parties in certain of our products, and we may license additional third-party technology and intellectual property in the future. Any errors or defects in this third-party technology and intellectual property could result in errors that could harm our brand and business. In addition, licensed technology and intellectual property may not continue to be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. The loss of the right to license and distribute this third party technology could limit the functionality of our products and might require us to redesign our products.

Further, although we believe that there are currently adequate replacements for the third-party technology and intellectual property we presently use and distribute, the loss of our right to use any of this technology and intellectual property could result in delays in producing or delivering affected products until equivalent technology or intellectual property is identified, licensed or otherwise procured, and integrated. Our business would be disrupted if any technology and intellectual property we license from others or functional equivalents of this software were either no longer available to us or no longer offered to us on commercially reasonable terms. In either case, we would be required either to attempt to redesign our products to function with technology and intellectual property available from other parties or to develop these components ourselves, which would result in increased costs and could result in delays in product sales and the release of new product offerings. Alternatively, we might be forced to limit the features available in affected products. Any of these results could harm our business and impact our results of operations.

Some of our software services and technologies may use “open source” software, which may restrict how we use or distribute our services or require that we release the source code of certain products subject to those licenses.

Some of our services and technologies may incorporate software licensed under so-called “open source” licenses, including, but not limited to, the GNU General Public License and the GNU Lesser General Public License. In addition to risks related to license requirements, usage of open source software can lead to greater risks than use of third-party commercial software, as open source licensors generally do not provide warranties or controls on origin of the software. Additionally, open source licenses typically require that source code subject to the license be made available to the public and that any modifications or derivative works to open source software continue to be licensed under open source licenses. These open source licenses typically mandate that proprietary software, when combined in specific ways with open source software, become subject to the open source license. If we combine our proprietary software with open source software, we could be required to release the source code of our proprietary software.

We take steps to ensure that our proprietary software is not combined with, and does not incorporate, open source software in ways that would require our proprietary software to be subject to an open source license. However, few courts have interpreted open source licenses, and the manner in which these licenses may be interpreted and enforced is therefore subject to some uncertainty. Additionally, we rely on multiple software programmers to design our proprietary technologies, and although we take steps to prevent our programmers from including open source software in the technologies and software code that they design, write and modify, we do not exercise complete control over the development efforts of our programmers and we cannot be certain that our programmers have not incorporated open source software into our proprietary products and technologies or that they will not do so in the future. In the event that portions of our proprietary technology are determined to be subject to an open source license, we could be required to publicly release the affected portions of our source code, re-engineer all or a portion of our technologies, or otherwise be limited in the licensing of our technologies, each of which could reduce or eliminate the value of our services and technologies and materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and prospects.

We could be required to provide the source code of our products to our customers.

Some of our customers have the right to require the source code of certain of our products to be deposited into a source code escrow. Under certain circumstances, our source code could be released to our customers. The conditions triggering the release of our source code vary by customer. A release of our source code would give our customers access to our trade secrets and other proprietary and confidential information which could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Breaches of network or information technology security, natural disasters or terrorist attacks could have an adverse effect on our business.

Cyber attacks or other breaches of network or IT security, natural disasters, terrorist acts or acts of war may cause equipment failures or disrupt our systems and operations. We may be subject to attempts to breach the security of our networks and IT infrastructure through cyber attacks, malware, computer viruses and other means of unauthorized access.  While we maintain insurance coverage for some of these events, the potential liabilities associated with these events could exceed the insurance coverage we maintain.  Our inability to operate our facilities as a result of such events, even for a limited period of time, may result in significant expenses or loss of market share to other competitors for our application platforms as well as in the process and business integration technologies and IT services market. In addition, a failure to protect the privacy of customer and employee confidential data against breaches of network or IT security could result in damage to our reputation. A failure to protect the privacy of customer and employee confidential data against breaches of network or IT security could result in damage to our reputation. To date, we have not been subject to cyber attacks or other cyber incidents which, individually or in the aggregate, resulted in a material impact to our operations or financial condition.

Maintaining the security of our products, computers and networks is a critical issue for us and our customers. Security researchers, criminal hackers and other third parties regularly develop new techniques to penetrate computer and network security measures. In addition, hackers also develop and deploy viruses, worms and other malicious software programs, some of which may be specifically designed to attack our products, systems, computers or networks. Additionally, outside parties may attempt to fraudulently induce our employees or users of our products to disclose sensitive information in order to gain access to our data or our customers’ data. These potential breaches of our security measures and the accidental loss, inadvertent disclosure or unauthorized dissemination of proprietary information or sensitive, personal or confidential data about us, our employees or our customers, including the potential loss or disclosure of such information or data as a result of hacking, fraud, trickery or other forms of deception, could expose us, our employees, our customers or the individuals affected to a risk of loss or misuse of this information, result in litigation and potential liability or fines for us, damage our brand and reputation or otherwise harm our business.

Risks Related to our Traded Securities

There is limited trading volume for our ADSs and ordinary shares, which reduces liquidity for our shareholders, and may furthermore cause the stock price to be volatile, all of which may lead to losses by investors.

There has historically been limited trading volume for our ADSs and ordinary shares, respectively, both on the NASDAQ Global Select Market and the TASE, such that still not reached the level that enables shareholders to freely sell their shares in substantial quantities on an ongoing basis and thereby readily achieve liquidity for their investment. As a further result of the limited volume, our ordinary shares have experienced significant market price volatility in the past and may experience significant market price and volume fluctuations in the future, in response to factors such as announcements of developments related to our subsidiaries’ and affiliates’ business, announcements by competitors of our subsidiaries and affiliates, quarterly fluctuations in our financial results and general conditions in the industry in which we through our subsidiaries and affiliates compete.

The market price of our ordinary shares and ADSs may be volatile and you may not be able to resell your shares at or above the price you paid, or at all.

The stock market in general has experienced during recent years extreme price and volume fluctuations. The market prices of securities of technology companies have been extremely volatile, and have experienced fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. These broad market fluctuations have affected and are expected to continue to affect the market price of our ordinary shares and ADSs.

The high and low closing market price of our ordinary shares traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, or the TASE, under the symbol “FORT,” and the high and low closing market price of our ADSs traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (for periods from January 3, 2011) or the NASDAQ Global Market (for periods prior to January 3, 2011) under the symbol “FORTY,” during each of the last five years, are summarized in the table below:

* The U.S. dollar price of our ordinary shares on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange was determined by dividing the price of an ordinary share in NIS by the representative exchange rate of the NIS against the U.S. dollar as reported by the Bank of Israel on the same date.

The market price of our ordinary shares and ADSs may fluctuate substantially due to a variety of factors, including:

In addition, global and local economic, political, market and industry conditions and military conflicts and in particular, those specifically related to the State of Israel, may affect the market price of our shares and ADSs.

Significant fluctuations in our annual and quarterly results, which make it difficult for investors to make reliable period-to-period comparisons, may also contribute to volatility in the market price of our ordinary shares and American Depositary Shares.

Our quarterly and annual revenues, gross profit, net income and results of operations have fluctuated significantly in the past, and we expect them to continue to fluctuate significantly in the future. The following events may cause fluctuations:

A substantial portion of our expenses, including most product development and selling and marketing expenses must be incurred in advance of when revenue is generated. If our projected revenue does not meet our expectations, we are likely to experience an even larger shortfall in our operating profit relative to our expectations. The gross margins of our individual subsidiaries vary both among themselves and over time. As a result, changes in the revenue mix from these subsidiaries may affect our quarterly operating results. In addition, we may derive a significant portion of our net income from the sale of our investments or the sale of our proprietary software technology. These events do not occur on a regular basis and their timing is difficult to predict. As a result, we believe that period-to-period comparisons of our historical results of operations are not necessarily meaningful and that you should not rely on them as an indication for future performance. Also, it is possible that our quarterly and annual results of operations may be below the expectations of public market analysts and investors. If this happens, the prices of our ordinary shares and ADSs will likely decrease.

The market prices of our ordinary share and ADSs may be adversely affected if the market prices of our publicly traded subsidiaries or affiliated company decrease.

A significant portion of our assets is comprised of equity securities of directly held publicly traded companies. Our publicly traded subsidiary and affiliates are, as of the current time, Matrix, Sapiens and Magic Software. The share prices of these publicly traded companies have been extremely volatile, and have been subject to fluctuations due to market conditions and other factors which are often unrelated to operating results and which are beyond our control. Fluctuations in the market price and valuations of our holdings in these companies may affect the market’s valuation of the price of our ordinary shares and ADSs and may also thereby impact our results of operations. If the value of our assets decreases significantly as a result of a decrease in the value of our interest in our publicly traded subsidiary and affiliates, our business, operating results and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected and the market price of our ordinary shares and ADSs may also fall as a result.

Our securities are traded on more than one market and this may result in price variations. 

Our ordinary shares are traded on the TASE and our ADSs were traded on the NASDAQ Global Market until January 3, 2011, at which date the listing of our ADSs was transferred to the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Trading in our ordinary shares and ADSs on these markets takes place in different currencies (dollars on the NASDAQ Global Select Market and NIS on the TASE), and at different times (resulting from different time zones, different weekly trading days and different public holidays in the United States and Israel). The trading prices of our ordinary shares and ADSs on these two markets may differ due to these and other factors (see the risk factor titled “The market price of our ordinary shares and American Depositary Shares may be volatile and you may not be able to resell your shares at or above the price you paid, or at all” above for an example thereof). On the other hand, any decrease in the trading price of our ordinary shares or ADSs, as applicable, on one of these markets could likely affect— and cause a decrease in— the trading price on the other market. 

Our largest shareholder, Asseco Poland S.A., can significantly influence the outcome of matters that require shareholder approval.

Asseco Poland S.A., or Asseco, owns approximately 46.3% of our outstanding ordinary shares (which excludes shares that we have repurchased that lack voting rights and shares subject to restrictions that are voted in proportion to the votes of our other shares). Therefore, Asseco can significantly influence the outcome of those matters requiring shareholder approval, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions. This voting power may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control which may otherwise be favorable to our minority shareholders. In addition, potential conflicts of interest may arise in the event that we or any of our subsidiaries or other affiliates enter into agreements or transactions with affiliates of Asseco. Although Israeli law imposes certain procedures (including shareholder approval) for approval of certain related party transactions, we cannot assure you that these procedures will eliminate the possible detrimental effects of these conflicts of interest. If certain transactions are not approved in accordance with required procedures under applicable Israeli law, these transactions may be void or voidable.

If we are unable to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the reliability of our financial statements may be questioned and our share price may suffer.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 imposes certain duties on us and on our executives and directors. To comply with this statute, we are required to document and test our internal control over financial reporting, and our independent registered public accounting firm must issue an attestation report on our internal control procedures, and our management is required to assess and issue a report concerning our internal control over financial reporting. Our efforts to comply with these requirements have resulted in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention, and we expect these efforts to require the continued commitment of significant resources. We may identify material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our assessments of our internal controls over financial reporting. Failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could result in investigation or sanctions by regulatory authorities, and could adversely affect our operating results, investor confidence in our reported financial information and the market price of our ordinary shares.

Risks Relating to Operations in Israel

Political, economic, and military conditions in Israel could negatively impact our business.

We are incorporated under the laws of, and our headquarters and principal research and development facilities are located in, the State of Israel, and approximately 83.5% and 70.0% of our consolidated revenues in 2014 and 2015, respectively were generated from the Israeli market (had we consolidated Magic Software’s revenues and Sapiens revenues for all of 2014 and 2015, 63% and 58% of our revenues would have been generated from the Israeli market). As a result, we are directly influenced by the political, economic and military conditions affecting Israel. In addition, several countries still restrict business with Israel and with companies doing business in Israel. These political, economic and military conditions in Israel, and business restrictions, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and future growth.

In recent years, there have been hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza strip, both of which resulted in rockets being fired into Israel causing casualties and disruption of economic activities. Most recently, in July 2014, an armed conflict commenced between Israel and Hamas. In addition, Israel faces threats from more distant neighbors, in particular, Iran. Also, since 2011, riots and uprisings in several countries in the Middle East and neighboring regions have led to severe political instability in several neighboring states and to a decline in the regional security situation. Such instability may affect the local and global economy, could negatively affect business conditions and, therefore, could adversely affect our operations. To date, these matters have not had any material effect on our business and results of operations; however, the regional security situation and worldwide perceptions of it are outside our control and there can be no assurance that these matters will not negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations in the future.

Some of our employees in Israel are obligated to perform military reserve duty, currently consisting of approximately 30 days of service annually (or more for reserves officers or non-officers with certain expertise). Additionally, they are subject to being called to active duty at any time upon the outbreak of hostilities. While we have operated effectively under these requirements, no assessment can be made as to the full impact of such requirements on our business or work force and no prediction can be made as to the effect on us of any expansion of such obligations.

The tax benefits that will be available to certain of our Israeli subsidiaries and affiliates will require us to continue to meet various conditions and may be terminated or reduced in the future, which could increase our costs and taxes.

Some of our Israeli subsidiaries and affiliates have been granted “Approved Enterprise” and “Beneficiary Enterprise” status, which provide certain benefits, including tax exemptions and reduced tax rates under the Israeli Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959, referred to as the Investment Law. Income not eligible for Approved Enterprise and Beneficiary Enterprise benefits is taxed at the regular corporate tax rate (26.5% for 2015 and 25% for 2016 and thereafter).

In the event of distribution of dividends in these subsidiaries from said tax-exempt income, the amount distributed will be subject to corporate tax in respect of the amount of the distributed dividend (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 been applicable if such income had not been tax-exempted. Tax-exempt income generated under the Approved/Beneficiary Enterprise program will be subject to taxes upon dividend distribution (which includes the repurchase of the Company's shares) or liquidation.

The entitlement to the above benefits is conditional upon the continuous fulfillment of the conditions stipulated by the Investment Law and applicable regulations. Should the Israeli subsidiaries and affiliates fail to meet such requirements in the future, income attributable to the Approved Enterprise and Beneficiary Enterprise programs would be subject to the statutory Israeli corporate tax rate and they will be required to refund a portion of the tax benefits already received, including interest and CPI linkage or other monetary penalty, with respect to such programs. As of December 31, 2015, we believe that our Israeli subsidiaries and affiliates are in compliance with all of the conditions required by the Investment Law.

Fluctuations in foreign currency values may affect our business and results of operations.

Due to our extensive operations and sales in Israel, most of our revenues and expenses from our IT services are denominated in NIS. For financial reporting purposes, we translate all non-U.S. dollar denominated transactions into dollars in accordance with ASC 830. Therefore, we are exposed to the risk that a devaluation of the NIS relative to the dollar will reduce our revenue growth rate in dollar terms. On the other hand, a significant portion of our revenues from proprietary software products and related services is currently denominated in other currencies, particularly the Euro, Japanese Yen, British Pound and South African Rand, while a substantial portion of our expenses relating to the proprietary software products and related services, principally salaries and related personnel expenses, is denominated in NIS. As a result, the depreciation of the Euro, Japanese Yen, British Pound or South African Rand relative to the U.S. dollar reduces our dollar recorded revenues from sales of our proprietary software products and related services that are denominated in those currencies and thereby harms our results of operations. In addition, the appreciation of the NIS relative to the dollar increases the dollar recorded value of expenses that we incur in NIS in respect of such proprietary software products sales, and, therefore, could adversely affect our results of operations and harm our competitive position in the markets. The depreciation (appreciation) of the dollar in relation to the NIS (based on the change in the exchange rate reported by the Bank of Israel from the start to the conclusion of each year) amounted to 7.0%, (12.0)% and (0.3)% for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. Rises in the inflationary rate in Israel further increase the dollar cost of our NIS-based operating expenses and adversely impact the profits that we realize from our proprietary software products sales. The Israeli rate of inflation amounted to 1.8%, (0.2)% and (1)% for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. We have engaged and may continue in the future to engage in certain hedging transactions, to decrease the risk of financial exposure from fluctuations in the exchange rate of the non-dollar currency forecasted cash flows. However, we cannot assure you that these measures will adequately protect us from the material adverse effects described above. For additional information relating to the exchange rates between different relevant currencies, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Overview—Our Functional and Reporting Currency.”

It may be difficult to serve process and enforce judgments against our directors and officers in the United States or in Israel.

We are organized under the laws of the State of Israel. All of our executive officers and directors are nonresidents of the United States, and a substantial portion of our assets and the assets of these persons are located outside of the United States. Therefore, it may be difficult to:

Israeli courts may refuse to hear a claim based on an alleged violation of U.S. securities laws reasoning that Israel is not the most appropriate forum in which to bring such a claim. In addition, even if an Israeli court agrees to hear a claim, it may determine that Israeli law and not U.S. law is applicable to the claim. If U.S. law is found to be applicable, the content of applicable U.S. law must be proven as a fact by expert witnesses, which can be a time consuming and costly process. Certain matters of procedure will also be governed by Israeli law. There is little binding case law in Israel that addresses the matters described above. As a result of the difficulty associated with enforcing a judgment against us in Israel, an investor may not be able to collect any damages awarded by either a U.S. or foreign court.

Provisions of Israeli law may delay, prevent or make more difficult an acquisition of our company.

The Israeli Companies Law, 1999, referred to as the Companies Law, generally requires that a merger be approved by the board of directors and a majority of the shares voting on the proposed merger, of each of the merging companies. For purposes of the shareholder vote, unless a court rules otherwise, the merger will not be deemed approved if shares representing a majority of the voting power present at the shareholders meeting, and which are not held by the other party to the merger (or by any person who holds 25% or more of the shares or the right to appoint 25% or more of the directors of the other party or its general manager, or any of their relatives or corporations controlled by them) have voted against the merger. Upon the request of any creditor of a party to the proposed merger, a court may delay or prevent the merger if it concludes that there is a reasonable concern that, as a result of the merger, the surviving company will be unable to satisfy the obligations of the surviving company. In addition, the court may give instructions to secure creditors’ rights. Finally, a merger may generally not be completed unless at least (i) 50 days have passed since the filing of a merger proposal signed by both parties with the Israeli Registrar of Companies; and (ii) 30 days have passed since the merger was approved by the shareholders of each of the parties to the merger. Also, in certain circumstances an acquisition of shares in a public company must be made by means of a tender offer. Lastly, Israeli tax law treats some acquisitions, such as stock-for-stock exchanges between an Israeli company and a foreign company, less favorably than U.S. tax laws. These provisions of Israeli corporate and tax law may have the effect of delaying, preventing or make more difficult an acquisition of or merger with us, which may adversely affect our ability to engage in a business combination and may also depress the price of our ordinary shares and ADSs.

Your rights and responsibilities as a shareholder will be governed by Israeli law and differ in some respects from the rights and responsibilities of shareholders under U.S. law.

We are incorporated under Israeli law. The rights and responsibilities of holders of our ordinary shares are governed by our memorandum of association, amended and restated articles of association, which we sometimes refer to as our articles, and Israeli law. These rights and responsibilities differ in some respects from the rights and responsibilities of shareholders in typical U.S. corporations. In particular, a shareholder of an Israeli company has a duty to act in good faith in exercising the rights thereof and fulfilling the obligations thereof toward the company and other shareholders and to refrain from abusing the power thereof in the company, including, among other things, in voting at the general meeting of shareholders on certain matters. Israeli law provides that these duties are applicable in shareholder votes at the general meeting with respect to, among other things, amendments to a company’s articles of association, increases in a company’s authorized share capital, mergers and acquisitions and transactions involving interests of officers, directors or other interested parties which require the shareholders’ approval. In addition, a controlling shareholder of an Israeli company or a shareholder who knows that he or she possesses the power to determine the outcome of a vote at a meeting of our shareholders, or who has, by virtue of the company’s articles of association, the power to appoint or prevent the appointment of an office holder in the company, or any other power with respect to the company, has a duty of fairness toward the company. The Companies Law does not establish criteria for determining whether or not a shareholder has acted in good faith.

As a foreign private issuer whose ADSs are listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, we may follow certain home country corporate governance practices instead of certain NASDAQ requirements.

As a foreign private issuer whose ADSs are listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, we are permitted to follow certain home country corporate governance practices instead of certain requirements of the Listing Rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market. A foreign private issuer that elects to follow a home country practice instead of such requirements must submit to NASDAQ in advance a written statement from independent counsel in such issuer’s home country certifying that the issuer’s practices are not prohibited by the home country’s laws. In addition, a foreign private issuer must disclose in its annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, or on its website, each such requirement that it does not follow and describe the home country practice followed by the issuer in lieu of any such requirement. In keeping with these leniencies, we have elected to follow home country practice with regard to, among other things, composition of our board of directors, director nomination procedure, compensation of officers, quorum at shareholders’ meetings and timing of our annual shareholders’ meetings. We have furthermore elected to follow our home country law, in lieu of those rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market that require that we obtain shareholder approval for certain dilutive events, such as for 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 more interest in the company and certain acquisitions of the stock or assets of another company. Accordingly, our shareholders and ADS holders may not be afforded the same protection as provided under NASDAQ’s corporate governance rules.

Our United States investors could suffer adverse tax consequences if we are characterized as a passive foreign investment company.

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 passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Passive income for these purposes generally includes, among other things, certain dividends, interest, royalties, rental and gains from commodities and securities transactions and from the sale or exchange of property that gives rise to passive income. This characterization could result in adverse U.S. tax consequences to our shareholders who are U.S. taxpayers, including having gain realized on the sale of our ordinary shares or ADSs being treated as ordinary income rather than capital gain income, and could result in punitive interest charges being applied to such sales proceeds. Rules similar to those applicable to dispositions apply to amounts treated as “excess distributions.”

We believe that we were not a PFIC in 2015 but may be classified as such in 2016. Since a PFIC status is only determined as of the end of the taxable year and is dependent on a number of factors, therefore, there can be no assurance that we will not become a PFIC for the year ending December 31, 2016 or in a future taxable year. Rules similar to those applicable to gains derived from the disposition of our ordinary shares or ADSs also apply to certain “excess distributions.” A decline in the value of our ordinary shares or ADSs could result in our company being classified as a PFIC. U.S .investors should consult with their own tax advisors with respect to the U.S. tax consequences of investing in our ordinary shares or ADSs. For a discussion of how we might be characterized as a PFIC and related tax consequences, see “Item 10. Additional Information—Taxation—United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

Both our legal name and our commercial name is Formula Systems (1985) Ltd. We were incorporated in Israel on April 2, 1985. We maintain our principal executive offices at 5 Haplada Street, Or Yehuda 60218, Israel and our telephone number is 011-972-3-5389487. Our agent in the United States is Corporation Service Company and its address is 2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400, Wilmington, DE 19808. In 1991, we completed the initial public offering of our ordinary shares on the TASE. In October 1997, we completed the listing of our ADSs on the NASDAQ Global Market. As of January 3, 2011 our ADSs have been listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

Since our inception, we have acquired effective controlling interests, and have invested, in companies which are engaged in the IT solutions and services business. We, together with our subsidiaries and affiliates, are known as the Formula Group.

In November 2010, Emblaze Ltd., our former controlling shareholder, sold its controlling stake in us to Asseco Poland SA, a Polish IT company listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. Asseco currently beneficially owns 46.3% of our issued and outstanding ordinary shares (which excludes shares that we have repurchased that lack voting rights and shares subject to restrictions that are voted in proportion to the votes of our other shares).

We have adopted a strategy of seeking opportunities to realize gains through the selective sale of investments and interests in our subsidiaries and affiliates to outside investors. We believe that this strategy provides us with capital to support the growth of our interest in our remaining subsidiaries, as well as provide us the opportunity to pursue new acquisitions of, and investments in, other businesses, particularly businesses offering products, technologies and services that are complementary to ours and are suitable for integration into our business therefore increasing value for our shareholders (and ADS holders). We expect to continue to develop and enhance the products, services and solutions of our subsidiaries and affiliates, and to continue to pursue additional acquisitions of, or investments in, companies that provide IT services and proprietary software solutions.

Capital Expenditures and Divestitures

Our principal investment and divestiture activities and related financing activities since the start of our 2013 fiscal year are described below. For additional information relating to our investment, divestiture and financing activities during 2014 and 2015, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects— Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Changes in our percentage ownership of Sapiens. As of January 1, 2013, our percentage interest in our subsidiary Sapiens was 56.6%. We purchased additional shares in 2013 which resulted in our percentage interest increasing to 57.2% as of May 2013. In November 2013, Sapiens issued 6,497,400 of its common shares in a follow-on public offering, As a result, as of December 31, 2013, our percentage interest in Sapiens decreased to 48.6%. We purchased additional shares in 2014 which resulted in our percentage interest increasing to 50.2% as of December 31, 2014. We purchased additional shares in 2014 which resulted in our percentage interest increasing to 50.2% as of December 31, 2014. As of September 30, 2015, due to exercises of options by employees of Sapiens, Formula’s direct interest in Sapiens outstanding common shares again was diluted below 50%. Formula’s interest in Sapiens common shares is currently 49%, however, Formula holds a voting proxy with respect to an additional 1,024,781 of Sapiens common shares (includes options to purchase 308,932 Sapiens’ Common Shares under Sapiens 2011 Incentive Plan). Pursuant to our acquisitions of Sapiens common shares, we have invested an aggregate of $2.7 million, $11.9 million and $0.4 million in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. The sources of such funds have been our working capital and loans from financial institutions.

Changes in our percentage ownership of Magic Software. During 2012 and 2013, we increased our investment in Magic Software, acquiring additional ordinary shares of Magic Software in private transactions that have raised our beneficial ownership to 52.3% and 51.6% of Magic Software’s outstanding share capital as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively. In March 2014, Magic Software issued 6,900,000 of its ordinary shares in a follow-on public offering, of which we purchased 700,000 ordinary shares. As a result, our beneficial ownership percentage in Magic Software decreased to 45.0%. We purchased additional shares in 2015 and 2016, which resulted in our current percentage interest increasing to 47.3%. Pursuant to our acquisitions of Magic Software’s ordinary shares, we have invested an aggregate of $ 0 million, $6.6 million and $3.7 million in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. The sources of such funds have been our working capital and a bank loan.

Changes in our percentage ownership of Matrix. During 2013, 2014 and 2015, we have increased our investment in Matrix, acquiring additional ordinary shares of Matrix in private transactions that have raised our beneficial ownership to 50.11%, 50.2% and 50% of Matrix outstanding share capital as of December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. Pursuant to our acquisitions of Matrix ordinary shares, we have invested an aggregate of $0.1 million, $1.3 million and $0 million in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. The source of such funds has been our working capital and a bank loan.

Acquisition of TSG. In May 2016, Formula and IAI each acquired 50% of TSG, a subsidiary and the military arm of Ness Technologies, which is engaged in the fields of command and control systems, intelligence, homeland security and cybersecurity. Each of Formula and IAI paid a purchase price of $25.8 million (subject to certain adjustments).

Acquisition of Ibexi by Sapiens. In May 2015, Sapiens acquired IBEXI Solutions Private Limited or IBEXI, an India-based provider of insurance solutions and services, which services 18 insurers in both the P&C and L&P markets throughout Southeast Asia. The total purchase price in this acquisition was approximately $4.8 million, which was paid in cash by Sapiens at the closing, and which is subject to adjustment based on certain future criteria.

Acquisition of Insseco by Sapiens. In August 2015, Sapiens acquired Insseco, a Poland-based software and services provider for the insurance market, from Asseco, the controlling shareholder of Formula, which helped Sapiens to establish a strong presence in the Polish insurance market. Sapiens paid approximately $9.1 million in cash for Insseco, subject to upwards adjustment based on its achieving future revenue goals.

Acquisition of Comblack IT by Magic. In April 2015, Magic acquired a 70% interest in Comblack IT Ltd., an Israeli-based company that specializes in software professional and outsource management services for mainframes and complex large-scale environments, for a total consideration of $1.8 million, of which $ 1.5 million was paid upon closing and $ 0.3 million was contingent upon the acquired business meeting certain operational targets in 2015. Magic and the seller hold mutual Call and Put options respectively for the remaining 30% interest in the company. In March 2016, Magic paid the seller the remaining contingent payments for meeting 2015 operational targets.

Acquisition of Infingy Solutions by Magic .In June 2015, Magic acquired a 70% interest in Infinigy Solutions LLC, a US-based services company focused on expanding the development and implementation of technical solutions throughout the telecommunications industry with offices over the US, providing nationwide coverage and support for wireless engineering, deployment services, surveying, environmental service and project management, for a total consideration of $6.4 million, of which $ 5.6 was paid upon closing and $ 0.8 million is contingent upon the acquired business meeting certain operational targets in 2016 and 2017. Magic and the seller hold mutual Call and Put options respectively for the remaining 30% interest in the company.

Acquisition of Hydus Solutions by Matrix. In April 2015, Xtivia Inc (a wholly owned subsidiary of Matrix) completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of Hydus Inc in total consideration of $ 2.5 million. Hydus Inc. is a U.S based consulting firm specializing in software services in the field of EIM (Enterprise Information Management). In addition, the sellers may be eligible for future consideration, valued at $ 1.6 million as of December 31, 2015, subject to obtaining accumulated operating income targets during three years (such additional consideration will not exceed Hydus accumulated operating income during the measurement period).

Acquisition of InOnno Apps by Matrix. In May 2015, Matrix completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of Ono Apps Ltd., an Israeli based service provider specializing in mobile applications development services, in total consideration of NIS 4.6 million (approximately $ 1.2 million). In addition, the sellers may be eligible for future consideration, valued at $ 0.3 million as of December 31, 2015, subject to obtaining accumulated operating income targets during three years commencing on January 1, 2016 which shall not exceed NIS 5.0 million (approximately $ 1.3 million).

During the year ended December 31, 2015, Formula and its subsidiaries and affiliates completed five other acquisitions for a total cash consideration of approximately $3.8, million and increased their share interest in two existing subsidiaries in a total consideration of $ 1.7 million. These acquisitions generally enhance the group's technologies, product and services offerings. Pro forma results of operations for these acquisitions have not been presented because they are not material to the consolidated results of operations, either individually or in the aggregate.

Acquisition of InSync Staffing Solutions Inc. In April 2014, Formula acquired all of the interests in InSync Staffing LLC, a U.S.-based full service provider of staffing solutions for IT, engineering and other professional staff. We recorded a capital expenditure of $4.0 million in respect of this acquisition.

Acquisition of a software vendor by Magic Software. In October 2014, Magic Software acquired 100% of Formula Telecom Solutions Ltd., or FTS, an Israeli based software vendor. FTS specializes in the development, sale, service and support of business support systems, or BSS, including convergent charging, billing, customer management, policy control and payment software solutions for the telecommunications, content, Machine to Machine/Internet of Things or M2M/IoT, payment and other industries. FTS has a track record of successful implementation of many projects in Western and Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa.

Acquisition of Knowledge Partners International LLC. On August 1, 2014, Sapiens acquired Knowledge Partners International LLC, or KPI, and the assets of The Decision Model Licensing LLC, or TDML, for total consideration of $2.1 million in cash and 57,000 ordinary shares of Sapiens Decision, Sapiens’ subsidiary which holds all of the interests in KPI (representing 3% of Sapiens Decision’s issued and outstanding ordinary shares immediately prior to closing). In addition, one of the shareholders of KPI received 88,500 restricted shares of Sapiens Decision plus $450,000 in cash, subject to certain performance criteria. The agreements for the foregoing acquisitions included, among other things, certain put and call options relating to the Sapiens Decision shares issued upon consummation of the transaction and certain other benefits payable upon the occurrence of certain conditions.

Acquisition of Hoshen Eliav Ltd. During January 2014, Matrix purchased 100% of the share capital of Hoshen Eliav Ltd. from its former shareholders in consideration of approximately $1.3 million in cash and contingent consideration estimated at approximately $0.2 million subject to the achievement of the gross profit goals in the next three years. The company focuses on providing consulting to security companies.

Acquisition of Top Q (Aqua) Software Ltd. During March 2014, Matrix purchased 100% of the share capital of Top Q (Aqua) Software Ltd. from its former shareholders in consideration of approximately $1.2 million in cash and contingent consideration based on the achievement of a gross profit goal. The company is engaged in software testing and specializes in automated testing.

Acquisition of Managware Ltd. On October 2, 2014, Matrix purchased 100% of the share capital of Managware Ltd. from its former shareholders in consideration of approximately $1.5 million in cash, contingent consideration of $0.7 million paid at the closing and contingent consideration payable in the future subject to the Managware’s results for the years 2015 to 2017 and contingent upon the continued employment of the former shareholder of Managware. Managware is engaged in the marketing of software and provides other services.

Acquisition of Enterprise Division of U.S. IT, engineering and telecom consulting company by Magic Software. In November 2013, Magic Software acquired the enterprise division of Allstates Technical Services, LLC, a U.S.-based full-service provider of consulting and outsourcing solutions for IT, Engineering and Telecom personnel from KBR, Inc. (NYSE: KBR). This division, now known as Allstates Consulting Services LLC brings a strong reputation and an experienced growth-focused management team serving some of the world’s leading telecom and technology companies.

Additional Acquisitions by Matrix and Magic Software. In 2013, Matrix and Magic Software completed the acquisition of four other activities for an aggregate total consideration of up to $8.5 million, of which $3.8 million is contingent upon the acquired activities achieve certain targets over time.

General

We are a global IT solutions and services holdings company that is principally engaged through our directly held subsidiaries and affiliates in providing proprietary and non-proprietary software solutions and services, software product marketing and support, computer infrastructure and integration solutions and learning and integration. We deliver our solutions in over 50 countries worldwide to customers with complex IT services needs, including a number of “Fortune 1000” companies.

Except for providing our subsidiaries and our affiliated companies with our management, technical expertise and marketing experience to help them to penetrate their respective markets, direct the overall strategy of our subsidiaries and affiliated companies and monitor the growth of our subsidiaries and affiliated company through our active involvement, we do not conduct independent operations at our parent company level. Our operating results are, and have been, directly influenced by the consolidation and cessation of consolidation of our subsidiaries, which could cause significant fluctuations in our consolidated operating results. Consequently, we believe that period-to-period comparisons of our results of operations are not necessarily meaningful and you should not rely on these comparisons as indications of our future performance.

We operate through our subsidiaries: Matrix and InSync and through our affiliated companies Sapiens, Magic Software and TSG. From January 28, 2012 through November 18, 2013, when we lost control of Sapiens for accounting purposes (under U.S. GAAP) following our direct interest in Sapiens outstanding common shares diluting from 56.8% to 48.8% and from December 23, 2014, when we regained control of Sapiens, through September 30, 2015, when we lost control of Sapiens for accounting purposes (under U.S. GAAP) following our direct interest in Sapiens outstanding common shares diluting from 50% to 49.1%, Sapiens was our subsidiary. Between November 18, 2013 and December 23, 2014, Sapiens was an affiliated company for accounting purposes and again became an affiliated company for accounting purposes on October 1, 2015. Until March 4, 2014, Magic Software was our subsidiary. As of March 5, 2014, as a result of the dilution caused by the public offering of Magic Software, we lost the controlling interest for accounting purposes (under U.S GAAP) following our direct interest in Magic outstanding ordinary shares diluting from 51.4% to 45.1%, and Magic Software became an affiliated company. The following is a description of the areas of our business activity:

IT Services

We design and implement IT solutions and software systems which improve the productivity of our customers’ existing IT assets. In delivering our IT services, we at times use proprietary software developed by members of the Formula Group. We provide our IT services across the full system development life cycle, including definition of business requirements, developing customized software, implementing software and modifying it based on the customer's needs, system analysis, technical specifications, coding, testing, training, implementation and maintenance. We perform our projects on-site or at our own facilities.

Proprietary Software Solutions

We design, develop and market proprietary software solutions for sale in selected niche markets worldwide. We regularly seek opportunities to invest in or acquire companies with attractive proprietary software solutions under development which we believe to have market potential. The majority of our investments and acquisitions in this area have been in companies with products beyond the prototype stage. In addition, from time to time, we selectively invest in companies with proven technology where we believe we can leverage our experience to enhance product positioning and increase market penetration. We provide our management and technical expertise, marketing experience and financial resources to help bring these products to market. We also assist the members of our group to form teaming agreements with strategic partners to develop a presence in international markets.

The Formula Group

Formula is the parent company of subsidiaries and affiliates, which, as noted above, we refer to collectively (together with Formula) as the Formula Group. As of December 31, 2015, we held 90% of the shares of InSync, 50. 0% controlling interest Matrix, a 49.1% interest in Sapiens and a 46.4% interest in Magic Software through our equity holdings. As of December 31, 2015, we had the right to appoint a majority of the board of directors of Matrix through our equity holdings. In May 2016, we acquired a 50% interest in TSG. We provide our subsidiaries and our affiliated companies with our management, technical expertise and marketing experience to help them to penetrate their respective markets.

We direct the overall strategy of our subsidiaries and affiliated companies. While our subsidiaries and affiliated companies each have independent management, we monitor the growth of our subsidiaries and affiliated companies through our active involvement in the following matters:

We promote the synergy and cooperation among our subsidiaries and affiliated companies by encouraging the following:

We, through our subsidiaries and affiliated companies, offer a wide range of integrated IT software solutions and services, including the implementation and integration projects of computing and software, outsourcing, project management software, software development, outsourcing, IT managed services, software testing and QA, and software services, depending on specific needs of the customer and depending on the subject expertise necessary professional all case by case basis, and design, develop and market proprietary software solutions for sale in selected niche markets, both in Israel and worldwide.

Our Subsidiaries

Matrix

Matrix IT Ltd. is one of Israel’s leading integration and information technology services companies. Matrix employs approximately 7,650 software, hardware, integration and training personnel, which provide advanced IT services to hundreds of customers in the Israeli market. Matrix also markets in Israel software and hardware products manufactured by a broad range of international manufacturers.

The solutions, services and products supplied by Matrix are designed to improve Matrix’s customers’ competitive capabilities, by providing a response to their unique IT needs in all levels of their operations.

Areas of Operation

As of April 30, 2016, Matrix reported on four principal areas of operations, reporting its U.S and Israeli Software solutions and services under one operating segment. Following Matrix management decision to target the U.S market for expanding Matrix operations separately from its operations in the Israeli market, it was management decision to split this activity to a separate operating segment and as of the date of this report Matrix operates through its directly and indirectly held subsidiaries in the following principal areas

Software solutions and services - Israel: Matrix’s primary activities in this area include development of software systems and service, including integration projects of systems and software, outsourcing, management of software projects, testing of developed technology, quality assurance and software services. The scope of work invested in each element varies from one customer to the other.

Software solutions and services – United States: Matrix provides solutions and expert services in the area of governance risk and compliance (“GRC”), including activities in the following areas: risk management, fraud management, anti-money laundering, and regulatory compliance security in these areas. Matrix also provides solutions and technological services in the areas of portals, BI, DBA, CRM and EIM.

Software product marketing and support: Matrix activities in this area include marketing and support for various software products (mainly originated outside of Israel) and providing professional support for these products to customers, including marketing and support of products.

Computer infrastructure and integration solutions: Matrix activities in this area consist of: (1) providing computer and telecommunication infrastructure solutions; (2) selling and marketing personal computers, portable computers, Intel servers, peripheral equipment, operating systems, servers and workstations to business customers; and (3) selling and marketing cloud based solutions (under the “CloudZone” division).

Learning and integration: Matrix’s activities in this area consist of operating a network of training centers which provide advances courses for high-tech professionals, courses for developers and professional training, and soft skills and management training, and providing training and instructions with respect to computer systems.

Matrix provides solutions, services and products primarily to the following market sectors (or verticals): banking, finance and insurance, commerce, manufacturing and high-tech, government, defense telecommunications, healthcare and the public and security forces sector.

Matrix offers to each market sector a broad range of solutions and services, customized for the specific needs of that sector. Matrix operates dedicated departments, each of which specializes in a particular sector. Each such department supplies customers in that sector with a products and services offering providing a response to most of its IT requirements, based on an in-depth business understanding of the challenges which are typical to that sector. Matrix established a separate division for each particular market sector, which manages the operations relating to that sector.

Specialization in the various sectors is reflected in the applications, professional and marketing aspects of each sector. Accordingly, the professional and marketing infrastructure required to support each market sector is developed to address such sector’s specific needs.

In addition to the five sector-based areas of operations, Matrix operates three horizontal divisions providing specialist services for all of the different sectors of operations as follows:

·   Expertise centers – Matrix operates about 20 “expertise centers” (“Centers of Excellence”), in areas such as: Service Oriented Architecture (SOA), Mobility (Mobile Technology), Customer Relations Management (CRM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), eXtended Relationship Management (XRM), Cloud Computing, Digital, User Experience, Open Source, Security & Cyber, Big data, Analytical BI, and DevOps. These expertise centers are based on business vertical concept, which is targeted to yield significant added value to the company’s customers, including: group of professionals that are focused and have expertise in the related technologies, hands-on experience and expertise in the related technologies, methodologies, and best practices; and

·   A strategic consulting center that provides customers with diverse consultation services on topics such as organization, strategy, business development and technological development.

·   Quality assurance and related professional services under an offshore/”nearshore” model-

In the context of its offshore/”nearshore” activities, Matrix conducts IT-related activities, including content development, quality assurance, maintenance, customer call center services indexing and related activities that are performed in a specific region or country where such activities can be conducted most inexpensively. Matrix offers its customers these types of solutions, whether via its “nearshore” Talpiot project and Babcom Centers Ltd. (the latter, a company located near large Arab population centers in the Galilee, housing thousands of educated and skillful men and women interested in developing a career near their homes) or via its offshore solutions that are based on its development centers in Bulgaria and Macedonia. Periods of economic cautiousness (such as the present time) provide an added incentive for these types of inexpensive economic solutions. This trend is likely to expand Matrix’s operations in these areas in the context of its “Matrix Global” activities.

Matrix’s customers include large and medium size enterprises in Israel, including commercial banks, loan and mortgage banks, telecommunications services providers, cellular operators, credit card companies, leasing companies, insurance companies, security agencies, hi-tech companies and startups, the Israeli Defense Forces and government ministries and public agencies and media and publishing entities. Approximately 60% of Matrix customers in the software solutions and services business segment are in business relations with it for more than ten years and 25% of them are between five to ten years.

InSync

InSync is a US based national supplier of employees to Vendor Management Systems (VMS) Workforce Management Program accounts. InSync specializes in providing professionals in the following areas; Accounting and Finance, Administrative, Customer Service, Clinical, Scientific and Healthcare, Engineering, Manufacturing and Operations, Human Resources, IT Technology, LI/MFG, and Marketing and Sales. With an experienced team of IT recruiters, InSync can rapidly respond to a wide range of requirements with well qualified candidates. InSync currently supports more than 30 VMS program customers with employees in over 40 states.

Our Affiliated Companies

Sapiens

Sapiens International Corporation N.V. is a leading global provider of software solutions for the insurance industry, with emerging growing presence in the financial services sector. Sapiens’ robust expertise in the insurance industry is reflected in its innovative software solutions for providers of Property & Casualty/General Insurance, or P&C, and Life, Annuities & Pensions, & Annuities, enabling our customers to manage their core business functions, including policy administration, claims management and billing. Sapiens also supply core record-keeping software solutions for providers of Retirement Services and Reinsurance. Additionally, Sapiens offers a platform that enables its customers to quickly deploy business logic and comply with policies and regulations across their organizations. . Sapiens’ solutions enable customers to respond to the rapidly-evolving market needs and regulatory changes, while improving the efficiency of their core operations, thereby increasing revenues and reducing costs. Sapiens also offers services to insurance providers and financial institutions around the globe, including consulting, migration, project delivery and implementation of our solutions.

Sapiens operates in the traditional core insurance and financial services markets. Its history of working closely with insurance and financial services providers results in a deep understanding of these markets and their needs. Its target market includes both insurance carriers using legacy systems and those using new technologies and financial services providers.

Sapiens offering is comprised primarily of (1) software solutions for the insurance industry with a growing presence in the financial services sector and (2) global services including project delivery and implementation of its solutions.

Sapiens offers its insurance customers a range of packaged software solutions that are:

Sapiens’ packaged software solutions enable:

Sapiens’ technology-based solutions include application development and business decision management platforms. Sapiens’ application development platforms allow for the deployment of tailor-made solutions that address unique business needs for which pre-packaged software solutions may not be available. Sapiens’ business decision management platform, Sapiens DECISION, allows business professionals to design, simulate, implement, change and analyze the business logic that drives financial operations and compliance in a business-friendly format and environment. Sapiens’ platform facilitates the swift deployment of new or changed business logic that originates from regulatory updates or market changes, reduces costs and improves efficiency by shortening the software development lifecycle. This platform empowers the organization’s business users as they manage their business strategy, rules and logic by using business terms rather than programming language

Sapiens Solution Offerings

Sapiens Life, Pension & Annuity Solutions

Sapiens ALIS for Life, Pension and Annuities: Sapiens ALIS is a comprehensive software solution for individual, group and worksite insurance products. ALIS provides comprehensive support for the complete policy lifecycle of all life insurance products from quotation and illustrations, through underwriting, insurance billing and servicing up to the claims management and exit processing.

Sapiens ALIS is a modular system and its functional components include all the components necessary for L&P insurers to manage their business. Sapiens ALIS allows insurance carriers to manage their entire core business on a single platform and to integrate Sapiens ALIS with other systems for the completion of a specific activity or domain.

Sapiens Retirement Services: Leveraging on Sapiens ALIS, Sapiens has also developed Sapiens Retirement: a modern, end-to-end packaged software solution for record-keeping management for defined contribution record-keeping providers. Sapiens Retirement Services Platform is a next-generation, defined contribution, retirement services platform that enables record-keepers to secure and retain profitable plans by offering the efficiency, flexibility and end-to-end governance required for success in today’s market. Designed by leading industry experts, Sapiens Retirement Services supports a wide range of plan types – 401(k), 403(b) and 457 – from micro to mega plans, and the associated plan variations, including ERISA, Non-ERISA, Safe Harbor, Taft Hartley and others.

Sapiens Closed Books: Sapiens Closed Books is a solution for life and pension insurance companies that enables them to efficiently and more effectively administer policies and claims relating to closed books of business (products that are no longer open to new business, but must still be administered).

Sapiens TOPAZ: Sapiens TOPAZ is offered uniquely in the Israeli market, enabling life and pension carriers in Israel to handle a wide range of activities and regulations that are unique to the Israeli market.

Sapiens Property & Casualty/General Insurance Solutions

Sapiens IDIT: Sapiens IDIT is a component-based software solution, addressing the specific needs of general insurance carriers for traditional insurance, direct insurance, bancassurance and brokers markets, primarily in Europe and Asia-Pacific.

Sapiens IDIT integrates multiple front office and back office processes, including insurance product design, policy administration, underwriting, call center and remote users and partners, backed by fully secured internet-based capabilities. Sapiens IDIT provides a full set of components to support insurance carriers’ core operations lifecycle – from inception, to renewal and claims. The solution includes modular software components that can be customized to match specific insurance business requirements, while providing pre-configured functionality

Sapiens Insight. Insight for P&C is a software solution used by carriers that works on IBM System z (mainframe) and System i platforms. Insight for P&C has been customized to meet specific business demands at the insurer level and regulatory needs at the state level.

Sapiens Reinsurance is a comprehensive business and accounting solution designed to support the entire range of reinsurance contracts and activities, both ceded and assumed, for all lines of business. This software product provides both insurers and reinsurers superior handling of all reinsurance activities and in-depth accounting functionality on a single platform. By incorporating fully automated functions adapted conveniently for its customers’ business procedures, Sapiens Reinsurance provides flexible and full financial control of its customers’ reinsurance processes, including full support for all auditing requirements and statutory compliance..

Sapiens Business Decision Management Solutions

Sapiens DECISION is a business decision management solution that consistently enforces business logic across all enterprise applications. Organizations use it to track, verify and ensure that every decision is based on the most up-to-date rules and policies. The solution is powered by The Decision Model®, a widely adopted decision management methodology, for which Sapiens owns a number of patents. Organizations are undergoing a paradigm shift in the way they approach change, by replacing conventional policy and process management with an emerging discipline called decision management. Decision management bridges the gap between business and IT, by enabling business users to rapidly frame requirements in formal business models that can be easily understood by all stakeholders. This ensures that the business logic is complete, internally consistent and accurate, and doesn’t replicate existing logic.

Sapiens DECISION allows the reusability and governance of business logic across all business divisions and software applications, using any rules engine or business process management system, and integrating seamlessly with the BRM or BPM system that the organization has in place.

Sapiens is currently focusing on the development and marketing of Sapiens DECISION in the financial services market in North America and Western Europe, and is in the process of building best practices to be used mostly by mortgage banking, retail banking and investment banking. Sapiens also intends to develop and market Sapiens DECISION for the insurance industry and leverage its industry knowledge and close relationships with its existing customers and partners.

Technology Based Solutions

Sapiens eMerge: Sapiens eMerge is a rules-based, model-driven architecture that enables the creation of tailor-made, mission-critical core enterprise applications with little or no coding. Sapiens’ technology is intended to allow customers to meet complex and unique requirements using a robust development platform.

Sapiens' Global Services

Sapiens’ services modernize and automate processes for insurance providers and financial institutions around the globe, helping to create greater organizational efficiencies, reduce costs and provide a better end user experience. Built on a solid foundation of insurance domain expertise, proven technology and a heritage of successful deployments, Sapiens assists clients in identifying and eliminating IT barriers to achieve business objectives. Benefits include:

Sapiens’ service teams possess strong technology skills and industry expertise. The level of service and business understanding they provide contributes to the long term success of its customers. This helps Sapiens develop strategic relationships with its customers, enhances information exchange and deepens its understanding of the needs of companies within the industry.

Through its service teams, Sapiens provides a wide scope of services and consultancy around its core solutions, both in the stage of the initial project implementation stage, as well as ongoing additional services. Many of its customers also use its services and expertise on an ongoing basis to assist them with various aspects of daily maintenance, ongoing system administration and the addition of new solution enhancements.

In addition, most of Sapiens’ clients elect to enter into an ongoing maintenance and support contract with Sapiens. The terms of such a contract are usually twelve months and are renewed every year. A maintenance contract entitles the customer to technology upgrades (when made generally available) and technical support. Sapiens also offers introductory and advanced classes and training programs available at its offices and customer sites.

Sapiens also partners with several system integration consulting firms to achieve scalable, cost-effective implementations for our customers. Sapiens has developed an efficient, repeatable methodology that is closely aligned with the unique capabilities of its solutions.

Sales and Marketing

Sapiens sales channel is direct sales, with a small portion of partner sales. Sapiens sales team is located at its regional offices in North America, the United Kingdom, Belgium, France, Israel, Australia, India, Poland and Japan. The direct sales force is geared to large organizations within the insurance and financial services industry.

In 2015, we continued to significantly invest in Sapiens target regions – North America, UK and Europe – and our sales, presales, domain experts and marketing personnel. We anticipate that our sales team will leverage their proximity to customers and prospective clients to drive more business, and offer our services across our target markets.

Sapiens account managers have been focused on building ongoing relationships with existing customers, to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction and identify up-selling opportunities within these organizations. We believe that a high level of post-contract customer support is important to Sapiens continued success. In addition, Sapiens employs a team of technical specialists who provide a full range of maintenance and support services to Sapiens customers to help them fully exploit the capabilities of its solutions.

As part of Sapiens sales process, Sapiens typically sells a package that includes license, implementation, customization and integration services, and training services. All of Sapiens clients for whom it has deployed its solutions elect to enter into an ongoing maintenance and support contract with us. We aim to expand our distribution model to include more channel partners and system integrators, but we intend to maintain the direct sales model as our prime distribution channel.

We attend major industry trade shows to improve Sapiens visibility and market recognition. Additionally, we host client conferences – such as our annual Sapiens Client Conference, which took place in Gouvieux, France in October 2015 – that are intended to strengthen our relationships with our existing customer base.

Sapiens also invests in its working relationships and advisory services within the global industry-analyst community.

Sapiens works together with standards providers – such as ACORD, MISMO and SPARK – to further enrich Sapiens’ offerings and provide its customers with comprehensive and innovative solutions that address the entire breadth of their business needs.

Magic Software

Magic Software Enterprises Ltd. is a global provider of proprietary application development and business process integration platforms, selected vertical software solutions and related professional services, as well as a vendor of IT professional and outsourcing services. Magic Software’s software technology is used by customers to develop, deploy and integrate on-premise, mobile and cloud-based business applications quickly and cost effectively. In addition, Magic Software’s technology enables enterprises to accelerate the process of delivering business solutions that meet current and future needs and allow customers to dramatically improve their business performance and return on investment. With respect to IT outsourcing services, Magic Software offers a complete portfolio of professional services in the areas of infrastructure design and delivery, application development, technology consulting, planning and implementation services, support services and supplemental outsourcing services. In addition, Magic Software offers a variety of proprietary comprehensive packaged software solutions through certain of its subsidiaries for (i) revenue management and monetization solutions in mobile, wireline, broadband and MVNO/E, (ii) management system of both hubs and traditional air cargo ground handling operations from physical handling and cargo documentation through customs, seamless EDI communications, dangerous goods, special handling, track and trace, security to billing; (iii) human capital management, or HCM, solutions, to facilitate the collection, analysis and interpretation of quality data about people, their jobs and their performance, to enhance HCM decision making and (iv) a comprehensive system for managing broadcast channels in the area of TV broadcast management through cloud-based on demand service or on premise solutions.

Based on Magic Software’s technological capabilities, its software solutions enable customers to respond to the rapidly-evolving market needs and regulatory changes, while improving the efficiency of their core operations. Magic Software has approximately 1,200 employees and operates through a network of over 3,000 independent software vendors, who we refer to as Magic Software Providers, or MSPs, and hundreds of system integrators, distributors, resellers, and consulting and OEM partners. Thousands of enterprises in approximately 50 countries use Magic Software’s products and services.

Magic Software’s software platforms consist of:

These software solutions enable Magic Software customers to improve their business performance and return on investment by supporting the cost-effective and rapid delivery and integration of business applications, systems and databases. Using its products, enterprises and MSPs can achieve fast time-to-market by rapidly building integrated solutions and deploying them in multiple environments while leveraging existing IT resources. In addition, Magic Software’s software solutions are scalable and platform-agnostic, enabling its customers to build software applications by specifying their business logic requirements in a high-level language rather than in computer code, and to benefit from seamless platform upgrades and cross-platform functionality without the need to re-write their applications. Magic Software’s platforms also support the development of mobile applications that can be deployed on a variety of smartphones and tablets, and in a cloud environment. In addition, Magic Software continuously evolves its platforms to include the latest technologies to meet the demands of its customers and the markets in which they operate.

Magic Software’s software solutions enable enterprises to accelerate the planning, development, deployment and integration of on-premise, mobile and cloud business applications that can be rapidly customized to meet current and future needs. Magic Software’s software solutions and professional services empower customers to dramatically improve their business performance and return on investment by enabling the cost-effective and rapid delivery, integration and mobilization of business applications, systems and databases. Magic Software’s technology and solutions are especially in demand when time-to-market considerations are critical, budgets are tight, and integration is required with multiple platforms or applications, databases or existing systems and business processes, as well as for the RIA and SaaS applications. Magic Software’s technology also provides the option to deploy its software capabilities in the cloud, hosted in a web services cloud computing environment. We believe these capabilities provide organizations with a faster deployment path and lower total cost of ownership. Magic Software’s technology also allows developers to stage multiple applications before going live in production.

Development communities are facing high complexity, cost and extended pay-back periods in order to deliver cloud, RIAs, mobile and SaaS applications. Magic xpa, AppBuilder and Magic xpi provide MSPs with the ability to rapidly build integrated applications in a more productive manner, deploy them in multiple modes and architectures as needed, lower IT maintenance costs and speed time-to-market. Our solutions are comprehensive and industry proven. These technologies can be applied to the entire software development market, from the implementation of micro-vertical solutions, through tactical application renovation and process automation solutions, to enterprise spanning SOA migrations and composite applications initiatives. Unlike most competing platforms, we offer a coherent and unified toolset based on the same proven metadata driven and rules-based declarative technology. Metadata platforms consist of pre-compiled and pre-written technical and administrative functions, which are essentially ready-made business application coding that enables developers to bypass the intensive technical code-writing stage of application development and integration, concentrate on building the correct logic for their apps and move quickly and efficiently to deployment. Through the use of metadata-driven platforms such as Magic xpa, AppBuilder and Magic xpi, software vendors and enterprise customers can experience unprecedented cost savings through fast and easy implementation and reduced project risk.

Magic Software’s vertical software solutions include:

Magic Software Platforms

Magic Software has continually enhanced its xpa application platform to respond to major market trends such as the growing demand for cloud based offerings including RIAs, mobile applications and SaaS. Accordingly, Magic Software has added new functionalities and extensions to its application platform, with the objective of enabling the development of RIAs, SaaS, mobile and cloud enabled applications. SaaS is a relatively new business and technical model for delivering software applications, similar to a phone or cable TV model, in which the software applications are installed and hosted in dedicated data centers and users subscribe to these centers and use the applications over an internet connection. This model requires the ability to deliver RIAs. Magic xpa is a comprehensive RIA platform. It uses a single development paradigm that handles all ends of the application development and deployment process including client and server partitioning and the inter-communicating layers.

Magic xpa offers customers the power to choose how they deploy their applications, whether full client or web; on-premise or on-demand; in the cloud or behind the corporate firewall; software or mobile or SaaS; global or local. The Magic xpa Application Platform complies with event driven and service oriented architectural principles. By offering technology transparency, this product allows customers to focus on their business requirements rather than technological means. The Magic xpa single development paradigm significantly reduces the time and costs associated with the development and deployment of cloud-based applications, including RIAs, mobile and SaaS. In addition, application owners can leverage their initial investment when moving from full client mode to cloud mode, and modify these choices as the situation requires. Enterprises can use cloud based Magic xpa applications in a SaaS model and still maintain their databases in the privacy of their own data centers. It also supports most hardware and operating system environments such as Windows, Unix, Linux and AS/400, as well as multiple databases and is interoperable with .NET and Java technologies.

Magic xpa can be applied to the full range of software development, from the implementation of micro-vertical solutions, through tactical application renovation and process automation solutions, to enterprise spanning SOA migrations and composite applications initiatives. Unlike most competing platforms, Magic Software offers a coherent and unified toolset based on the same proven metadata driven and rules based declarative technology, resulting in increased cost savings through fast and easy implementation and reduced project risk.

The Magic xpa Application Platform was acknowledged in Gartner’s 2013 Magic Quadrant for On-Premise Application Platform as “gaining in popularity versus Java as enterprises seek to exploit new technologies to improve developer productivity.” Magic Software’s Enterprise Mobility Solution received the 2013 Shining Star Award for Enterprise Application Development from Mobile Village and also received Developer Week’s 2014 Top Innovator Award and a 2014 Mobile Village Superstar Award for Mobile Development.

In July 2014, Magic Software released Magic xpa Application Platform 2.5, with new features and enhancements to allow for fast and easy enterprise mobility application creation and improved user experience along with the brand-new Magic Mobile Accelerator Framework, which includes a set of pre-built, reusable and customizable components for a wide variety of popular mobile application features, including user interface and display, navigation, graphs and charting, location services, synchronization, and device and application auditing. Designed to work together under the same framework, accelerator components enable Magic developers to create attractive, functional mobile applications, faster and with less effort than ever before.

In May 2015, Magic Software released Magic xpa 3.0, an improved version of our application platform including high performance In-Memory Data Grid architecture, an enhanced Visual Studio-based development environment, powerful new mobile development capabilities and support for Big Data and Fast Data by enabling users to stream application data to an in-memory space.

In March 2016, Magic Software released Magic xpa version 3.1, the latest version of its Magic xpa Application Platform, incorporating feedback from the field to bring its customers additional value in terms of simplifying app modernization, accelerating enterprise mobile app development and maximizing end user adoption, This latest release includes end user customization capabilities, an enhanced user interface, or UI, and a new Upgrade Manager. With enterprise apps increasingly critical to companies’ digital transformation success, Magic xpa’s powerful and highly productive environment can provide an important competitive edge. With its advanced personalization capabilities, improved usability and a new automated Upgrade Manager, Magic xpa 3.1 makes it easier than ever for Magic Software’s large customer base to modernize and extend capabilities of their existing apps with less effort and risk.

AppBuilder follows the 4GL development paradigm to help enterprises focus on the business needs and definition and overlook technical hurdles. AppBuilder developers define the business roles and prior to deployment the code is generated from the development environment to the required run time environment. Several large MSPs have utilized AppBuilder to build state of the art applications that are deployed through many large customers.

AppBuilder implements a model driven architecture approach to application development. It provides the ability to design an application at the business modeling level and generate forward to an application. AppBuilder has a platform-independent, business-rules language that enables generation to multiple platforms. It is possible to generate the client part of an application as Java and the server part as COBOL. As businesses change, the server part can be generated as Java without changing the application logic. Only a simple configuration option needs to be changed.

In April 2015, AppBuilder launched a next-generation HTML5 development tool. AppBuilderHTML5 enables AppBuilder’s enterprise customers to easily turn their large-scale client/server business applications into fully functional browser-based apps.

Magic xpi allows the integration and interoperability of diverse solutions, including legacy applications, in a quick and efficient manner. Magic Software has entered into agreements with additional system integrators, consultancies and service providers, who acquired Magic xpi skills and offer Magic xpi licenses and related services to their customers. Magic Software also offers special editions of Magic xpi targeted at specific enterprise application vendor ecosystems, such as SAP, Oracle JD Edwards, Microsoft Sharepoint and Salesforce.com. These special editions contain specific features and pricing tailored for these market sectors.

In April 2013, Magic Software released Magic xpi 4.0, a significant major release that provides new capabilities in the areas of high availability, scalability and fault-tolerance for enterprise integration solutions. The architecture for Magic xpi 4.0 is based on IMDG technology, enabling very high-availability and performance, while preserving Magic Software’s easy-to-use and simplicity tradition and allowing existing integration projects to migrate seamlessly to the new release.

In December 2014, Magic Software released Magic xpi 4.1 incorporating feedback from the field to bring its customers a lot of additional value in terms of redundancy, reliability, stability, performance, and monitoring. For example, users can now define an alternate host for the server to work with, if the main host is unavailable or if the startup procedure on the main host fails. Magic Software also added a new mechanism to rebalance the Space partitions so that the primary partition and its backup will not run on the same machine when they are deployed on a clustered environment.

Vertical-software solutions

FTS works with telecommunications, content and payment service providers globally to help them manage complex transactions and relationships with greater flexibility and independence. Analyzing transactions from a business standpoint, FTS offers end-to-end and add-on telecom billing, charging, policy control and payments solutions to customers worldwide, and services both growing and major providers.

FTS targets mid to lower level tier service providers, supporting their BSS needs with end-to-end, turnkey billing and other BSS projects. In addition, FTS offers upper-tiers of service providers with BSS and monetization solutions for specific needs, including policy control and charging solutions, M2M billing, billing for content services, MVNE/MVNO billing, mobile money software solutions, payment and mobile payment solutions and others.

FTS’s solutions are delivered via cloud, on-premises or in a fully managed-services mode and are backed by FTS’s Israel and Bulgaria-based experienced professional services support team.

During 2015, FTS improved its position in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Integrated Revenue and Customer Management which assesses vendors on ‘Completeness of vision’ and ‘Ability to execute’. FTS’ position improved in the niche quadrant in both dimensions this year. To determine its positioning, Gartner evaluated FTS’ convergent billing, charging, policy control and partner management solutions for the telecom, IoT, MVNO, mobile money and payments industries.

Magic Software’s offering includes customizable HCM SaaS Solutions that provides a menu of templates that can be used to affordably and expeditiously create customized HCM solutions for companies.  The HR Pulse platform promotes the building and implementation of solutions that address broader business challenges as well. Such offerings include 360 degree feedback, employee surveys, leadership and management development, coaching and job evaluation.

Magic Software’s technology enables enterprises to accelerate the process of building and deploying business software applications that can be rapidly customized to meet current and future needs. Magic Software’s development and integration products empower customers to dramatically improve their business performance and return on investment by enabling the affordable and rapid integration of diverse applications, systems and databases to streamline business processes from within one comprehensive framework.

Magic Software addresses the critical business needs of companies so that they are able to quickly respond to changing market forces and demands. Robust business solutions are created, deployed and maintained with unrivaled productivity and time-to-market results.

Magic Software’s technologies are used by a wide variety of developers, integrators and solution providers, which can generally be divided into two sectors: (i) those performing in-house development (corporate IT departments) and (ii) MSPs, including large system integrators and smaller independent developers, and value added resellers that use Magic Software’s technology to develop or provide solutions to their customers. MSPs who are packaged software publishers use Magic Software’s technology to write standard packaged software products that are sold to multiple clients, typically within a vertical industry sector or a horizontal business function.

Services/ Professional Services.

IT Services. Magic Software’s IT services offerings consist of a variety of professional services that can be grouped into integration and other IT services. Magic Software’s integration services include:

Services are offered as separately purchased add-on packages or as part of an overall software development and deployment technology framework. Over the last several years, Magic Software has built upon its established global presence to form business alliances with MSPs who use Magic Software technology to develop solutions for their customers, and with distributors to deliver successful solutions in focused market sectors.

Maintenance. Magic Software offers its customers annual maintenance contracts providing for unspecified upgrades and new versions and enhancements for its products on a when-and-if-available basis for an annual fee.

Customer Support. Magic Software’s in-house technical support group provides training and post-sale support. Magic Software offers an online support system for the MSPs, providing them with the ability to instantaneously enter, confirm and track support requests via the Internet. This system supports MSPs and end-users worldwide. As part of this online support, Magic Software offers a Support Knowledge Base tool providing the full range of technical notes and other documentation including technical papers, product information, most answers to most common customer queries and known issues that have already been reported.

Training. Magic Software conducts formal and organized training on its development tools. Magic Software develops courses, pertaining to its principal products, Magic xpa and Magic xpi, and provides trainer and student guidebooks. Course materials are available both in traditional, classroom courses and as web-based training modules, which can be downloaded and studied at a student’s own pace and location. The courses and course materials are designed to accelerate the learning process, using an intensive technical curriculum in an atmosphere conducive to productive training.

Magic Software IT Strategic Consulting and Staffing Services Magic Software also provides a broad range of IT consulting services in the areas of infrastructure design and delivery, application development, technology planning and implementation services, as well as supplemental staffing services. Magic Software’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Coretech Consulting Group LLC, Fusion Solutions LLC, Xsell Resources Inc., Allstates Consulting Services LLC, and the Comm-IT Group provide advanced IT consulting and staffing services to a wide variety of companies including Fortune 1000 companies. Magic Software’s technical personnel generally supplement the in-house capabilities of its clients. Magic Software’s approach is to make available a broad range of technical personnel to meet the requirements of its clients rather than focusing on specific specialized areas. Magic Software has extensive knowledge of and have worked with virtually all types of wireless and wireline telecom infrastructure technologies as well as in the areas of infrastructure design and delivery, application development, project management, technology planning and implementation services. Magic Software’s consulting partners come from a wide range of industries, including finance, insurance, government, health care, logistics, manufacturing, media, retail and telecommunications. With an experienced team of recruiters in the telecom and other IT areas and with a substantial and a growing database of telecom talent, Magic Software can rapidly respond to a wide range of requirements with well qualified candidates. Magic Software’s client list includes major global telecoms, OEMs and engineering, furnish and installation service companies. Magic Software has built long-term relationships with its clients by providing expert telecom talent. Magic Software provides individual consultants for contract and contract-to-hire assignments as well as candidates for full time placement. In addition, Magic Software configures teams of technical consultants for assigned projects at its clients’ sites.

Sales and Marketing.

Magic Software sells its solutions globally through its own direct sales representatives and offices and through a broad sales distribution network, including independent country distributors, independent service vendors that use our technology to develop and sell solutions to their customers, and system integrators. Magic Software also offers software maintenance, support, training, and consulting services in connection with its products and vertical software solutions, thus aiding the successful implementation of projects and assuring successful operation of the platforms once installed. Magic Software sells its integration solutions to customers using specific popular software applications, such as SAP, Salesforce.com, IBM i (AS/400), Oracle JD Edwards, Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft Dynamics, SugarCRM or other eco-systems. As such, Magic Software enjoys a well-diversified client base across geographies and industries including oil & gas companies, telecommunications groups, financial institutions, industrial companies, public institutions and international agencies.

TSG

TSG is a global high technology company engaged in high-end technical solutions for protecting the safety of national borders, improving data gathering mechanisms, and enhancing communications channels for military, homeland security and civilian organizations.

TSG operates primarily in the defense and homeland security arenas. The nature of military and homeland security actions in recent years, including low intensity conflicts and ongoing terrorist activities, as well as budgetary pressures to focus on leaner but more technically advanced forces, have caused a shift in the defense and homeland security priorities for many of TSG’s major customers. As a result TSG believes there is a continued demand in the areas of command, control, communications, computer and intelligence (C4I) systems, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems, intelligence gathering systems, border and perimeter security systems, cyber-defense systems. There is also a continuing demand for cost effective logistic support and training and simulation services. TSG believes that its synergistic approach of finding solutions that combine elements of its various activities positions it to meet evolving customer requirements in many of these areas.

TSG tailors and adapts its technologies, integration skills, market knowledge and operationally-proven systems to each customer’s individual requirements in both existing and new platforms. By upgrading existing platforms with advanced technologies, TSG provides customers with cost-effective solutions, and its customers are able to improve their technological and operational capabilities within limited budgets.

TSG markets its systems and products either as a prime contractor or as a subcontractor to various governments and defense and homeland security contractors worldwide. In Israel, TSG sells its defense, intelligence and homeland security systems and products mainly to the IMOD, which procures all equipment for the Israeli Defense Force (IDF).

TSG’s offerings include:

Command & Control Solutions

TSG offers sophisticated and innovative command and control solutions that support military and civilian sectors on land, air and sea. TSG provides a variety of Command & Control solutions ranging from strategic battlefield management to tactical and special operations forces. TSG systems cover all echelons of management, from national and regional levels down to the operational and tactical levels. Its systems are field proven and used by military forces, security services and public safety organizations worldwide.

Intelligence, Surveillance and Knowledge Management Solutions

TSG Intelligence solutions for security agencies and defense forces meet the demand for accurate and timely intelligence, based on multiple sources and sensors. TSG unique technologies cover the entire life-cycle of intelligence from acquisition to fusion, analysis, distribution, target management and more. TSG’s Knowledge Management solutions provide public sector bodies with the capacity to effectively manage their organizational data, support decision making and follow-up.

Telecommunication & IT Management Solutions

TSG has extensive experience in developing and integrating telecommunications and IT solutions and tools such as Operations Support Systems (OSS), Contact Centers, Back Office Optimization and Value-Added Services (VAS) that are tailored to meet the requirements of multiple applications. Leveraging deep know-how in telecommunications, TSG provides wide-ranging offering suitable for public and private sector organizations.

Cyber Security Solutions & Services:

TSG provides cutting-edge security services and solutions to government and private sectors including secure critical infrastructure and financial institutions in cyber space. TSG cyber solutions, Cyber Security Center (CSC), Security Training, Security Investigations and Security Engineering support the establishment of a safe, secure and reliable work environment and cover, among other things, Security Engineering, Digital Forensics, Computer emergency response teams (CERT), Mobile Security, and Training. 

Homeland Security Solutions (HLS)

TSG's field proven homeland security solutions maximize safety and security while minimizing threats. TSG provide its clients with paramount technologies ranging from emergency management and Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense (CBRN) systems, to rescue & special operations and smart and safe city solutions.

Supporting Tools:

TSG offers a variety of supporting system and solutions, providing dynamic and customizable field proven applications for in the following verticals:

Revenues Distribution Among Operating Segments

The following table summarizes our consolidated revenues generated by each of our directly held subsidiaries. Sapiens revenues reflect for 2013, for the period ending on November 19, 2013, the date on which Formula’s percentage interest in Sapiens decreased to under 50%, resulting in the deconsolidation of Sapiens’ results, for 2014, the period starting on December 23, 2014, the date on which Formula regained its controlling interest in Sapiens and for 2015, the period beginning on January 1, 2015 and ending on September 30, 2015, the date on which Formula’s percentage interest in Sapiens again decreased to under 50%. Magic Software’s revenues reflect all of the revenues of Magic Software for 2013 and, for 2014, the period ending on March 5, 2014, the date on which Formula’s interest in Magic Software decreased to under 50%, resulting in the deconsolidation of Magic Software’s results.

Geographical Distribution of Revenues

The following table summarizes our revenues classified by geographic regions of our customers, for the periods indicated:

Competition

The markets for the IT products and services we offer are rapidly evolving, highly competitive and fragmented, and, in some cases, present only low barriers to entry, with frequent new product introductions, and mergers and acquisitions. Our ability to compete successfully in IT services markets depends on a number of factors, like breadth of service offerings, sales and marketing efforts, service, pricing, and quality and reliability of services. The principal competitive factors affecting the market for the proprietary software solutions include product performance and reliability, product functionality, availability of experienced personnel, price, ability to respond in a timely manner to changing customer needs, ease of use, training and quality of support.

We face competition, both in Israel and internationally, from a variety of companies, including companies with significantly greater resources than us who are likely to enjoy substantial competitive advantages, including:

As a result, our competitors may be able to respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies or changes in customer requirements. They may also benefit from greater purchasing economies, offer more aggressive product and service pricing or devote greater resources to the promotion of their products and services. In addition, in the future, we may face further competition from new market entrants and possible alliances between existing competitors. We also face additional competition as we continue to penetrate international markets. As a result, we cannot assure you that the products and solutions we offer will compete successfully with those of our competitors. Furthermore, several software development centers worldwide offer software development services at much lower prices than we do. Due to the intense competition in the markets in which we operate, software products prices may fluctuate significantly. As a result, we may have to reduce the prices of our products.

Matrix’s principal competitors in the domestic Israeli market are Israeli IT services companies and systems integrators, the largest of which are One-1, Taldor Computer Systems, Malam-Team, Hilan Ltd. (including its subsidiary Ness A.T Ltd.), IBM Israel, HP Israel, Aman, the Elad Group, Yael, SQLink, Emet, LogOn, HMS and OfficeSoft. Matrix’s competitors in the United States market include IBM, Accenture and the Big-4 accounting firms. Matrix’s international competitors in the Israeli marketplace include Microsoft, IBM, HP, Oracle and CA. These international competitors often use local subcontractors to provide personnel for contracts performed in Israel. Most of these international entities are also business partners of Matrix. Matrix competitors with respect to training are the training centers of Ness Technologies, IITC, HackerU and Sela.

Sapiens’ competitors in the market for insurance solutions differ based on the size, geography and line of business in which it operates. Some of its competitors offer a full suite of services, while others only offer one module; some operate in specific (domestic) geographies, while others operate on a global basis. In addition, delivery models vary, with some competitors keeping delivery in-house, or using IT outsourcing (ITO) or business process outsourcing (BPO).

Examples of Sapiens’ primary competitors are:

With respect to Sapiens DECISION, we believe that Sapiens is a considered a pioneer in this innovative, disruptive market landscape. Since the introduction of Sapiens innovative approach to enterprise architecture to the market, Sapiens has identified only a small number of potential competitors.

With respect to Magic xpa, Magic Software competes in the application platform, SOA architecture and enterprise mobility markets. Among its current competitors are Kony, IBM, Microsoft, Adobe, Oracle, SAP Sybase and Antenna Software/Pegasystems. With respect to Magic xpi, Magic Software competes in the integration platform market. Among its current competitors are IBM, Informatica, TIBCO, and Software AG.

There are several similar products in the market utilizing the model driven architecture, or MDA, approach utilized by Magic Software’s AppBuilder. The market for this type of platform is highly competitive. Companies such as CA and IBM have tools that compete directly with AppBuilder. Furthermore, new development paradigms have become very popular in IT software development and developers today have many alternatives.

The telecom BSS domain in which Magic Software operates through its wholly owned FTS subsidiary is a highly competitive market in which FTS competes based on product quality, service quality, timeliness in delivery and pricing. Within the global billing, charging and policy control market, FTS principally competes against global IT providers and the in-house IT departments of telecommunications operators. Among the competitors focused on this market are Amdocs, Ericsson, Comverse, NetCracker Technology, CSG Systems, Redknee Solutions and Oracle Communications.

There are also a number of smaller or regional telecom BSS competitors who compete on a regional or domestic market level. These tend to be smaller players, and may include companies such as Comarch, Mind CTI, Tecnotree, Cerillion, Openet and Elitcore, among others.

Seasonality

Even though not reflected in our financial results, traditionally, the first and third quarters of the fiscal year have tended to be slower quarters for some of our subsidiaries and our affiliated companies and the industries in which they operate. The first quarter usually reflects a decline following a highly active fourth quarter during which companies seek to complete transactions and projects and utilize budgets before the end of the fiscal year. The relatively slower third quarter reflects reduced activities during the summer months in many of the regions where our customers are located. In addition, our quarterly results are also influenced by the number of working days in each period. In Israel, for example, during the Jewish holidays period (typically at the end of the third quarter and beginning of the fourth quarter or at the end of the first quarter and beginning of the second quarter), when the number of working days is lower, we tend to see a decrease in our revenues which may impact our quarterly results. In 2015, the second and third quarters were negatively impacted by the reduced billable hours as a result of the Jewish holiday periods while the fourth quarter was significantly stronger. In 2016, we expect seasonality due to the Jewish holiday periods to impact the second and fourth quarters.

Raw Materials

Generally we are not dependent on raw materials or on a single source of supply. We manage our inventory according to project requirements. In some projects, specific major subcontractors are designated by the customer. Raw materials used by us are generally available from a range of suppliers internationally, and the prices of such materials are generally not subject to significant volatility.

Software Development

The software industry is generally characterized by rapid technological developments, evolving industry standards and customer requirements, and frequent innovations. In order to maintain technological leadership, we engage in ongoing software development activity through our subsidiaries and affiliated companies, aimed both at introducing new commercially viable products addressing the needs of our customers on a timely basis, as well as enhancing and customizing existing products and services. This effort includes introducing new supported programming languages and database management systems; improving functionality and flexibility; and enhancing ease of use. We work closely with current and potential end-users, our strategic partners and leaders in certain industry segments to identify market needs and define appropriate product enhancements and specifications.

Intellectual Property Rights

Sapiens holds one patent and one patent application relating to decision management technology used in the Sapiens Decision solution. We do not otherwise hold any patents and rely upon a combination of trade secret, copyright and trademark laws and non-disclosure agreements, to protect our proprietary know-how. Our proprietary technology incorporates processes, methods, algorithms and software that we believe are not easily copied. Despite these precautions, it may be possible for unauthorized third parties to copy aspects of our products or to obtain and use information that we regard as proprietary. We believe that, because of the rapid pace of technological change in the industry generally, patent and copyright protection are less significant to our competitive position than factors such as the knowledge, ability and experience of our personnel, new product development and ongoing product maintenance and support.

With respect to our defense sector activities, The IMOD usually retains specific rights to technologies and inventions resulting from our performance under Israeli government contracts. This generally includes the right to disclose the information to third parties, including other defense contractors that may be our competitors. Consistent with common practice in the defense industry, a majority of TSG’s revenues in 2015 was dependent on products incorporating technology that a government customer may disclose to third parties. When the Israeli government funds research and development, it usually acquires rights to data and inventions. We often may retain a non-exclusive license for such inventions. The Israeli government usually is entitled to receive royalties on export sales in relation to sales resulting from government financed development. However, if only the product is purchased without development effort, we normally retain the principal rights to the technology. Subject to applicable law, regulations and contract requirements, TSG attempts to maintain its intellectual property rights and provide customers with the right to use the technology only for the specific project under contract.

Regulatory Impact

The global financial services industry served by both Sapiens and Matrix is heavily subject to government and market regulation, which is constantly changing. Financial services companies must comply with regulations such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, Solvency II, Retail Distribution Review (known as RDR) in the United Kingdom, the Dodd-Frank Act and other directives regarding transparency. In addition, many individual countries have increased supervision over local financial services companies. For example, in Europe, regulators have been very active, motivated by past financial crises and the need for pension restructuring. Distribution of insurance policies is being optimized with the increasing use of Bank Assurance (selling of insurance through a bank’s established distribution channels), supermarkets and kiosks (insurance stands). Increased activity such as that in Europe would generally tend to have a positive impact on the demand for our software solutions and services; nevertheless, insurers are cautiously approaching spending increases, and while many companies have not taken proactive steps to replace their software solutions in recent years, many of them are now looking for innovative, modern replacements to meet the regulatory changes.

Matrix’s IT business is generally positively affected by regulatory reform and other regulatory changes with respect to banking, insurance and telecommunications in Israel, as such reforms and changes create demand for specific IT solutions, often in a set, short time frame. In particular, regulation on large financial institutions operating in the Israeli financial market is continuously increasing, as a means of reducing the risk associated with the activities of such financial institutions and increasing transparency. Israeli legislation passed in 2010 and 2011 increased the Israeli Securities Authority’s regulatory supervision over the offering of investment services and the ongoing administration of investment portfolios. This increased the demand for Matrix’s solutions for entities that became subject to such supervision. Banks’ entry into the sphere of offering advice with respect to pension, insurance and other financial products has also generated demand for Matrix’s IT solutions, given the increased supervision of the Israeli Securities Authority that is triggered by such activities, although the pace at which such demand has grown has been relatively slower. Enhanced disclosure requirements for banks and financial institutions in the Israeli market such as the new adjustments published with respect to the required capital liquidity of Banks in Israel following the Basel III guidelines have also been generating demand for new IT solutions that Matrix offers. Matrix’s business is also affected by changes in regulations of the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the National Futures Association, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, with respect to requirements relating to Know Your Customer, Customer Identification Programs, Anti-Money Laundering and Fraud Prevention.

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

Israeli Export Regulations. Israel’s defense export policy regulates the sale of a number of our systems and products. Current Israeli policy encourages exports to approved customers of defense systems and products such as ours, as long as the export is consistent with Israeli government policy. Subject to certain exemptions, a license is required to initiate marketing activities. We also must receive a specific export license for defense related hardware, software and technology exported from Israel. Israeli law also regulates export of “dual use” items (items that are typically sold in the commercial market but that also may be used in the defense market).

Procurement Regulations. Solicitations for procurements by governmental purchasing agencies in Israel, the United States and other countries are governed by laws, regulations and procedures relating to procurement integrity, including avoiding conflicts of interest, corruption, human trafficking and conflict minerals in the procurement process. Such regulations also include provisions relating to information assurance and for the avoidance of counterfeit parts in the supply chain.

Civil Aviation Regulations. Several of the products sold by TSG for commercial aviation applications are subject to flight safety and airworthiness standards of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and similar civil aviation authorities in Israel, Europe and other countries.

Buy-Back. As part of their standard contractual requirements for defense programs, several of our customers may include “buy-back” or “offset” provisions. These provisions are typically obligations to make, or to facilitate third parties to make, various specified transactions in the customer’s country, such as procurement of defense and commercial related products, investment in the local economy and transfer of know-how.

Magic Software’s business has not been impacted to a material extent by government regulations.

Formula is the parent company of the Formula Group.

The following table presents certain information regarding the control and ownership of our directly held investments in subsidiaries and affiliates, as of April 30, 2016.

The common shares of Sapiens and the ordinary shares of Magic Software are traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market and the NASDAQ Global Select Market and on, respectively and on the TASE, and the ordinary shares of Matrix are traded on the TASE.

Our corporate headquarters, as well as the headquarters and principal administrative, finance, sales, marketing and research and development office of Magic Software, are located in Or-Yehuda, Israel, a suburb of Tel Aviv. Magic Software leases its and our office space, constituting approximately 23,841 square feet, under a lease which expires in December 2016. Magic Software has an option to terminate the lease agreement upon six months prior written notice. In addition, Magic Software leases office space in the United States, Europe, Asia and South Africa. In 2015, Magic Software rent costs totaled $2.0 million, in the aggregate, for all of its leased offices.

Matrix leases approximately 516,000 square feet of office space in Israel pursuant to leases which expiring primarily in three to four years. This includes Matrix’s facility in Herzliya, which serves as Matrix’s corporate headquarters. In addition, Matrix leases an aggregate of approximately 61,300 square feet of office space in locations outside of Israel. In the year ended December 31, 2015, Matrix rent costs totaled $16.2  million, in the aggregate, for all of its leased offices.

Sapiens leases office spaces in Israel, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Belgium and Japan. The lease terms for the spaces that Sapiens currently occupies are generally five to eleven years. In Israel, based on Sapiens current occupancy, they lease approximately 135,200 square feet of office space; in the United States, approximately 9,100 square feet; in Canada, approximately 1,400 square feet; in the United Kingdom, approximately 17,700 square feet, in Belgium, approximately 2,100 square feet, in Japan, approximately 4,400 square feet, in India, approximately 21,800 square feet and in Poland, approximately 21,400 square feet. In 2015, Sapiens rent costs totaled $4.4 million, in the aggregate, for all of its leased offices. Sapiens corporate headquarters are located in Israel and its core research and development activities are performed at its offices across Israel. The lease at Sapiens headquarters in Holon, Israel is for an initial term ending in nine years and Sapiens holds an option to extend the term for additional five years.

We believe that our properties are adequate for our present use of them. If in the future we require additional space to accommodate our growth, we believe that we will be able to obtain such additional space without difficulty and at commercially reasonable prices.

As described in “Subsidiary Commitments” in Item 5.B below, while our subsidiaries and our affiliated companies have incurred liens on leased vehicles, leased equipment and other assets in favor of leasing companies, neither Formula nor any subsidiary has encumbered the real property that it uses in its operations.

We furthermore believe that there are no environmental issues that encumber our use of our facilities.

Not applicable.

Overview

Formula is a global IT solutions and services holding company that is principally engaged through its directly held subsidiary and affiliated companies in providing proprietary and non-proprietary software solutions and services, software product marketing and support, computer infrastructure and integration solutions and learning and integration.

Since our inception, we have acquired effective controlling interests, and have invested, in companies which are engaged in the IT solutions and services business. We, together with our subsidiaries and affiliates, are known as the Formula Group.

As of December 31, 2015, we held a controlling interest in Matrix and InSync and a 49.1% interest in Sapiens and a 46.4% interest in Magic Software through our equity holdings. As of December 31, 2015, we had the right to appoint a majority of the board of directors of Matrix and InSync through our equity holdings. We provide our subsidiaries and our affiliated companies with our management, technical expertise and marketing experience to help them to penetrate their respective markets.

We consolidate the results of operations of our subsidiaries in which we hold a controlling interest. In the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, we consolidated the results of Matrix. In the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, excluding from November 19, 2013 until December 23, 2014 and from October 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015, for which periods Sapiens' results of operations were reflected in our results of operations using the equity method of accounting, we consolidated the results of Sapiens. We consolidated the results of operations of InSync following our acquisition of InSync on April 1, 2014. In the years ended December 31, 2013 and for the period beginning on January 1, 2014 through March 5, 2014, we consolidated the results of Magic Software. Thereafter, Magic Software’s results of operations were reflected in our results of operations using the equity method of accounting.

Except for providing our subsidiaries and our affiliated companies with our management, technical expertise and marketing experience to help them penetrate their respective markets, direct the overall strategy of our subsidiaries and affiliated companies and monitor the growth of our subsidiaries and affiliated companies through our active involvement, we do not conduct independent operations at our parent company level. Our operating results are, and have been, directly influenced by the consolidation and cessation of consolidation of our subsidiaries, which could cause significant fluctuations in our consolidated operating results. Consequently, we believe that period-to-period comparisons of our results of operations are not necessarily meaningful and you should not rely on these comparisons as indications of our future performance.

We recognize revenues in two categories: the delivery of software services and the delivery of proprietary software solutions and related services. All of our subsidiaries, including IT services companies and proprietary software solutions companies, recognize revenues from the delivery of software services, and most of them recognize revenues in both revenue categories. For ease of reference, we have separated our subsidiaries into these categories in accordance with the category in which each subsidiary has earned most of its revenues (although each type of revenue is nevertheless recorded according to actual revenue type, rather than based on strict, subsidiary-demarcated categories).

Our functional and reporting currency

The currency of the primary economic environment in which we operate is the dollar since most of our assets are denominated in dollars. The functional currencies of our subsidiaries are the NIS and the dollar. Formula has elected to use the dollar as its reporting currency for all years presented.

Formula translates the financial statements of its subsidiary whose functional currency is the local currency into dollars under the principles described in ASC 830. Assets and liabilities have been translated at period-end exchange rates.  Results of operations have been translated at the exchange rate at the dates on which those transactions occurred or at an average rate. We present differences resulting from translation under shareholders’ equity in the item “Accumulating Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)”. In the consolidation, Formula presents the financial statements of subsidiaries whose functional currency is the dollar at the original amounts.

Critical Accounting Policies  

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of our financial statements required us to make estimations and judgments that affect the reporting amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities within the reporting period. We have based our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making judgments about the values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. More detailed descriptions of these policies are provided in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements contained elsewhere in this annual report.

The significant accounting policies which we believe are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results include the following:

Revenue Recognition

We derive our revenues primarily from the sale of information technology (or “IT”) services which also include: non-proprietary software products, including maintenance, integration and infrastructure, outsourcing, training and deployment. In addition, we generate revenues from licensing the rights to use our proprietary software, provision of related IT professional services (which may or may not be considered essential to the functionality of the software license), related maintenance and technical support, as well as implementation and post-implementation consulting services.

Revenues from IT services are generally recognized in accordance with ASC 605, "Revenue Recognition" and Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, "Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements" when IT service is provided and the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of the product has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable, and collectability is probable. We generally consider all arrangements with payment terms extending beyond minimum six or maximum twelve months from the delivery of the elements not to be fixed or determinable. If the fee is not fixed or determinable, revenue is recognized as payments become due from the customer, provided that all other revenue recognition criteria have been met.

Revenues from the sale of products are recognized after all the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the products have been transferred to the buyer, we do not retain any continuing management involvement that is associated with ownership and do not retain the effective control of the sold products, the amount of revenues can be measured reliably, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to us and the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.

Revenues derived from the sale of hardware products and infrastructure solutions are recognized after all the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the products have been transferred to the buyer, we do not retain any continuing management involvement that is associated with ownership and do not retain the effective control of the sold products, the amount of revenues can be measured reliably, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to us and the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.

Revenues derived from licensing the rights to use software are recognized in accordance with ASC 985-605 "Software Revenue Recognition" when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the vendor's fee is fixed or determinable, no further obligation exists and collectability is probable.

Maintenance and support includes annual maintenance contracts providing for unspecified upgrades for new versions and enhancements on a when-and-if-available basis for an annual fee. The right for an unspecified upgrade for new versions and enhancements on a when-and-if-available basis does not specify the features, functionality and release date of future product enhancements for the customer to know what will be made available and the general timeframe in which it will be delivered.

Maintenance and support revenue included in multiple element arrangements is deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the maintenance and support agreement.

As required by ASC 985-605, we allocate revenues to the software component of its multiple-element arrangements using the residual method when vendor specific objective evidence ("VSOE") of fair value exists for the undelivered elements of the support and maintenance agreements. VSOE is based on the price charged when an element is sold separately or renewed. Under the residual method, the fair value of the undelivered elements is deferred and the remaining portion of the arrangement fee is allocated to the delivered elements and recognized as revenue.

Revenues from professional services provided on an hourly basis which are not deemed essential to the functionality of the licenses are recognized as the services are rendered. Revenues from time-and-materials contracts for which we are reimbursed for labor hours at fixed hourly billing rates are recognized as revenues as the services are provided.

Certain of the software license sales may also include significant implementation and customization services with respect to such sales which are deemed essential to the functionality of the license. In addition, we also provide consulting services that are not deemed essential to the functionality of the license, as well as outsourcing IT services.

With respect to revenues that involve significant implementation and customization services to customer specific requirements and which are considered essential to the functionality of the product offered (for example, when we sell software licenses as part of an overall solution offered to a customer that combines the sale of software licenses which includes significant implementation that is considered essential to the functionality of the license) whether generated by fixed-price or time-and-materials contracts, we account for revenues for the services together with the software under contract, using the percentage-of-completion method in accordance with ASC 605-35, "Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts". The percentage-of-completion method is used when the required services are quantifiable, based on the estimated number of labor hours necessary to complete the project, and under that method revenues are recognized using labor hours incurred as the measure of progress towards completion. This type of revenue is included in our Proprietary software products and related services and software services revenue streams.

Estimates of total project requirements are based on prior experience of customization, delivery and acceptance of the same or similar technology, and are reviewed and updated regularly by management. After delivery, if uncertainty exists about customer acceptance of the software, license revenue is not recognized until acceptance. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are first determined, in the amount of the estimated loss on the entire contract. As of each of December 31, 2014 and 2015, no estimated losses were identified.

Revenue from third-party sales is recorded at a gross or net amount according to certain indicators. The application of these indicators for gross and net reporting of revenue depends on the relative facts and circumstances of each sale and requires significant judgment.

We generally do not grant a right of return to our customers. When a right of return exists, revenue is deferred until the right of return expires, at which time revenue is recognized, provided that all other revenue recognition criteria are met.

Deferred revenue includes unearned amounts received under maintenance and support contracts and amounts received from customers but not yet recognized as revenues.

Software Development Costs

Research and development costs incurred in the process of software development before establishment of technological feasibility are charged to expenses as incurred. Costs incurred subsequent to the establishment of technological feasibility are capitalized according to the principles set forth in ASC 985-20, "Costs of Software to be Sold, Leased or Marketed."

We establish technological feasibility upon completion of a detailed program design or working model.

Research and development costs incurred between completion of the detailed program design and the point at which the product is ready for general release are capitalized. Research and development costs incurred in the process of developing product enhancements are generally charged to expenses as incurred.

Capitalized software costs are amortized on a product by product basis by the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the software product (between 3-7 years). We assess the recoverability of our intangible assets on a regular basis by determining whether the amortization of the asset over its remaining economical useful life can be recovered through undiscounted future operating cash flows from the specific software product sold. During the years ended December 31, 2013 2014 and 2015, no  unrecoverable amounts were identified.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price in a business combination over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Under ASC 350, "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other," goodwill is subject to an annual impairment test or more frequently if impairment indicators are present. Goodwill impairment is deemed to exist if the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value (the two-step impairment test).

As of December 31, 2015, and following the deconsolidation of Sapiens on November 19, 2013 until December 23, 2014 and on September 30, 2015, the deconsolidation of Magic on March 5, 2014 and the consolidation of Insync on April 1, 2014, we operated through 6 reporting units. As of December 31, 2014, we operated through 9 reporting units.

We performed an annual impairment tests as of December 31 of each of 2013, 2014 and 2015 and did not identify  any impairment losses for any of our reporting units.

In 2014, since we have consolidated Sapiens on December 23, 2014, no impairment test was required. As of December 31, 2015, Sapiens was accounted for under the equity method.

Magic operates in two reporting units. We adopted the provisions of ASC 350, as amended, for Magic's reporting units, for its annual impairment test in 2013. This analysis determined that no indicators of impairment existed primarily because (1) Magic's market capitalization was consistently substantially in excess of its book value, (2) the reporting units’ overall financial performance has been stable or improving, and (3) forecasts of operating income and cash flows generated by the reporting units' appear sufficient to support the book values of the net assets of each reporting unit.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2015, Magic was accounted for under the equity method.

Matrix operates in five reporting units. In 2013, 2014 and 2015, we performed step one of the quantitative impairment test for each of Matrix's reporting units. We compared the fair value of the reporting units to the carrying value of net assets allocated to each of the reporting units. Since the fair value of each of the reporting units exceed the carrying value of the net assets allocated, to each of the reporting units, no further testing was required and no goodwill impairment was recorded.

Impairment in Value of Long-Lived Assets and Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization

Our long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC 360, "Property, Plant and Equipment" whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of an asset to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such asset is considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.

As required by ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurements and disclosures" we apply assumptions that marketplace participants would consider in determining the fair value of long-lived assets (or asset groups). During each of the years ended December 31, 2032, 2014 and 2015, no impairment was identified.

Business Combinations

We account for business combinations under ASC 805, "Business Combinations." ASC 805 requires recognition of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, non-controlling interest and redeemable non-controlling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that date. As required by ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurements and disclosures" we apply assumptions that marketplace participants would consider in determining the fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, non-controlling interest and redeemable non-controlling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date. Any excess of the fair value of net assets acquired over purchase price and any subsequent changes in estimated contingencies are to be recorded in earnings.

Income Taxes 

We, our subsidiaries and our affiliates account for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes.” This codification prescribes the use of the “asset and liability” method, whereby deferred tax assets and liability account balances are determined based on the differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. We, our subsidiaries and our affiliates provide a valuation allowance, if necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to their estimated realizable value.

We, our subsidiaries and our affiliates utilize a two-step approach for recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions accounted for in accordance with an amendment of ASC 740 “Income Taxes.” The first step, is to evaluate a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return by determining whether the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that, based on its technical merits, the tax position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% (commutative basis) likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the tax authorities. We accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in its provisions for income taxes.

Investments in affiliates

Affiliates are companies in which we have significant influence over the financial and operating policies without having control and that are not subsidiaries. Our investment therein is accounted for in our consolidated financial statements using the equity method.

Under the equity method, the investment in an affiliate is presented at cost with the addition of post-acquisition changes in our share of net assets, including other comprehensive income of the affiliate. Profits and losses resulting from transactions between us and our affiliates are eliminated to the extent of the interest in the affiliate. The equity method is applied until the loss of significant influence or classification as an asset held-for-sale.

We evaluate investments in equity investees, for evidence of other-than-temporary declines in value. Such evaluation is dependent on the specific facts and circumstances. Accordingly, in determining whether other-than-temporary declines exist, we evaluate various indicators for other-than-temporary declines and evaluate financial information (e.g. share price in the market, budgets, business plans, financial statements, etc.).

As of December 31, 2015, the carrying amount of our investment in Magic Software exceeded its traded shares market value. In order to demonstrate that other-than-temporary impairment of the investee has not occurred, we considered the financial condition and near-term prospects of Magic Software as well as our intent and ability to retain our investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value. In addition, we used the income approach, which utilizes a discounted cash flow model, to determine the fair value of Magic Software, based on which Magic Software's fair value exceeded its carrying amount by 11%, therefore, during 2015, no impairment loss was recognized.

Judgments and assumptions related to revenue, operating income, future short-term and long-term growth rates, weighted average cost of capital, interest, capital expenditures, cash flows, and market conditions are inherent in developing the discounted cash flow model. With respect to the assumptions used, management believes that reasonably possible changes in the key assumptions would not change our conclusion.

Our financial statements and the financial statements of our affiliates are prepared as of the same dates and periods. The accounting policies applied in the financial statements our affiliates are uniform and consistent with the policies applied in our financial statements.

Losses of an affiliate in amounts which exceed its equity are recognized by Formula to the extent of its investment in the affiliate plus any losses that Formula may incur as a result of a guarantee or other financial support provided in respect of the affiliate. For this purpose, the investment includes long-term receivables (such as loans granted) for which settlement is neither planned nor likely to occur in the foreseeable future.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements  

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases” (Topic 842), whereby, lessees will be required to recognize for all leases at the commencement date a lease liability, which is a lessee‘s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. Under the new guidance, lessor accounting is largely unchanged. A modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements must be applied. The modified retrospective approach would not require any transition accounting for leases that expired before the earliest comparative period presented. Companies may not apply a full retrospective transition approach. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early application is permitted. The company is evaluating the potential impact of this pronouncement.

In November 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-17 (ASU 2015-17) Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which requires that deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities be classified as noncurrent in the balance sheet. ASU 2015-17 is effective for the interim and annual periods ending after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted, and the Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2015-17 retrospectively as of December 31, 2015. As a result of the retrospective application, the Company reclassified on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014 an amount of $ 5,164 of deferred tax assets from the current assets to the long-term assets as part of the Long term deferred tax asset and amount of $ 1,375 of deferred tax liabilities from the current liabilities to the long-term liabilities as part of the Long term deferred tax liability.

On May 28, 2014, the FASB completed its Revenue Recognition project by issuing ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The new guidance establishes the principles to report useful information to users of financial statements about the nature, timing, and uncertainty of revenue from contracts with customers. The new Revenue Recognition guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, though early adoption is permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the method of adoption, as well as the effect that adoption of this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2014

The following tables set forth certain data from our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, as well as such data as a percentage of our revenues for those years. The data has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report. The operating results for the below years should not be considered indicative of results for any future period. This information should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this annual report.

Sapiens results of operations reflect for 2014, the period starting on December 23, 2014, the date on which Formula regained its controlling interest in Sapiens. Magic Software’s results of operations for 2014 reflect Magic Software’s results of operations for the period beginning on January 1, 2014 and ending on March 5, 2014, the date on which Formula’s interest in Magic Software decreased below 50%, resulting in the deconsolidation of Magic Software’s results.

Statement of Income Data as a Percentage of Revenues

Revenues. Revenues in 2015 increased by 18%, from $ 636.4 million in 2014 to $ 750.6 million in 2015. Revenues from the two categories of our operations were as follows: revenues from the delivery of software services decreased by (1.8%), from $ 625.3 million in 2014 to $ 614.0 million in 2015, and revenues from the sale of our proprietary software products and related services increased by 1,127%, from $ 11.1 million in 2014 to $ 136.6 million in 2015. Our comparable pro-forma revenues, had Magic's and Sapiens' results of operations been consolidated for all of the years 2014 and 2015, would have totaled $ 971.5 million in 2015, compared to $ 930.8 million in 2014, reflecting a year over year increase of 4.3%.

The decrease in software services revenues was primarily due to the growth in Matrix's revenues, from NIS 2,100.5 million (approximately $ 586.6 million) in 2014 to NIS 2,280.1 million (approximately $ 586.6 million ) in 2015, reflecting an increase of 8.6% when measured in NIS, Matrix local currency (compared to reflecting no change when measured in US dollars due to the devaluation of the NIS versus the US Dollar) offset by $ 93.0 million due to devaluation of the NIS versus the US Dollar. The increase in Matrix’s revenues was due to an increase in all Matrix principal areas of operations excluding learning and integration but primarily attributable to an increase of 39.7% in Matrix’s US software solutions and services business unit from NIS 193.3 million (approximately $ 54.0 million) to NIS 270.0 million (approximately $ 69.5 million) and increases of 4.6% in Matrix’s Israel software solutions and services business from NIS 1,332.7 million (approximately $ 372.2 million) to NIS 1,394.3 million (approximately $ 358.7 million).

The increase in revenues from proprietary software products and related services was primarily due to the reconsolidation of Sapiens and the inclusion of nine months of revenues of Sapiens in 2015 compared to 2014 where no revenues from Sapiens were recorded.

A breakdown of our overall revenues into proprietary software products and related services and software services revenues for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, the percentage those respective categories of revenues constituted out of our total revenues in those years, and the percentage change for each such category of revenues from 2014 to 2015, are provided in the below table:

Revenues by geographical region

The dollar amount and percentage share of our revenues attributable to each of the geographical regions in which we conduct our operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively, as well as the percentage change between such years, were as follows:

Cost of Revenues. Cost of revenues consists primarily of wages, personnel expenses, other personnel-related expenses of software consultants, subcontractors and engineers, amortization of capitalized software, and hardware and other materials costs. Cost of revenues increased by 13.5% from $ 530.1 million in 2014 to $ 601.8 million in 2015, mainly due to (i) the reconsolidation of Sapiens’ results of operations to our consolidated results of operations as of December 23, 2014, prior to which we did not consolidate the results of operations of Sapiens during 2014 and (ii) the accompanying increase in revenues in 2015 which was offset due to the devaluation of the NIS versus the US dollar impacting the consolidated results of Matrix. As a percentage of total revenues, costs of revenues in 2014 and 2015 were 83.3% and 80.2%, respectively.

Our proprietary software solutions and related services sales are generally characterized by a higher gross margin than sales of our software services. The cost of revenues for proprietary software solutions and related services increased from $ 4.1 million in 2014 to $ 81.5 million in 2015, mainly due to the reconsolidation of Sapiens’ results of operations to our consolidated results of operations as of December 23, 2014, prior to which we did not consolidate the results of operations of Sapiens during 2014. As a percentage of revenues, costs of revenues for software solutions and related services in 2014 and 2015 increased from 36.4% in 2014 to 59.6% in 2015 due consolidation of Sapiens.

The cost of revenues for software services decreased from $ 526.0 million in 2014 to $ 520.3 million in 2015, mainly due to the devaluation of the NIS versus the US dollar which devalued the increase recorded in Matrix revenues and cost of sales when measured in NIS, Matrix local currency. As a percentage of revenues, costs of revenues for software services in 2014 and 2015 remained relatively consistent at 84.1% in 2014 compared to 84.7% in 2015.

Cost of revenues for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015 include insignificant amounts of stock-based compensation recorded under ASC 718.

Research and Development Costs, net. Research and development, or R&D, expenses consist primarily of wages and related expenses and, to a lesser degree, consulting fees that we pay to employees and independent contractors, respectively, engaged in research and development.  Research and development expenses, net, consist of research and development expenses, gross, less capitalized software costs.  Research and development expenses, gross, increased from $ 1.5 million in 2014 to $ 11.9 million in 2015, mainly due to the reconsolidation of Sapiens’ results of operations as of December 23, 2014 through September 30, 2015 which was offset due to the minimal research and development costs of Magic which were recorded over the period Magic was consolidated in 2014.

In 2015, we capitalized software costs of $ 4.4 million, compared to $ 0.7 million in 2014. Capitalization of software costs in 2014 and 2015 was attributable to our subsidiaries engaged in providing proprietary software solutions (i.e., Magic Software and Sapiens). Research and development expenses, net, increased from $ 0.8 million in 2014 to $ 7.5 million in 2015, mainly due to the factors described above. 

As a percentage of revenues, research and development expenses, net, increased from 0.1% in 2014 to 1% in 2015. Research and development expenses, net, in 2015 was attributable solely to Sapiens, whose consolidated research and development expenses, net amounted to approximately $ 7.5 million during the period in which we consolidated the results of Sapiens. Research and development expenses, net, in 2014 was attributable solely to Magic Software, whose consolidated research and development expenses, net amounted to approximately $ 0.8 million Amortization of capitalized software costs was $0.1 million in 2014 and $ 3.6 million in 2015, which amounts were included in cost of revenues. Research and development expenses for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015 include insignificant amounts of stock-based compensation recorded under ASC 718.

Selling, Marketing, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of cost of salaries, severance and related expenses of sales, marketing, management and administrative employees, travel expenses, selling expenses, rent, utilities, communications expenses, expenses related to external consultants, depreciation, amortization and other expenses. Selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses increased from $ 70.5 million recorded in 2014 to $ 94.7 million recorded in 2015. As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses increased from 11.1% in 2014 to 12.6% in 2015.

The increase in the absolute amount of selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses was primarily attributable to the reconsolidation of Sapiens’ results of operations from our consolidated results of operations beginning on December 23, 2014.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015 include $ 5.0 million and $ 5.1 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation recorded under ASC 718.

Other Income (expenses), net. We recorded other income of ($ 5,000) in 2014, as compared to a loss of $ 2,000 in other income in 2015, each representing insignificant amounts.

Operating Income. Our operating income increased from $ 35.0 million in 2014 to $ 46.6 million in 2015. The increase in operating income was primarily attributable to the reconsolidation of Sapiens’ results of operations from our consolidated results of operations as of December 23, 2014 and through September 30, 2015. Formula's comparable pro-forma operating income, had it continued to consolidate Sapiens' and Magic Software's results of operations for all of 2014 and 2015, would have totaled $ 66.7 million in 2014 and $71.3 million in 2015, reflecting a year over year increase of 6.9%

Financial Expenses, net. Financial expenses, net increased from $ 4.9 million in 2014 to $ 8.3 million in 2015. Financial expenses, net, is influenced by various factors, including our cash balances, loan balances, outstanding debentures, changes in market value of trading marketable securities, changes in the exchange rate of the NIS against the dollar, changes in the exchange rate of the dollar against the Euro and changes in the Israeli consumer price index, or CPI. The increase in financial expenses, net in 2015 was mainly attributable to Increase in exchange rate differences from of $3.3 million related mainly to Formula standalone NIS nominated net financial debt.

Taxes on Income. Taxes on income increased from $ 10.1 million in 2014 to $ 11.0 million in 2015. The increase in taxes on income in 2015 was mainly attributable to reconsolidation of Sapiens’ results of operations from our consolidated results of operations beginning on December 23, 2014, offset primarily by the devaluation of the NIS versus the US dollar which devaluated the increase recorded in Matrix tax expenses when measured in NIS, Matrix local currency.

Equity in gains of affiliated companies net.

On November 19, 2013, Sapiens completed a follow-on public offering of its common shares. Sapiens issued 6,497,400 shares at a price of $ 6.25 per share before issuance expenses. Total net proceeds from the issuance amounted to approximately $37.8 million. As a result of the offering, our interest in Sapiens' outstanding common shares was decreased from 56.8% to 48.6%.

During the period following the offering through December 23, 2014, Formula purchased additional Sapiens common shares, bringing its interest in Sapiens common shares to 50.2% of Sapiens common shares on December 23, 2014. As a result, Formula regained control over Sapiens as of such date and Sapiens’ balance sheet was consolidated into Formula’s balance sheet. The gain recognized in relation to the consolidation of Sapiens and the related re-measurement of the investment to fair value amounted to $ 3.4 million and is presented in the income statement as equity in gains of affiliated companies, net for the year ended December 31, 2014. On September 30, 2015, our interest in Sapiens outstanding common shares was decreased to 49.13% and we lost control of Sapiens for accounting purposes. Our investment in Sapiens following the dilution is measured under the equity method of accounting. The net gain recognized in relation of our loss of control in Sapiens for accounting purposes amounted to $56.4 million and is presented in the income statement as equity in gains of affiliated companies, net for the year ended December 31, 2015.

From November 19, 2013 until December 31, 2014 and beginning on October 1, 2015, Sapiens' results of operations were and are reflected in our results of operations using the equity method of accounting.

On March 5, 2014, Magic completed a follow-on public offering of its ordinary shares on the NASDAQ. Magic issued 6,900,000 shares at a price of $ 8.50 per share before issuance expenses. Total net proceeds from the issuance amounted to $ 54.7. As a result of the offering, Formula’s interest in Magic’s outstanding ordinary shares decreased from 51.6% to 45.0%. Formula's investment in Magic following the decrease was measured under the equity method of accounting due to loss of control in Magic for accounting purposes in accordance with ASC 810. The net gain recognized in relation of Formula’s loss of control in Magic for accounting purposes and the related re-measurement of the investment to fair value amounted to $ 83.5 million and is presented in the income statement as equity in gains of affiliated companies, net. In addition, Formula recorded deferred tax expense of $ 16.4 million presented in the income statement as equity in gains of affiliated companies, net.

Since March 5, 2014, Magic Software's results of operations were reflected in our results of operations using the equity method of accounting.

Our equity in gains of affiliated companies, net decreased from $ 74.6 million in 2014 to $ 65.1 million in 2015. Our equity in gains of affiliates in 2015 was attributable primarily to our equity in gains recorded in Magic Software and Sapiens .

Net income attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests. Change in redeemable non-controlling interest in 2015 amounted to $ 0.3 million. Change in redeemable non-controlling interest in 2014 amounted to amounted to an expense of $ 0.2 million.

Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests. Net income attributable to non-controlling interests includes the non-controlling interests held by other shareholders in our consolidated companies which are not wholly owned by Formula during each of the periods indicated. Net income attributable to non-controlling interests increased from $ 13.7 million in 2014 to $ 18.5 million in 2015. This increase resulted primarily from the reconsolidation of Sapiens’ results of operations to our consolidated results of operations as of December 23, 2014 offset by the deconsolidation of Magic’s results of operations from our consolidated results of operation as of March 5, 2014, upon the follow-on public offering of its ordinary shares on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, pursuant to which Formula lost its controlling interest in Magic.

Year Ended December 31, 2014 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2013 

The following tables set forth certain data from our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014, as well as such data as a percentage of our revenues for those years. The data has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included in this annual report. The operating results for the below years should not be considered indicative of results for any future period. This information should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this annual report.

Sapiens results of operations reflect for 2012 and 2013, the period starting on January 27, 2012, the date on which Formula gained its controlling interest in Sapiens and ending on November 19, 2013, the date on which Formula’s percentage interest in Sapiens decreased to under 50%, resulting in the deconsolidation of Sapiens’ results and for 2014, the period starting on December 23, 2014, the date on which Formula regained its controlling interest in Sapiens. Magic Software’s results of operations reflect all of Magic Software’s results of operations for 2013 and, for 2014, the period ending on March 5, 2014, the date on which Formula’s interest in Magic Software decreased below 50%, resulting in the deconsolidation of Magic Software’s results.

Statement of Income Data as a Percentage of Revenues

Revenues. Revenues in 2014 decreased by 20.0%, from $ 795.9 million in 2013 to $ 636.4 million in 2014. Revenues from the two categories of our operations were as follows: revenues from the delivery of software services increased by 1.4%, from $ 616.5 million in 2013 to $ 625.3 million in 2014, and revenues from the sale of our proprietary software products and related services decreased by 93.8%, from $ 179.4 million in 2013 to $ 11.1 million in 2014. Our comparable pro-forma revenues, had consolidated Magic's and Sapiens' results of operations for the years 2014 and 2013, would have totaled $ 930.8 million in 2014, compared to $ 814.0 million in 2013, reflecting a year over year increase of 4.3%.

The increase in software services revenues was primarily due to (i) the growth in Matrix's revenues, from NIS 1,925.6 million (approximately $ 533.9 million) in 2013 to NIS 2,100.5 million (approximately $ 586.3 million) in 2014, reflecting an increase of 9.0% when measured in NIS, Matrix local currency (compared to an increase of 9.8% when measured in USD). The increase in Matrix revenues was primarily attributable to an increase of 10.0% in Matrix’s software solutions and services business unit from NIS 1,405.6 million (approximately $ 389.8 million) to NIS 1,550.2 (approximately $ 433.3 million) and an increase of 5.4% in Matrix remaining three areas of operations resulting from organic growth as well as from acquisitions, and (ii) the acquisition of InSync on April 1, 2014, offset by the decrease in Magic Software’s software services revenues which are consolidated in our financial statements from $ 82.6 million in 2013 to $ 16.2 million in 2014, which resulted primarily from the deconsolidation of Magic’s results of operations from our consolidated results of operation as of March 5, 2014, upon the follow-on public offering of its ordinary shares on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, pursuant to which Formula lost its controlling interest in Magic Software.

The decrease in revenues from proprietary software products and related services was primarily due to the deconsolidation of Sapiens’ results of operations from our consolidated results of operations as of November 19, 2013, upon the follow-on public offering of its common shares on the NASDAQ Capital Market, pursuant to which Formula lost its controlling interest in Sapiens and from the deconsolidation of Magic’s results of operations from our consolidated results of operation as of March 5, 2014, upon the follow-on public offering of its ordinary shares on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, pursuant to which Formula lost its controlling interest in Magic Software.

A breakdown of our overall revenues into proprietary software products and related services and software services revenues for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014, the percentage those respective categories of revenues constituted out of our total revenues in those years, and the percentage change for each such category of revenues from 2013 to 2014, are provided in the below table:

Revenues by geographical region

The dollar amount and percentage share of our revenues attributable to each of the geographical regions in which we conduct our operations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively, as well as the percentage change between such years, were as follows:

Cost of Revenues. Cost of revenues consists primarily of wages, personnel expenses, other personnel-related expenses of software consultants, subcontractors and engineers, amortization of capitalized software, and hardware and other materials costs. Cost of revenues decreased by 12.1% from $ 603.1 million in 2013 to $ 530.1 million in 2014, mainly due to the accompanying decrease in revenues in 2014. As a percentage of software services revenues, costs of revenues in 2013 and 2014 were 82.2% and 84.1%, respectively.

Our proprietary software solutions and related services sales are generally characterized by a higher gross margin than sales of proprietary software solutions and related services. The cost of revenues for proprietary software solutions and related services decreased from $ 96.2 million in 2013 to $ 4.1 million in 2014, mainly due to the deconsolidation of Sapiens’ results of operations from our consolidated results of operations as of November 19, 2013, upon the follow-on public offering of its common shares on the NASDAQ Capital Market, pursuant to which Formula lost its controlling interest in Sapiens and from the deconsolidation of Magic’s results of operations from our consolidated results of operation as of March 5, 2014, upon the follow-on public offering of its ordinary shares on the NASDAQ Global Market, pursuant to which Formula lost its controlling interest in Magic.

The cost of revenues for software services increased from $ 506.9 million in 2013 to $ 526.0 million in 2014, mainly due to the accompanying increase in revenues in 2014. As a percentage of revenues, costs of revenues for software services in 2013 and 2014 remained relatively consistent at 82.2% in 2013 compared to 84.1% in 2014. The increase in the percentage of total costs of revenues from revenues (from 75.8% in 2013 to 83.3% in 2014) is attributable to the deconsolidation of Magic software’s software services operation which carried a higher gross margin than Matrix and InSync and from a decrease in Matrix’s aggregated gross margin due to a decrease in the gross margins of Matrix’s software solutions and services and learning and integration business units.

Cost of revenues for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014 include insignificant amounts of stock-based compensation recorded under ASC 718.

Research and Development Expenses, net. Research and development, or R&D, expenses consist primarily of wages and related expenses and, to a lesser degree, consulting fees that we pay to employees and independent contractors, respectively, engaged in research and development.  Research and development expenses, net, consist of research and development expenses, gross, less capitalized software costs.  Research and development expenses, gross, decreased from $ 23.8 million in 2013 to $ 1.5 million in 2014, mainly due to the deconsolidation of Sapiens’ results of operations from our consolidated results of operations as of November 19, 2013, upon the follow-on public offering of its common shares on the NASDAQ Capital Market, pursuant to which Formula lost its controlling interest in Sapiens and from the deconsolidation of Magic’s results of operations from our consolidated results of operation as of March 5, 2014, upon the follow-on public offering of its ordinary shares on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, pursuant to which Formula lost its controlling interest in Magic.

In 2014, we capitalized software costs of $ 0.7 million, compared to $ 9.6 million in 2013. Capitalization of software costs in 2013 and 2014 was attributable to our subsidiaries engaged in providing proprietary software solutions (i.e., Magic Software and Sapiens). Research and development expenses, net, decreased from $ 14.2 million in 2013 to $ 0.8 million in 2014, mainly due to the factors described above. 

As a percentage of revenues, research and development expenses, net, decreased from 1.8% in 2013 to 0.1% in 2014. Research and development expenses, net, in 2014 was attributable to Magic Software, which consolidated research and development expenses, net amounted to approximately $ 0.8 million .Research and development expenses, net, in 2013 were attributable to Magic Software and Sapiens, which consolidated research and development expenses, net amounted to approximately $ 3.7 million and $ 10.5 million, respectively. Amortization of capitalized software costs was $0.1 million in 2014 and $ 8.5 million in 2013, which amounts were included in cost of revenues. Research and development expenses for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014 include insignificant amounts of stock-based compensation recorded under ASC 718.

Selling, Marketing, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of cost of salaries, severance and related expenses of sales, marketing, management and administrative employees, travel expenses, selling expenses, rent, utilities, communications expenses, expenses related to external consultants, depreciation, amortization and other expenses. Selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses decreased from $ 117.9 million recorded in 2013 to $ 70.5 million recorded in 2014. As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased from 14.8% in 2013 to 11.1% in 2014.

The decrease in the absolute amount of selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses was primarily attributable to the deconsolidation of Sapiens’ results of operations from our consolidated results of operations as of November 19, 2013, upon the follow-on public offering of its common shares on the NASDAQ Capital Market, pursuant to which Formula lost its controlling interest in Sapiens and from the deconsolidation of Magic’s results of operations from our consolidated results of operation as of March 5, 2014, upon the follow-on public offering of its ordinary shares on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, pursuant to which Formula lost its controlling interest in Magic.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014 include $ 3.9 million and $ 5.0 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation recorded under ASC 718.

Other Income, net. We recorded other income of $ 5,000 in 2014, as compared to a loss of $ 14,000 in other income in 2013, each representing insignificant amounts.

Operating Income. Our operating income decreased from $ 60.7 million in 2013 to $ 35.0 million in 2014. The decrease in operating income was primarily attributable to the deconsolidation of Sapiens’ results of operations from our consolidated results of operations as of November 19, 2013, upon the follow-on public offering of its common shares on the NASDAQ, pursuant to which Formula lost its controlling interest in Sapiens and from the deconsolidation of Magic’s results of operations from our consolidated results of operation as of March 5, 2014, upon the follow-on public offering of its ordinary shares on the NASDAQ, pursuant to which Formula lost its controlling interest in Magic. Formula's comparable pro-forma operating income, had it continued to consolidate Magic's and Sapiens' results of operations for the years 2014 and 2013, would have totaled $ 66.7 million, compared to $ 62.4 million in the same period last year, reflecting a year over year increase of 6.9%.

Financial Expenses, net. Financial expenses, net decreased from $ 6.2 million in 2013 to $ 4.9 million in 2014. Financial expenses, net, is influenced by various factors, including our cash balances, loan balances, outstanding debentures, changes in market value of trading marketable securities, changes in the exchange rate of the NIS against the dollar, changes in the exchange rate of the dollar against the Euro and changes in the Israeli consumer price index, or CPI. The decrease in financial expenses, net in 2014 was mainly attributable to a decrease in short term debt interest expenses from $ 3.6 million recorded in 2013 to $ 1.9 million in 2014 and an increase in financial income from $2.0 million in 2013 to $3.8 million in 2014 primarily attributable to financial income of $ 2.6 million with respect to the devaluation of Formula’s long term loan denominated in NIS, offset by an increase in financial costs related to long-term debt increasing form $ 4.6 million in 2013 to $ 6.8 million in 2014.

Taxes on Income. Taxes on income increased from $ 8.7 million in 2013 to $ 10.1 million in 2014. The increase in taxes on income in 2014 was mainly attributable to (i) an increase in Matrix taxes on income, increasing from $ 6.9 million in 2013 to $ 9.0 million in 2014, primarily attributable to an increase in current taxes in Matirx subsidiaries due to local taxes in Israel (of 26.5%) and in North America (of 38%) resulting from an increase in taxable income, ii) a deferred tax income recorded in Matrix of approximately $ 0.7 million in 2013 due to an increase in its deferred tax assets resulting from an increase in the Israeli corporate tax rate from 25% to 26.5% and iii) the acquisition of InSync on April 1, 2014, offset primarily by a decrease in tax expenses resulting from the deconsolidation of Magic’s results of operations from our consolidated results of operation as of March 5, 2014, upon the follow-on public offering of its ordinary shares on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, pursuant to which Formula lost its controlling interest in Magic.

Gain derived from deconsolidation of subsidiary and equity in gains of affiliated companies net.

On November 19, 2013, Sapiens completed a follow-on public offering of its common shares. Sapiens issued 6,497,400 shares at a price of $ 6.25 per share before issuance expenses. Total net proceeds from the issuance amounted to approximately $37.8 million. As a result of the offering, our interest in Sapiens' outstanding common shares was diluted from 56.8% to 48.6%. Our investment in Sapiens following the dilution was measured under the equity method of accounting. The gain recognized in relation of our loss of control in Sapiens amounted to $61.2 million and is presented in the income statement as equity in gains of affiliated companies, net.

During the period following the offering through December 23, 2014, Formula purchased additional Sapiens common shares, bringing its interest in Sapiens common shares to 50.2% of Sapiens common shares on December 23, 2014. As a result, Formula regained control over Sapiens as of such date and Sapiens’ balance sheet is consolidated into Formula’s balance sheet. The gain recognized in relation to the consolidation of Sapiens and the related re-measurement of the investment to fair value amounted to $ 3.4 million and is presented in the income statement as equity in gains of affiliated companies, net.

From November 19, 2013 until December 31, 2014, Sapiens' results of operations were reflected in our results of operations using the equity method of accounting.

On March 5, 2014, Magic completed a follow-on public offering of its ordinary shares on the NASDAQ. Magic issued 6,900,000 shares at a price of $ 8.50 per share before issuance expenses. Total net proceeds from the issuance amounted to $ 54.7 million. As a result of the offering, Formula’s interest in Magic’s outstanding ordinary shares decreased from 51.6% to 45.0%. Formula's investment in Magic following the decrease was measured under the equity method of accounting due to loss of control in Magic in accordance with ASC 810. The gain recognized in relation of Formula loss of control in Magic and the related re-measurement of the investment to fair value amounted to $ 83.5 million and is presented in the income statement as equity in gains of affiliated companies, net. In addition Formula recorded deferred tax expense of $ 16.4 million presented in the income statement as equity in gains of affiliated companies, net.

From March 5, 2014 until December 31, 2014, Magic Software's results of operations were reflected in our results of operations using the equity method of accounting.

Our equity in gains of affiliates, net was $ 4.1 million in 2014, compared to $ 0.5 million in 2013. Our equity in gains of affiliates in 2014 was attributable primarily to our equity in gains recorded in Magic Software and Sapiens, which was partially offset by our equity in losses recorded in Matrix.

Change in redeemable non-controlling interests. Change in redeemable non-controlling interest in 2014 amounted to an expense of $ 0.2 million. Change in redeemable non-controlling interest in 2013 amounted to an expense of $ 1.7 million related mainly to (i) expenses recorded in Magic Software with respect to the acquisition of Comm-IT Group having an effect of $ 0.5 million and (ii) expenses recorded in Matrix with respect to the acquisitions of Exzac Inc., K.B.I.S. Ltd., Match Point I.T. Ltd., and Babcom Centers Ltd having an aggregate impact of $ 1.2 million.

Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests. Net income attributable to non-controlling interests includes the non-controlling interests held by other shareholders in our consolidated companies which are not wholly owned by Formula during each of the periods indicated. Net income attributable to non-controlling interests decreased from $ 24.0 million in 2013 to $ 13.7 million in 2014. This decrease resulted primarily from the deconsolidation of Sapiens’ results of operations from our consolidated results of operations as of November 19, 2013, upon the follow-on public offering of its common shares on the NASDAQ Capital Market, pursuant to which Formula lost its controlling interest in Sapiens and from the deconsolidation of Magic’s results of operations from our consolidated results of operation as of March 5, 2014, upon the follow-on public offering of its ordinary shares on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, pursuant to which Formula lost its controlling interest in Magic.

Impact of Inflation and Currency Fluctuations on Results of Operations

Our financial statements are stated in U.S. dollars, our functional currency. However, most of our revenues and expenses from our software services revenue line are denominated in NIS and a substantial portion of our revenues and costs from our Proprietary software products and related services revenue line are incurred in other currencies, particularly NIS, Euros, Japanese yen, and the British pound. We also maintain substantial non-U.S. dollar balances of assets, including cash, accounts receivable, and liabilities, including accounts payable, debentures and debt to financial institutions Therefore, fluctuations in the value of the currencies in which we do business relative to the U.S. dollar may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.. For financial reporting purposes, we translate all non-U.S. dollar denominated transactions into dollars using the average exchange rate over the period during which the transactions occur, in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Therefore, we are exposed to the risk that the devaluation of the NIS relative to the U.S. dollar may reduce the revenue growth rate and profitability for our software services in dollar terms. The representative average exchange rate of the NIS to the dollar in 2013, 2014 and 2015, as reported by the Bank of Israel, was NIS 3.6108 per US$1. NIS 3.5779 per US$1 and NIS 3.8869 per US$1, respectively. On the other hand, a significant portion of our revenues from proprietary software products and related services is currently mainly denominated in U.S dollar, Euros, Japanese Yen and the British Pound, whereas a substantial portion of our expenses relating to those products, principally salaries and related personnel expenses, are denominated in NIS. As a result, the devaluation of the Euro or those other currencies relative to the dollar (as was the case in 2015 with respect to the Euro and as was in the case of the Japanese Yen in 2013, 2014 and 2015) reduces the revenue growth rate and profitability for our proprietary software products and related services in dollar terms, thereby adversely affecting our operating results. On the other hand, the devaluation of the NIS relative to the dollar, which occurred in 2012 and in 2015, decreased the relative value of the NIS-denominated operating costs related to our proprietary software product revenues, and, therefore, partially compensates for the negative effect on our revenues and our profitability.

Since most of our expenses are incurred in NIS, the dollar cost of our operations also rises as a result of any increase in the rate of inflation in Israel, to the extent that such inflation is not offset, or is only offset on a lagging basis, by the devaluation (if any) of the NIS against the dollar during a relevant period of time. The Israeli rate of inflation amounted to 1.8%, (-0.2)% and (-1.0)% for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively, thereby compounding the impact of the appreciation of the NIS relative to the dollar in 2013, and adversely affecting our U.S. dollar measured results of operations in such year. In 2014 and 2015, the U.S. dollar appreciated relative to the NIS at a rate that eclipsed the Israeli rate of deflation for those years.

An increase in the rate of inflation in Israel may also have a material adverse effect on our financial results by increasing our operational expenses, as certain of our operating lease and rent agreements are denominated in NIS and are generally linked to the Israeli CPI, so to the extent that the CPI rises so will our operational expenses.

To date, we have not engaged in significant currency hedging transactions. In the future, we may enter into more or larger currency hedging transactions to decrease the risk of financial exposure from fluctuations in the exchange rate of the NIS, Euro, Japanese Yen or British Pound  against the dollar, and from increases in the Israeli inflation rate. However, we cannot assure you that these measures will adequately protect us from the adverse effects of those fluctuations.

Following is a summary of the most relevant monetary indicators for the reported periods:

*Reflects the change in the exchange rate from January 1 to December 31 of the relevant year, rather than the difference in the average exchange rate over the course of each year relative to the previous year.

Effective Corporate Tax Rates in Israel

Tax regulations have a material impact on our business, particularly in Israel where we have the headquarters or our subsidiary and affiliated companies. The following summary describes the current tax structure applicable to companies in Israel, with special reference to its effect on us. The following also contains a discussion of government programs from which we, and some of our subsidiaries, benefit. To the extent that the discussion is based on tax legislation that has not been subject to judicial or administrative interpretation, there can be no assurance that the views expressed in the discussion will be accepted by the tax authorities in question.

Corporate Tax

Israeli companies are generally subject to corporate tax on their taxable income. As of 2016, the corporate tax rate is 25% (in 2014 and 2015, the corporate tax rate was 26.5%). However, the effective tax rate payable by a company that derives income from an Approved Enterprise, a Beneficiary Enterprise or Preferred Enterprise, as further discussed below, may be considerably less. In addition, Israeli companies are generally subject to tax at the prevailing regular corporate tax rate on their capital gains.

Besides being subject to the general corporate tax rules in Israel, certain of our Israeli subsidiaries 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, as described below.

Taxation of Non-Israeli Subsidiaries Held by an Israeli Parent Company

Non-Israeli subsidiaries of an Israeli parent company are generally subject to tax in their countries of residence under tax laws applicable to them in such countries. Such subsidiaries could also be subject to Israeli corporate tax on their income if they were to be managed and controlled from Israel. In such case, double taxation could ensue unless an applicable tax treaty provides applicable rules for relief from double taxation or such relief is available under internal law.

An Israeli parent company may also be required to include in its income on a current basis, as a deemed dividend, certain income derived by its subsidiaries under the Israeli Controlled Foreign Corporation rules, regardless of whether such income is distributed or not. Under these rules, a non-Israeli subsidiary is considered to be a controlled foreign corporation, if, among other things, a majority of the subsidiary’s means of control are held by Israeli residents, most of its revenues or income is passive (such as interest, dividends, royalties, rental income or income from capital gains) and such income is taxed at a rate that does not exceed 15%. An Israeli parent company that is subject to Israeli taxes on such deemed dividend income, may generally receive a credit for foreign taxes paid by its subsidiaries in their country of residence and for deemed foreign taxes to be withheld upon the actual distribution of such income.

Tax Benefits Under the Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 5719-1959

The Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 5719-1959 (the “Investment Law”), provides certain incentives for capital investments in a production facility (or other eligible assets) by “Industrial Enterprises” (as defined under the Investment Law). Generally, an investment program that is implemented in accordance with the provisions of the Investment Law, referred to as 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 within Israel in which the investment is made or the election of the grantee. In order to qualify for these incentives, an Approved Enterprise, a Beneficiary Enterprise or a Preferred Enterprise is required to comply with the requirements of the Investment Law.

The Investment Law has been amended several times over the last years, with the two most significant changes effective as of April 1, 2005 (the “2005 Amendment”), and as of January 1, 2011 (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 2005 Amendment. Similarly, the 2011 Amendment introduced new benefits instead of the benefits granted in accordance with the provisions of the Investment Law in effect prior to the 2011 Amendment. However, companies entitled to benefits under the Investment Law as in effect prior 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 forego such benefits and have the benefits of the 2011 Amendment apply.

The following discussion is a summary of the Investment Law prior to its amendments as well as the relevant changes contained in the new legislation.

Tax Benefits for Income from 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, or an Approved Enterprise, had to receive an approval from the Investment Center of the Israeli Ministry of Economy (formerly the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor) which we refer to as the Investment Center. Each certificate of approval for an Approved Enterprise relates to a specific investment program delineated by the financial scope of the investment, including sources of funds, and by the physical characteristics of the facility or other assets. The tax benefits available under any certificate of approval relate only to taxable income attributable to the specific program and are contingent upon meeting the criteria set out in the certificate of approval.

An Approved Enterprise may elect to forego any entitlement to the grants otherwise available under the Investment Law and, instead, participate in an alternative benefits program. Certain of our Israeli affiliated companies 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 in which the production commenced(as determined by the Investment Center), 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 available under any certificate of approval relate only to taxable income attributable to the specific program and are contingent upon meeting the criteria set out in the certificate of approval. Income derived from activity that is not integral to the activity of the Approved Enterprise will not enjoy tax benefits. The 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, or 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 benefits period may be up to ten years) and for further tax benefits if the level of foreign investment is 49% or more. If a company that has an Approved Enterprise program is a wholly owned subsidiary of another company, then the percentage of foreign investment 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 corporate 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 benefits program. This rate generally ranges from 10% to 25%, depending on the level of foreign investment in the company in each year, as explained above.

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 a lower rate as may be provided under an applicable tax treaty (subject to the receipt in advance of a valid certificate from the Israel Tax Authority allowing for a reduced tax rate). The 15% tax rate is limited to dividends and 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 a lower rate under an applicable tax treaty (subject to the receipt in advance of a valid certificate from the Israel Tax Authority allowing for a reduced tax rate). 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 Enterprise 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 fulfillment of conditions stipulated in the Investment Law and its regulations and the criteria in the specific certificate of approval with respect thereto, 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 or other monetary.

In our case, subject to compliance with applicable requirements stipulated in the Investment Law and its regulations and in the specific certificate of approval, as described above, the portion of undistributed income derived from Approved Enterprise programs of one of Sapiens Israeli subsidiaries was exempt from corporate tax for a period of two years commencing in 2014. 

Tax benefits under the 2005 Amendment that became effective on April 1, 2005.

The 2005 Amendment applies to new 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 became effective (April 1, 2005) 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. The 2005 Amendment, however, limits the scope of enterprises that may be approved by the Investment Center by setting criteria for the approval of a facility as an Approved Enterprise.

An enterprise that qualifies under the new provisions is referred to as a Beneficiary Enterprise, rather than Approved Enterprise. The 2005 Amendment provides that a certificate of approval from 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 Israel 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), which are generally required to 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 increase 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 certain conditions set forth in the amendment for tax benefits and which exceeds a minimum investment amount specified in the Investment Law. Such investment entitles a company to receive a Beneficiary Enterprise status with respect to the investment, and may be made over a period of no more than three years from the end of the year in which the company chose to have the tax benefits apply to its 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 in Israel of the Beneficiary Enterprise. The location will also determine the period for which tax benefits are available. Such tax benefits include an exemption from corporate tax on undistributed income generated by the Beneficiary Enterprise 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. The benefits period is limited to 12 or 14 years from the year the company first chose to have the tax benefits apply, depending on the location of the company.

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 source at the rate of 15% or such lower rate as may be provided in an applicable tax treaty (subject to the receipt in advance of a valid certificate from the Israel Tax Authority allowing for a reduced tax rate). 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 corporate 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 that would have otherwise been applicable.

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.

Income that is attributable to one of Sapiens’ Israeli subsidiaries, was exempt from income tax for a period of two years commencing 2014 and ending 2015, under the 2005 Amendment. 

Tax benefits under the 2011 Amendment that became effective on January 1, 2011.

The 2011 Amendment canceled the availability of the benefits granted to companies 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 Israeli Partnerships Ordinance and (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 tax rate of 15% with respect to its preferred income attributed to its Preferred Enterprise in 2012, unless the Preferred Enterprise was located in a certain development zone, in which case the rate was 10%. Such corporate tax rates were reduced to 12.5% and 7%, respectively, in 2013 and were 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 (subject to the receipt in advance of a valid certificate from the Israel Tax Authority allowing for a reduced tax rate). 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 existing tax 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.

Tax Benefits and Grants for Research and Development

Israeli tax law allows, under certain conditions, a tax deduction for research and development expenditures, including capital expenditures, for the year in which they are incurred. Such expenditures must relate to scientific research and development projects, and must be approved by the relevant Israeli government ministry, determined by the field of research, and the research and development must be for the promotion or development of the company. Furthermore, the research and development must be carried out by or on behalf of the company seeking such tax deduction. The amount of such deductible expenses is reduced by the sum of any funds received through government grants for the finance of such scientific research and development projects. Expenditures not approved by the relevant Israeli government ministry, but otherwise qualifying for deduction, are deductible over a three-year period from the first year that the expenditures were made. However, the amounts of any government grants made available are subtracted from the amount of the expenses which may be deducted.

Law for the Encouragement of Industry (Taxes), 5729-1969

The Law for the Encouragement of Industry (Taxes), 5729-1969, or the Industry Encouragement Law, provides several tax benefits for an “Industrial Company”. Pursuant to the Industry Encouragement Law, a company qualifies as an Industrial Company if it is an Israeli resident company that was incorporated in Israel and at least 90% of its income in any tax year (other than income from certain government loans) is generated from an “Industrial Enterprise” that it owns and located in Israel. An “Industrial Enterprise” is defined as an enterprise whose major activity, in a given tax year, is industrial production.

An Industrial Company is entitled to certain tax benefits, including:

Eligibility for benefits under the Industry Encouragement Law is not subject to receipt of prior approval from any governmental authority.

We believe that certain of our Israeli subsidiary and affiliated companies currently qualify as Industrial Companies within the definition under the Industry Encouragement Law. We cannot assure you that we will continue to qualify as Industrial Companies or that the benefits described above will be available in the future.