Other interesting statements from Stratasys' 1996 10K:
"The third new product, the FDM(R) 8000, is a rapid prototyping device, which incorporates QuickSlice(R) software and the filament extrusion method of the Company's FDM(R) products. It is capable of building prototypes up to 24 inches in size with throughput
comparable to the recently announced Stratasys FDM(R) 2000. The FDM(R) 8000 builds prototype parts using ABS plastics."
"The prices of the systems start at $55,000 for Genisys(R) and reach $200,000 for the FDM(R) 8000. The current price of the FDM(R) 1650 Benchtop is approximately $100,000, but the price will increase to approximately $120,000 in the second quarter of 1997. The price of the FDM(R) 2000 will be approximately $140,000."
"Gross margins were negatively impacted by the sales of the Genisys(R) system, many of which were sold at 40% discounts into the Company's reseller network as demonstration units. With the majority of the domestic ressellers now possessing demonstration units, the future average selling price of the Genisys(R) product should increase significantly, positively affecting gross margins. In addition, the Company believes that there are opportunities to improve on the company's gross margins in the Genisys(R) product line through additional engineering design changes. These reductions to the cost of sales should occur throughout 1997."
"R&D incurred certain infrastructure expenses not encountered in 1995, especially additional rent and facility expansion expenses. On anticipated higher 1997 revenues, the Company should be able to continue a downward trend in R&D expenses as a percentage of sales while maintaining a level of R&D consistent with the Company's longer
range plans for new product introductions and enhancements, which include the FDM(R) 8000, new modeling materials, new software enhancements, and improved price/performance capabilities from its existing product offerings."
Notice the reference to "new modeling materials" above. Gee what new modeling materials are possible that haven't already been included in the FDM based machines? This is why I led a discussion on possible metal material.
"However, due to higher infrastructure and personnel expenses and increased R&D expenses, some of which are related to the FDM(R) 8000, the Company believes that the first quarter of 1997 will result in a loss, to be followed by profitable quarters for the remainder of 1997. The first quarter historically has been the Company's weakest, usually accounting for 15% or less of annual revenue."
"According to a March 1997 industry report by Wohlers Associates, Inc., in 1996 the Company shipped more rapid prototyping systems than any other rapid prototyping vendor."
- David |
