20-F

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


Form 20-F

o REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) or (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006

OR

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

OR

o SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number 000-30668

NOVA MEASURING INSTRUMENTS LTD.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Nova Measuring Instruments Ltd. Israel
(Translation of Registrant's name into English) (Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

Weizmann Science Park, Building 22, 2nd Floor, Ness-Ziona 76100, Israel
(Address of principal executive offices)

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

Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered
Ordinary Shares, nominal value NIS 0.01 per share The NASDAQ Global Market

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:

17,104,523 Ordinary Shares, NIS 0.01 nominal (par) value per share, as of December 31, 2006

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

Yes o 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 o 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 o

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

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

Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow:

Item 17 o Item 18 x

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 o No x

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
 
Introduction ii 
PART I 1 
       Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors 1 
       Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable 1 
       Item 3. Key Information 1 
       Item 4. Information on the Company 10 
       Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments 25 
       Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects 25 
       Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees 35 
       Item 7. Major Shareholder and Related Party Transactions 42 
       Item 8. Financial Information 43 
       Item 9. The Offer and Listing 44 
       Item 10. Additional Information 46 
       Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 60 
       Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities 61 
PART II 61 
       Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies 61 
       Item 14. Material Modification to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds 61 
Item 15. Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures 61 
Item 16. Reserved 62 
Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert 62 
Item 16B. Code of Ethics 62 
Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services 62 
Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees 63 
Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliates Purchasers 63 
PART III 63 
       Item 17. Financial Statements 63 
       Item 18. Financial Statements 63 
       Item 19. Exhibits 63 
Financial Statements F-1
Signatures  

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Introduction

        In this Annual Report, the "Company," "Nova," "we" or "our" refers to Nova Measuring Instruments Ltd. and its consolidated subsidiaries, when the context requires.

        The consolidated financial statements and selected consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2006 (the “Consolidated Financial Statements”), included in this Annual Report have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

Our Functional Currency

        Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts herein are expressed in United States dollars ("U.S. dollars," "dollars," "USD," "US$" or "$").

        The currency of the primary economic environment in which we operate is the U.S. dollar, since substantially all our revenues to date have been denominated in U.S. dollars and over 50% of our expenses are in U.S. dollars or in New Israeli Shekels linked to the dollar. Transactions and balances denominated in dollars are presented at their original amounts. Non-dollar transactions and balances have been re-measured into dollars as required by the principles in Statement No. 52 of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) of the United States of America. All exchange gains and losses from such re-measurement are included in the net financial income when they arise.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

        Certain information contained herein, which does not relate to historical financial information, may be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words or phrases “will likely result,” “are expected to,” will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “plan”, or similar expressions identify “forward looking statements.” Such statements, including statements relating to our anticipated sales, revenues and expenses in 2007, our expectations with respect to our ability to gain market share, add additional process equipment manufacturers as partners and to develop and introduce new products, possible outcomes of the litigation in which we are involved, possible outcomes of our efforts to consummate and integrate our pending acquisition or of our efforts to identify, complete and integrate future acquisition, anticipated growth of the semiconductor industry and metrology markets and expected changes in the semiconductor industry, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results and those presently anticipated or projected. We wish to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. We cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. We also undertake no obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward–looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Among the factors that could cause our actual results in the future to differ materially from any opinions or statements expressed with respect to future periods are competitive industry conditions and the ability to forecast the needs of the semiconductor industry with respect to the very cyclical nature of the industry and the very fast pace of technology evolutions. Various other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially are set forth in “Risk Factors” starting on page 2 and elsewhere herein.

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PART I

Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors

        Not applicable.

Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

        Not applicable.

Item 3. Key Information

        Selected Financial Data

        The following selected consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 and for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 have been derived from our audited Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this annual report. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and audited by our independent registered public accounting firm. The consolidated selected financial data as of December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 and for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 have been derived from other consolidated financial statements not included in this Form 20-F that were also prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and audited by our independent registered public accounting firm. The selected consolidated financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with and are qualified by reference to “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto and other financial information included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 20-F.

Summary of Consolidated Financial Data

Year ended December 31,
2002
 2003
 2004
 2005
 2006
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:                        
Revenues   $ 20,371   $ 26,688   $ 36,806   $ 30,142   $ 48,292  
Cost of revenues    13,353    16,535    21,111    19,306    27,743  
Gross profit    7,018    10,153    15,695    10,836    20,549  
   Operating expenses:  
     Research and development expenses, net    9,894    8,561    8,665    9,301    9,166  
     Sales and marketing expenses    6,950    6,534    6,647    6,950    8,754  
     General and administrative expenses    1,797    1,898    2,331    3,626    5,136  
     Other operating expenses (income)    1,478    (2,203 )  -    -    -  
Total operating expenses    20,119    14,790    17,643    19,877    23,056  
Operating loss    (13,101 )  (4,637 )  (1,948 )  (9,041 )  (2,507 )
Financing income, net    144    425    528    627    573  
Net loss   $ (12,957 ) $ (4,212 ) $ (1,420 ) $ (8,414 ) $ (1,934 )
      
   Loss per share:  
Basic and diluted loss per share   $ (0.88 ) $ (0.28 ) $ (0.09 ) $ (0.55 ) $ (0.12 )
Shares used in calculation of basic and diluted loss per  
share    14,786    14,994    15,259    15,437    15,976  

- 1 -

December 31,
2002
 2003
 2004
 2005
 2006
(in thousands)
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:                        
Working capital    34,574    30,350    25,709    14,834    15,873  
Total assets    49,008    47,918    49,966    42,339    44,419  
Capital stock (including additional paid-in capital)    71,851    72,709    73,379    73,682    76,735  
Shareholders' equity    35,677    32,336    31,581    23,444    24,575  

Risk Factors

Risks Related to Our Business and Our Industry

Because substantially most of our current sales are dependent on a single product line, factors that adversely affect the pricing and demand for this product line could substantially reduce our sales.

        Although we have expanded our product offering, we are still currently dependent on a single integrated process control product line targeting the chemical mechanical polishing market. We expect revenues from this product line to continue to account for a substantial portion of our revenues for at least the next year. As a result, factors adversely affecting the pricing of or demand for integrated process controls for the chemical mechanical polishing equipment field, such as competition and technological change, could reduce our sales.

The markets we target are highly cyclical and it is difficult to predict the length and strength of any downturn or expansion period.

        The semiconductor capital equipment market and industries, which are highly cyclical, experienced in 2006 significant increases in sales, after a decline of more than 18% in sales in 2005. Although we rely on market research companies, we cannot predict the length and strength of the downturns or expansions. Furthermore, we have only a limited ability to reduce expenses during any industry downturn because of the need for significant ongoing expenditures related to engineering, research and development and worldwide customer service and support operations. As a result, during future downturns, we may incur additional losses greater than those we incurred in the past.

Our inability to reduce spending during a protracted slowdown in the semiconductor industry could reduce our prospects of achieving profitability.

        Historically, we have derived all of our revenues, and we expect to continue to derive practically all of our revenues, from sales of our products and related services to the semiconductor industry. Our business depends in large part upon capital expenditures by semiconductor manufacturers, which in turn depend upon the current and anticipated demand for semiconductors. The semiconductor industry has experienced severe and protracted cyclical downturns and upturns. During cyclical downturns, we have in the past experienced, and will likely in the future experience, material reductions in the demand for the type of capital equipment and process technology that we offer and our sales and revenues might decline again. In addition, our ability to reduce expenses in response to any downturn or slowdown in the rate of capital investment by manufacturers in these industries may be limited because of:

  — our continuing need to invest in research and development;

  — our capital equipment requirements; and

  — our extensive ongoing customer service and support requirements worldwide.

        As a result, we may have difficulty achieving profitability.

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If we do not respond effectively and on a timely basis to rapid technological change, our ability to attract and retain customers could be diminished, which would hurt our sales and ability to remain competitive.

        The semiconductor manufacturing industry is characterized by rapid technological change, new product introductions and enhancements and evolving industry standards. Our ability to remain competitive and generate sales revenue will depend in part upon our ability to develop new and enhanced systems at competitive prices in a timely and cost-effective manner and to accurately predict technology transitions. Because new product development commitments must be made well in advance of sales, new product decisions must anticipate the future demand for products. If we fail to correctly anticipate future demand for products, our sales and competitive position will suffer. In addition, the development of new measurement technologies, new product introductions or enhancements by our competitors could cause a decline in our sales or loss of market acceptance of our existing products.

We may not be able to develop or market new products, which could slow or prevent our growth.

        Our business plan requires the introduction of several new product lines. Our plans to introduce process control products for photolithography, etch, metal deposition and other processes will require development of new capabilities. Some of these projects are in the early stages of development, and we cannot be certain that we will be able to develop or bring to market these new product lines or, if we do, that these products will be well received or profitable. If we are unable to successfully introduce new product lines, our future growth could be adversely affected.

If any of our systems fail to meet or exceed our internal quality specifications, we cannot ship them until such time as they have met such specifications. If we experience significant delays or are unable to ship our products to our customers as a result of our internal processes, or for any other reason, our business and reputation may suffer.

        Our products are complex and require technical expertise to design and manufacture. Various problems occasionally arise during the manufacturing process that may cause delays and/or impair product quality. We actively monitor our manufacturing processes to ensure that our products meet our internal quality specifications. Any significant delays stemming from the failure of our products to meet or exceed our internal quality specifications, or for any other reasons, would delay our shipments. Shipment delays could harm our business, revenues and reputation in the industry.

New product lines that we may introduce in the future may contain defects, which will require us to allocate time and financial resources to correct.

        Our new product lines may contain defects when first introduced. If there are defects, we will need to divert the attention of our personnel from our product development efforts to address the detection and correction of the defects. In the past, no liability claims have been filed against us for damages related to product defects, and we have not experienced any material delays as a result of product defects. However, we cannot provide assurances that we will not incur these costs or liabilities or experience these lags or delays in the future. Moreover, the occurrence of such defects, whether caused by our products or the products of another vendor, may result in significant customer relations problems and injury to our reputation and may impair the market acceptance of our products.

We have historically generated losses and may incur future losses.

        Since our inception in 1993, we have incurred several years of losses and only a few profitable years. We may incur a net loss in 2007 or in future years. As of December 31, 2006, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $52 million. We plan to increase our aggregate operating expenses in 2007 relative to 2006. Accordingly, to achieve profitability in 2007, we will need to significantly increase our sales. In the future, our sales may not grow and we may not achieve profitability.

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Our dependence on a single manufacturing facility magnifies the risk of an interruption in our production capabilities.

        We have only one manufacturing facility, which is located in Ness-Ziona, Israel. Any event affecting this site, including natural disaster, labor stoppages or armed conflict, may disrupt or indefinitely discontinue our manufacturing capabilities and could significantly impair our ability to fulfill orders and generate revenues, thus negatively impacting our business.

We experience quarterly fluctuations in our operating results, which may adversely impact our stock price.

        Our quarterly operating results have fluctuated significantly in the past. This trend may continue. A principal reason is that we derive a substantial portion of our revenue from the sale of a relatively small number of systems to a relatively small number of customers. As a result, our revenues and results of operations for any given quarter may decrease due to factors relating to the timing of orders by, shipments of systems and timing of recognizing these revenues. Furthermore, our quarterly results are affected by the highly cyclical nature of the semiconductor capital equipment market and industries.

        We also have a limited ability to predict revenues for future quarterly periods and, as a result, face risks of revenue shortfalls. If the number of systems we actually ship, and thus the amount of revenues we are able to record in any particular quarter, is below our expectations, the adverse effect may be magnified by our inability to adjust spending quickly enough to compensate for the revenue shortfall.

We depend on a small number of large customers, and the loss of one or more of them would lower our revenues.

        Like our peers serving the semiconductor market, our customer base is highly concentrated among a limited number of large customers, primarily because the semiconductor industry is dominated by a small number of large companies. We anticipate that our revenues will continue to depend on a limited number of major customers, although the companies considered to be our major customers and the percentage of our revenue represented by each major customer may vary from period to period. The loss of any one of our major customers would adversely affect our sales and revenues. Furthermore, if any of our customers become insolvent or have difficulties meeting their financial obligations to us for any reason, we may suffer losses.

We operate in an extremely competitive market, and if we fail to compete effectively, our revenues and market share will decline.

        Although the market for integrated process control systems used in semiconductor manufacturing is currently concentrated and characterized by relatively few participants, the semiconductor capital equipment industry is intensely competitive. We compete with Nanometrics Inc., Therma-Wave Inc., Rudolph Technologies Inc., and KLA-Tencor Corp., which manufacture and sell integrated process control systems. In addition, we compete with established manufacturers of conventional stand-alone measurement equipment, such as KLA-Tencor Corp., and original semiconductor equipment manufacturers, such as Tokyo Electron Ltd. Established companies, both domestic and foreign, compete with our product lines, and new competitors are entering our market. Some of our competitors have greater financial, engineering, manufacturing and marketing resources than we do. If a particular customer selects a competitor’s capital equipment, we expect to experience difficulty in selling to that customer for a significant period of time. A substantial investment is required by customers to evaluate, test, select and integrate capital equipment into a production line. As a result, once a manufacturer has selected a particular vendor’s capital equipment, we believe that the manufacturer generally relies upon that equipment for the specific production line application and frequently will attempt to consolidate its other capital equipment requirements with the same vendor. Accordingly, unless our systems offer performance or cost advantages that outweigh a customer’s expense of switching to our systems, it will be difficult for us to achieve significant sales from that customer once it has selected another vendor’s system for an application. We believe that our ability to compete successfully depends on a number of factors both within and outside of our control, including:

  — the contribution of our equipment to our customers' productivity;

  — our product quality and performance;

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  — our global technical service and support;

  — the return on investment (ROI) of our equipment and its cost of ownership;

  — the breadth of our product line;

  — our success in developing and marketing new products. and;

  — the extendibility of our product

        If we fail to compete in a timely and cost-effective manner against current or future competitors, our revenues and market share will decline.

The ongoing consolidation in our industry may harm us if our competitors are able to offer a broader range of products and greater customer support than we can offer.

        We believe that the semiconductor capital equipment market is undergoing consolidation. A number of suppliers have been acquired by larger equipment manufacturers. For example, in 2005 Rudolph Technologies Inc. acquired August Technologies Inc., in 2006 Nanometrics Inc. acquired Soluris Inc. and Accent Technologies Inc., and in 2007 KLA-Tencor Corp. acquired Therma-Wave Inc. We believe that similar acquisitions and business combinations involving our competitors and customers may occur in the future. These acquisitions could adversely impact our competitive position by enabling our competitors and potential competitors to expand their product offerings and customer service, which could provide them an advantage in meeting customers’ needs, particularly with those customers that seek to consolidate their capital equipment requirements with a smaller number of vendors. The greater resources, including financial, marketing and support resources, of competitors involved in these acquisitions could allow them to accelerate the development and commercialization of new competitive products and the marketing of existing competitive products to their larger installed bases. Accordingly, such business combinations and acquisitions by competitors or customers could jeopardize our competitive position.

We may not be successful in our efforts to identify, complete and integrate future acquisitions, which could disrupt our current business activities and adversely affect our results of operations or future growth.

        Any future acquisitions may involve many risks, including the risks of:

  — diverting management's attention and other resources from our ongoing business concerns;

  — entering markets in which we have no direct prior experience;

  — improperly evaluating new services, products and markets;

  — being unable to maintain uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies;

  — being unable to integrate new technologies or personnel;

  — incurring the expenses of any undisclosed or potential liabilities; and

  — the departure of key management and employees.

        If we are unable to successfully complete the acquisition or to effectively integrate any future acquisitions, our ability to grow our business or to operate our business effectively could be reduced, and our business, financial condition and operating results could suffer. Even if we are successful in completing acquisitions, we cannot assure you that we will be able to integrate the operations of the acquired business without encountering difficulty regarding different business strategies with respect to marketing, integration of personnel with disparate business backgrounds and corporate cultures, integration of different point-of-sale systems and other technology and managing relationships with other business partners.

One of our customers has no cancellation fee with regard to cancellation of orders.

        One of our largest customers has no cancellation fee with regard to cancellation of its orders. Because of that, our ability to rely on our backlog for future forecasting in so far as it depends on that customer is impaired and can severely harm our financial results.

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Because we are small, we depend on a small number of employees who possess both executive and technical expertise, and the loss of any of these key employees would hurt our ability to implement our strategy and to compete effectively.

        Because of our small size and our reliance on employees with both executive and advanced technical skills, our success depends significantly upon the continued contributions of our officers and key personnel. All of our key management and technical personnel have expertise, which is in high demand among our competitors, and the loss of any of these individuals could cause our business to suffer. We do not maintain life insurance policies for our officers and directors.

Our lengthy sales cycle increases our exposure to customer delays in orders, which may result in obsolete inventory and volatile quarterly revenues.

        Sales of our systems depend, in significant part, upon our customers adding new manufacturing capacity or expanding existing manufacturing capacity, both of which involve a significant capital commitment. We may experience delays in finalizing sales following initial system qualification while a customer evaluates and approves an initial purchase of our systems. In general, for new customers or applications, our sales cycle takes between three and 12 months to complete. During this time, we may expend substantial funds and management effort, but fail to make any sales. Lengthy sales cycles subject us to a number of significant risks, including inventory obsolescence and fluctuations in operating results, over which we have limited control.

Because of the technical nature of our business, our intellectual property is extremely important to our business, and our inability to protect our intellectual property would harm our competitive position.

        We have obtained 51 U.S. patents and have 25 U.S. patent applications pending. In addition, we have obtained 32 non-U.S. patents and have more than 50 non-U.S. patent applications pending. In August 8, 2006, in connection with the acquisition by us of substantially all the assets of HyperNex, Inc., HyperNex, Inc. assigned to us all of its right, title, and interest in 8 U.S. patents, 3 non-U.S. patents, 6 patent applications filed in other countries and 3 trademarks registered in the U.S. As of April 30, 2007, the assignment of the 3 non-U.S. patents was not completed.

        We cannot assure that:

  — pending patent applications will be approved;

  — any patents will be broad enough to protect our technology, will provide us with competitive advantages or will not be challenged or invalidated by third parties; or

  — the patents of others will not have an adverse effect on our ability to do business.

        We also cannot assure you that others will not independently develop similar products, duplicate our products or, if patents are issued to us, design around these patents. Further, because patents may afford less protection under foreign law than is available under U.S. law, we cannot assure that any foreign patents issued to us will adequately protect our proprietary rights.

        In addition to patent protection, we also rely upon trade secret protection, employee and third-party nondisclosure agreements and other intellectual property protection methods to protect our confidential and proprietary information. Despite these efforts, we cannot be certain that others will not otherwise gain access to our trade secrets or disclose our technology.

        Furthermore, we may be required to institute legal proceedings to protect our intellectual property. If such legal proceedings are resolved adversely to us, our competitive position and/or results of operations could be harmed. For additional information on our intellectual property, including information regarding a patent infringement lawsuit we commenced against Nanometrics Inc., and information regarding a patent infringement lawsuits Nanometrics commenced against us, see “Intellectual Property” starting on page 20 of this report.

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There has been significant litigation involving intellectual property rights in the semiconductor and related industries and similar litigation involving Nova could force us to divert resources to defend against this litigation or deter our customers from purchasing our systems.

        We have been, and may in the future be, notified of allegations that we may be infringing intellectual property rights possessed by others. In addition, we may be required to commence legal proceedings against third parties, which may be infringing our intellectual property, in order to defend our intellectual property. In the future, protracted litigation and expense may be incurred to defend ourselves against alleged infringement of third party rights or to defend our intellectual property against infringement by third parties. Adverse determinations in that type of litigation could:

  — result in our loss of proprietary rights;

  — subject us to significant liabilities, including treble damages in some instances;

  — require us to seek licenses from third parties, which licenses may not be available on reasonable terms or at all; or

  — prevent us from selling our products.

        Any litigation of this type, even if we are ultimately successful, could result in substantial cost and diversion of time and effort by our management, which by itself could have a negative impact on our profit margin, competitive position and ability to develop and market new and existing products. For additional information on our intellectual property, including information regarding a civil action we commenced against Nanometrics Inc., or Nanometrics, information regarding civil actions Nanometrics commenced against us, and information with respect to the settlement agreement we have recently reached with Nanometrics, see “Intellectual Property” beginning on page 20 of this annual report.

We depend on a limited number of suppliers, and in some cases a sole supplier. Any disruption or termination of these supply channels may adversely affect our ability to manufacture our products and to deliver them to our customers.

        We purchase components, subassemblies and services from a limited number of suppliers and occasionally from a single source. Disruption or termination of these sources could occur, and these disruptions could have at least a temporary adverse effect on our operations. To date, we have not experienced any material disruption or termination of our supply sources. A prolonged inability on our part to obtain components included in our systems on a cost-effective basis could adversely impact our ability to deliver products on a timely basis, which could harm our sales and customer relationships.

We have an agreement for exclusive supply of a critical component in our wide angle x-ray diffraction tool called CrystalX. This exclusivity depends on purchase of a pre-defined number of these critical components from the supplier and a loss of this exclusivity could allow a competitor to utilize this unique component and successfully compete with our offering.

        The exclusivity depends on volume of purchases. The design of this component provides unique advantages to our system which in the hands of our competitors may allow them to successfully compete with us. Developing an alternative supplier for this specific component is not trivial.

We are dependent on international sales, which expose us to foreign political and economic risks that could impede our plans for expansion and growth.

        Our principal customers are located in the United States, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Europe and South Korea and we produce our products in Israel. International operations expose us to a variety of risks that could seriously impact our financial condition and impede our growth. For instance, trade restrictions, changes in tariffs and import and export license requirements could adversely affect our ability to sell our products in the countries adopting or changing those restrictions, tariffs or requirements. This could reduce our sales by a material amount.

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Because we derive a significant portion of our revenues from sales in Asia, our sales could be hurt by the instability of Asian economies.

        A number of Asian countries have experienced political and economic instability. For instance, Taiwan and China have had a number of disputes, as have North and South Korea, and Japan has for a number of years experienced significant economic instability. We have a subsidiary in Taiwan and we have significant customers in Japan and South Korea as well as in China. An outbreak of hostilities or other political upheaval or economic downturns in these or other Asian countries would likely harm the operations of our customers in these countries, causing our sales to suffer.

A large number of our ordinary shares continue to be owned by a relatively small number of shareholders, whose future sales of our stock, if substantial, may depress our share price.

        If our principal shareholders sell substantial amounts of our ordinary shares, including shares issued upon the exercise of outstanding options, the market price of our ordinary shares may fall. As of December 31, 2006, we had 17,104,523 ordinary shares outstanding, of which 7,827,839 shares were held by four shareholders.

Because as of April 20, 2007 five of our shareholders control approximately 56% of our ordinary shares, they can control the outcome of matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders, including the election of directors.

        As of April 20, 2007, five of our shareholders controlled approximately 56% of our outstanding ordinary shares (not including options or warrants currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of April 20, 2007). As a result, and although we are currently not aware of any voting agreement between such shareholders, if these shareholders voted together or in the same manner, they would have the ability to control the outcome of corporate actions requiring an ordinary majority vote of shareholders as set in the Company’s articles of association. Even if these five shareholders do not vote together, each has the ability to influence the outcome of corporate actions requiring the vote of shareholders as set in the Company’s article of association.  For additional information on our major shareholders, see “Major shareholders” on page 42.

The market price of our ordinary shares may be affected by a limited trading volume and may fluctuate significantly

        There has been a limited public market for our ordinary shares and there can be no assurance that an active trading market for our ordinary shares will continue. An absence of an active trading market could adversely affect our shareholders’ ability to sell our ordinary shares in short time periods. Our ordinary shares have experienced, and are likely to experience in the future, significant price and volume fluctuations, which could adversely affect the market price of our ordinary shares without regard to our operating performance.

Risks Related to Operations in Israel

Potential political, economic and military instability in Israel may adversely affect our growth and revenues.

        Our principal offices and manufacturing facilities and many of our suppliers are located in Israel. Although most of our sales are currently being made outside Israel, political, economic and military conditions in Israel directly affect our operations. Since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, a number of armed conflicts have taken place between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Conflicts between Israel and Palestinian militant groups have been ongoing. A state of hostility, varying in degree and intensity, has led to security and economic problems for Israel. The resumption of hostilities in the region, and the on-going tension in the region, have a negative effect on the stability of the region which might have negative effect on our business and harm our growth and revenues. For further detail see “Political and economic conditions in Israel” starting on page 24.

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Our operations may be disrupted by the obligation of key personnel to perform military service.

        Some of our executive officers and employees in Israel are obligated to perform up to 36 days of military reserve duty annually until the age of 40 for those serving in combat units and until the age of 45 for non combatants. This time-period may be extended by the Military Chief of General Staff and the approval of the Minister of Defense or by a directive of the Minister of Defense in the event of a declared national emergency. Our operations could be disrupted by the absence for a significant period of one or more of our executive officers or key employees due to military service. To date, our operations have not been materially disrupted as a result of these military service obligations, and no executive officer or key employee was recruited for any significant time period including during the 2nd Lebanon war of July 2006. Any disruption in our operations due to such obligations would adversely affect our ability to produce and market our existing products and to develop and market future products.

Because most of our revenues are generated in U.S. dollars, but a significant portion of our expenses is incurred in New Israeli Shekels, our profit margin may be seriously harmed by inflation and currency fluctuations.

        We generate most of our revenues in U.S. dollars, but incur a significant portion of our expenses in New Israeli Shekels, commonly referred to as NIS. As a result, we are exposed to risk to the extent that the rate of inflation in Israel exceeds the rate of devaluation of the NIS in relation to the dollar or if the timing of this devaluation lags behind inflation in Israel with respect to such expenses that might increase as a result of inflation in Israel. In that event, the dollar cost of our operations in Israel will increase and our dollar measured results of operations will be adversely affected. Our operations also could be adversely affected if we are unable to hedge against currency fluctuations in the future. Accordingly, we may enter into currency hedging transactions to decrease the risk of financial exposure from fluctuations in the exchange rate of the dollar against the NIS. These measures, however, may not adequately protect us from material adverse effects due to the impact of inflation in Israel.

We participate in government programs under which we receive tax and other benefits. These programs impose restrictions on our ability to use the technologies developed under these programs. In addition, the reduction or termination of these programs would increase our costs.

        We receive conditional grants from the Office of the Chief Scientist of the Israeli Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor for research and development programs that meet specified criteria. We are also eligible to receive tax benefits under Israeli law for capital investments that are designated as “approved enterprises.” To maintain our eligibility for these programs and tax benefits, we must continue to meet certain conditions, including paying royalties related to grants received and making specified investments in fixed assets. Some of these programs also restrict our ability to manufacture particular products and transfer particular technology, which was developed as part of the “approved enterprises” outside of Israel, by requiring approval of the research and development committee nominated by the Office of the Chief Scientist of the Israeli Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor under applicable law. Such approval may be given only if the recipient abides by all the provisions of the law and related regulations. Approval to manufacture products outside of Israel or consent to the transfer of technology, if requested, might not be granted.

        If we fail to comply with these conditions in the future, the benefits received could be cancelled. We could also be required to pay increased taxes or refund any benefits previously received, adjusted for inflation and interest. In each of 2004, 2005 and 2006, we recorded an aggregate of $1.9 million, in conditional grants under Israeli government programs. As of December 31, 2006, our contingent liability to the Office of the Chief Scientist for grants received was approximately $6.2 million. See also Note 9A to our consolidated financial statements contained elsewhere in this report. From time to time, we submit requests for new grants from the Office of the Chief Scientist and for expansion of our approved enterprise programs. These requests might not be approved. Also, the Israeli government may reduce or eliminate these benefits in the future. The termination or reduction of these grants or tax benefits could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if we increase our activities outside Israel due to, for example, future acquisitions, our increased activities generally will not be eligible for inclusion in Israeli tax benefit programs. Accordingly, our effective corporate tax rate could increase significantly in the future.

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Any shareholder with a cause of action against us as a result of buying, selling or holding our ordinary shares may have difficulty asserting a claim under U.S. securities laws or enforcing a U.S. judgment against us or our officers, directors or Israeli auditors.

        We are organized under the laws of the State of Israel, and we maintain most of our operations in Israel. Most of our officers and directors as well as our Israeli auditors reside outside of the United States and a substantial portion of our assets and the assets of these persons are located outside the United States. Therefore, if you wish to enforce a judgment obtained in the United States against us, or our officers, directors and auditors, you will probably have to file a claim in an Israeli court. Additionally, you might not be able to bring civil actions under U.S. securities laws if you file a lawsuit in Israel. We have been advised by our Israeli counsel that Israeli courts generally enforce a final executory judgment of a U.S. court for liquidated amounts in civil matters after a hearing in Israel. If a foreign judgment is enforced by an Israeli court, it will be payable in Israeli currency. However, payment in the local currency of the country where the foreign judgment was given shall be acceptable, subject to applicable foreign currency restrictions.

Our shares are listed for trade on more than one stock exchange, and this may result in price variations.

        Our ordinary shares are listed for trading on the Nasdaq Global Market and on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. This may result in price variations. Our ordinary shares are traded on these markets in different currencies, U.S. dollars on the Nasdaq Global Market and New Israeli Shekels on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. These markets have different opening times and close on different days. Different trading times and differences in exchange rates, among other factors, may result in our shares being traded at a price differential on these two markets. In addition, market influences in one market may influence the price at which our shares are traded on the other.

We may be classified as a passive foreign investment Company and, as a result, our U.S. shareholders may suffer adverse tax consequences

        Generally, if for any taxable year 75% or more of our gross income is passive income, or at least 50% of our assets are held for the production of, or produce, passive income, we may be characterized as a passive foreign investment company for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Our passive income would not include income derived from the sale of our products, but would include amounts derived by reason of a temporary investment of any cash amounts. This characterization could result in adverse U.S. tax consequences to our shareholders, including having gain realized on the sale of our shares be treated as ordinary income, as opposed to capital gain income, and having potentially punitive interest charges applied to such sales proceeds. U.S. shareholders should consult with their own U.S. tax advisors with respect to the U.S. tax consequences of investing in our ordinary shares.

        We believe that in 2006 we were not a passive foreign investment company. Nonetheless, because of the difficulty determining the value of our assets, there is a risk that we were a passive foreign investment company in 2006. Currently we expect that we will not be a passive foreign investment company in 2007. However, passive foreign investment company status is determined as of the end of the full tax year and is dependent on a number of factors, including the value of a corporation’s assets and the amount and type of its gross income. Therefore, there can be no assurances that we will not become a passive foreign investment company for the current fiscal year ending on December 31, 2007 or any future year. For a discussion on how we might be characterized as a passive foreign investment company and related tax consequences, please see the section of this annual report entitled “U.S. Taxation – Passive Foreign Investment Companies.”

Item 4. Information on the Company

History and Development of the Company

        Nova Measuring Instruments Ltd. was incorporated in May 1993 under the laws of the State of Israel. We commenced operations in October 1993 to design, develop and produce integrated process control systems for use in the manufacture of semiconductors, also known as integrated circuits or chips. In October 1995, we began manufacturing and marketing systems for chemical mechanical polishing processes. We have since expanded our product offering to include systems designed for lithography and etch, and are continuing to develop new products and additional applications for our current products. These new offerings have contributed approximately $4 million to our sales in 2006.

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        In April 2000, we conducted an initial public offering pursuant to which we sold 3,000,000 ordinary shares for consideration of net proceeds of $49 million. In connection with the public offering, our shares were listed for trading on the Nasdaq Global Market (formally known as Nasdaq National Market).

        In June 2002, we listed our shares in the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange in Israel, pursuant to legislation which enables Israeli companies whose shares are traded on certain stock exchanges outside of Israel to be registered on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, while reporting, in substance, in accordance with the provision of the relevant foreign securities law applicable to the company.

        In August 2006, we completed the purchase of substantially all the assets of HyperNex, Inc., or HyperNex, a Delaware corporation located at State College, Pennsylvania and assumed certain liabilities, including liabilities accruing after the closing relating to contracts assumed by us.

        We have four wholly owned subsidiaries in the U.S., Japan, Taiwan and Netherlands. These subsidiaries are engaged in marketing activities and provide technical support to our customers.

        Our main office, research and development and production facilities are located in Israel at the Weizmann Science Park, Building 22, 2nd Floor, Ness-Ziona. Our telephone number at our main office is +1-972-8-938-7505.

Overview

        We are a worldwide leading designer, developer and producer of integrated process control metrology systems and design, manufacture and sell leading edge stand-alone metrology used in the manufacturing process of semiconductors. Metrology systems measure various thin film properties and critical circuit dimensions during various steps in the semiconductor manufacturing process, allowing semiconductor manufacturers to increase quality, productivity and yields, lower their manufacturing costs and increase their profitability. We supply our metrology systems to major semiconductor manufacturers worldwide, either directly or through process equipment manufacturers. Of the 25 semiconductor manufacturers that had the highest capital equipment expenditures in 2006, 21 use our systems. The majority of our integrated metrology systems are sold to process equipment manufacturers. These process equipment manufacturers integrate our metrology systems into their process equipment which is then sold to the semiconductor manufacturers. Our systems were first installed in 1995 and, since that time, we have sold more than 1,500 metrology systems.

        The semiconductor manufacturing process starts with a silicon wafer that has been highly polished on one side to a mirror finish, upon which circuits are constructed. To construct the circuits, a series of layers of thin films that act as conductors, semiconductors or insulators are applied to the polished side of the wafer. During the manufacturing process, these film layers are subjected to processes which remove portions of the film layers, create circuit patterns and perform other functions. The semiconductor manufacturing process requires exacting steps and strict control of equipment performance and process sequences. Tight control can be achieved through monitoring silicon wafers and measuring relevant parameters after each process step with metrology tools such as those we produce.

        Prior to the introduction of our integrated metrology systems, process control was achieved through stand-alone measurement equipment. Stand-alone measurement equipment requires semiconductor manufacturers to interrupt the manufacturing process sequence, remove sample silicon wafers from the process equipment and place the silicon wafers on the stand-alone measuring or inspection tool. In contrast, our integrated metrology approach is based upon patented measuring methods that enable us to produce optical measuring systems that are small enough to be integrated directly inside many types of semiconductor process equipment. We believe that in several instances during the manufacturing process, our integrated approach offers considerable advantages over the conventional stand-alone approach to metrology control, enabling manufacturers using our integrated equipment to reduce costs and to improve production efficiency, yield and quality.

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        We have always emphasized our integrated metrology solutions as this continues to be an area where we have a leading position. In addition, in the past few years we developed and started manufacturing stand-alone metrology systems as well. We plan to leverage our technology, methods, metrology expertise and market position in the integrated metrology field to expand our offerings of stand-alone metrology systems. Today, both stand alone and integrated metrology solutions have reached a level of maturity allowing semiconductor manufactures to choose how to use either technology and make decisions based on merit specific to the process step in question, always balancing between the amount of data attained and the use made of the data for capabilities such as automated process control. Our long-term strategy is focused on advanced metrology and process control solutions where our integrated process control products and stand alone products are compatible or complementary and used in a customized way to meet specific customer needs.

        Demand for metrology systems, whether integrated or stand-alone, is driven by capital equipment purchases by semiconductor manufacturers, which in turn are driven by worldwide demand for semiconductors. Industry data indicates that the worldwide demand for semiconductors is growing. We believe that this growth in demand will drive demand for process control equipment, including metrology systems, as semiconductor manufacturers add capacity. Demand for metrology systems will also be driven by the increasing cost to manufacture semiconductors and the demands of semiconductor manufacturers for process equipment that provides better film uniformity, increased dimensional control, tool-to-tool matching and within-tool uniformity.

Our Market

        Growth of the Semiconductor Industry and the Metrology Market

        The use of semiconductor devices continues to increase. Semiconductors are no longer used solely in personal computers and computer systems, but also in wireless communications, Internet infrastructure, Internet access devices, automobiles, portable electronic devices and other advanced consumer electronics. As a result of the increasing demand for semiconductors, the semiconductor industry has experienced significant growth over the past eight to 10 years, despite a severe downturn between 2000 and 2003. According to the Semiconductor Industry Association, worldwide sales of semiconductors decreased from $223 billion in 2000 to $178 billion in 2003, but then increased to $220 billion in 2004, $235 billion in 2005 and $259 in 2006. Over the past decade, the increased use of semiconductors has driven demand for additional semiconductor manufacturing capacity. In turn, the addition of semiconductor manufacturing capacity, whether through new construction or refurbishment of existing manufacturing facilities, has been a driver of demand for metrology systems such as those we produce. Furthermore, the diversification semiconductor types has led to a situation that each discrete device offers macro size market opportunities and thus an increase or decline in any one market does not necessarily drag with it the entire semiconductor manufacturing field.

        The increased use of semiconductors has been accompanied by an increase in their complexity. Due to the creation of new applications and markets for semiconductors, suppliers and manufacturers are faced with an increasing demand for new products that provide greater functionality and higher performance at lower prices. As a result, many new complex materials, structures and processes are being introduced to semiconductor manufacturing. New materials include copper, low- and high-k dielectrics, silicon-on-insulator, silicon-germanium, strained silicon and raised source/drain. Manufacturers are also increasingly moving toward 300 mm silicon wafers from 200 mm silicon wafers. While 300 mm wafers can yield up to twice as many integrated circuits as 200 mm wafers, larger wafers increase manufacturing challenges. For example, because 300 mm wafers can bend or bow more than twice as much as 200 mm wafers, they are more susceptible to damage. The larger area of 300 mm wafers also makes it more difficult to maintain film uniformity across the entire wafer. Semiconductors also continue to move toward smaller feature sizes and more complex multi-level circuitry. The increase in complexity of semiconductors and the resulting increase in the complexity and cost of the semiconductor manufacturing process has also been a driver of demand for metrology systems.

        The ever-increasing level of complexity and the decrease in feature sizes has also significantly increased the cost and performance requirements of semiconductor fabrication equipment. The cost of wafer fabrication equipment has also increased due to the higher levels of automation being utilized by manufacturers. Thus, semiconductor manufacturers must increase their investment in capital equipment in order to sustain technological leadership, to expand manufacturing capacity and maintain profitability. According to published reports by an industry market research firm, the cost of building a state-of-the-art semiconductor manufacturing facility has grown from approximately $200 million in 1983 to over $3 billion in 2006 for facilities capable of manufacturing 300 mm wafers. We believe that the process control equipment market, which includes the metrology segment, will grow in the future at a rate greater than the overall process equipment market since process control equipment is in the future expected to consume a larger portion of the overall costs of semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

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        While we expect that the demand for semiconductors will increase and the market for semiconductor process control equipment will expand, we cannot assure you that either will occur, that we will benefit from any increase in demand or expansion of the process control market, or that our products will be accepted in the market place. Our industry is intensively competitive and if we fail to compete effectively our revenues and market share will decline. In addition, the semiconductor industry, and the semiconductor capital equipment market in particular, are highly cyclical. Therefore, while we anticipate demand for semiconductors will increase and the market for semiconductors capital equipment will expand, it is likely that there will be periodic downturns which may be severe and protracted.

        The Semiconductor Manufacturing Process

        Semiconductors typically consist of transistors or other components connected by an intricate system of circuitry on flat silicon discs known as wafers. Integrated circuit manufacturing involves well over a dozen individual steps, some of which are repeated several times, through which numerous copies of an integrated circuit are formed on a single silicon wafer. Typically, up to 30 very thin patterned layers are created on each wafer during the manufacturing process. At the end of the manufacturing process, the wafer is cut into individual chips or dies. Because semiconductor specifications are extremely exacting, and integrated circuits are becoming more complex, requiring ever more sophisticated manufacturing processes, the process steps are constantly monitored, and critical parameters are measured at each step using metrology equipment.

        Many of the manufacturing steps involve the controlled application or removal of layers of materials to or from the wafer. The application of materials to the wafer, known as deposition, involves the layering of extremely thin films of electrically insulating, conducting or semi-conducting materials. These layers can range from one-thousandth to less than one-hundred-thousandth of a millimeter in thickness and create electrically active regions on the wafer and its surface. A wide range of materials and deposition processes are used to build up thin film layers on wafers to achieve specific performance characteristics. One of the principal methods of thin film layer deposition is chemical vapor deposition (CVD). In CVD, a chemical is introduced into the chamber where the wafer is being processed and is deposited using heat and a chemical reaction to form a layer of solid material on the surface of the silicon wafer. Metrology systems monitor the thickness and uniformity of thin film layers during the deposition process.

        Once the thin film has been deposited on the wafer to form a solid material, circuit patterns are created using a process known as photolithography. During this process, a light-sensitive coating called photoresist is applied to the wafer, which is then exposed to intense light through a patterned, opaque piece of glass. For the photolithography process to work properly, the thickness of the photoresist must be precise and uniform. In addition, to control the photolithography process, the film thickness, reflectivity, overlay registration and critical dimensions are all measured and verified. The exposed photoresist is developed when it is subjected to a chemical solution. The developed wafer is then exposed to another chemical solution, or plasma, that etches away any areas not covered by the photoresist to create the structure of the integrated circuit. Semiconductor manufacturers use metrology systems to verify the removal of material through the etch process and the critical dimensions of the structures created.

        To meet the processing challenges posed by ever smaller feature sizes and because of the use of new materials such as copper in the manufacture of integrated circuits, manufacturers are increasingly using a process technology known as chemical mechanical polishing. Chemical mechanical polishing, or CMP, removes uneven film material deposited on the surface of the wafer from processes such as CVD and photolithography by carefully “sanding” the wafer with abrasives and chemicals, creating an extremely flat and even surface for the patterning of subsequent film layers. Metrology systems are used to control and verify the results of the CMP process by measuring the thin film layer to determine when the correct thickness has been achieved.

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        The processes described above are repeated in sequence until the last layer of structures on the wafer has been completed. Each integrated circuit on the wafer is then inspected and its functionality tested before shipment. Measurements taken by metrology systems during the manufacturing process help insure process uniformity and help semiconductor manufacturers avoid costly rework and mis-processing, thereby increasing efficiency and profitability.

        The Need for Greater Overall Equipment Efficiency

        We believe that one of the major challenges to achieving improvements in semiconductor manufacturing cost productivity is continuously improving equipment productivity. Overall equipment efficiency, that is, the percentage of time that processing equipment is utilized to produce wafers, is used as a metric to quantify the productivity of a processing tool. The major factors affecting productivity are equipment downtime, qualification time, mis-processing and operator skills. We believe that in order to improve cost productivity, earn an acceptable return on their investment in capital equipment and to meet the demand for improved semiconductor device performance, semiconductor manufacturers must find ways to improve overall equipment efficiency.

        Process Control. The steps used to create semiconductors are exacting processes that require strict control of equipment performance and process sequences for the resulting semiconductors to function properly. Tight control is achieved through monitoring of the in-process wafers and by measuring relevant parameters after each process step. These procedures are usually carried out on a small sample of the wafers. The monitoring may include measurement of several parameters, such as the thickness of the layers of thin film deposited, the sizes of the features that are patterned through the photolithography process, as well as the registration or alignment between two consecutive layers, known as overlay. Monitoring also includes inspection of the wafer for irregularities, defects or scratches. If parameters are out of specification or if defects or contamination are present, the manufacturer adjusts the process and measures another sample of wafers thereby allowing manufacturers to reduce costs and improve device performance.

        The Need for Effective Process Control Tools. A number of technical and operational trends within the semiconductor manufacturing industry are strengthening the need for more effective process control solutions. These trends include:

  — Development of smaller semiconductor features. The development of smaller features, now as small as 90 nm and 65nm in production, enables semiconductor manufacturers to produce larger numbers of circuits per wafer and to achieve higher circuit performance. As feature geometries decrease, manufacturing yields become increasingly sensitive to processing deviations and defects, as more integrated circuits are lost with every discarded wafer. In addition, the increased complexity and number of layers of the integrated circuits increase the chance of error during the manufacture of the wafer.

  — Shortening of technology life cycles. The technology life cycle of integrated circuits continues to shorten as semiconductor manufacturers strive to adopt new processes that allow a faster transition to smaller, faster and more complex devices. In the past, the technology life cycle was approximately three years; it is now only two years. The accelerating rate of obsolescence of technology makes early achievement of enhanced productivity and high manufacturing yields an even more critical component of a semiconductor manufacturer’s profitability.

  — Transition to copper and other new materials. Copper metal layers and other new materials such as low and high k-dielectrics and silicon on insulator are increasingly replacing aluminum for advanced integrated circuits in order to increase performance and reduce the cost of integrated circuits. Copper and low-K materials make it possible to build higher speed devices using fewer layers. The use of copper and other new materials, requires new processing and metrology equipment and thus represents challenging developments for the semiconductor manufacturing industry.

  — Change to 300-millimeter wafers. The transition in wafer size from 200-millimeter diameter to 300-millimeter diameter that began in 1999more than doubles the number of integrated circuits per wafer. Maintaining process uniformity across these larger wafers is more difficult. Processing larger wafers also increases the cost of mistakes caused by both the larger number of integrated circuits per wafer and the greater complexity (and, therefore, cost) of processing larger wafers. Thus, with 300 mm wafers, the need for effective metrology to quickly detect and correct errors in the manufacturing process has increased. In addition, new metrology equipment is needed to accommodate the larger wafer size. It is estimated that in 2006, 80% of equipment sales have moved towards 300mm processing.

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  — Increase in foundry manufacturing. Asa result of the rising investment needed for semiconductor production and the proliferation of different types of semiconductors, semiconductor manufacturing is increasingly being outsourced to large semiconductor contract manufacturers, or foundries. A foundry typically runs several different processes and makes hundreds to thousands of different semiconductor product types in one facility, making the maintenance of a constant high production yield and overall equipment efficiency more difficult to achieve. This trend of shifting to foundries for manufacturing needs has progressed even further in 2006 with technology leaders such as Texas Instruments announcing that they will also be outsourcing process development to Taiwan Semiconductor Instruments, Limited.

  — Increase in Automation. In an effort to achieve greater operating efficiencies, semiconductor manufacturers are increasingly relying upon automation. Automation represents the fastest growing segment of the semiconductor manufacturing industry.

        In order to address the increasing costs associated with these trends, we believe semiconductor manufacturers must enhance manufacturing productivity. One way to enhance productivity is through improvements in process control, with a greater emphasis on metrology as part of process control. As part of this emphasis on metrology, manufacturers are taking more measurements to characterize each step of the semiconductor manufacturing process, new and enhanced measurement techniques are being used to provide meaningful data and the data provided is being used in new ways to enhance the manufacturing process. We believe that the demand for advanced process control systems that address the evolving needs of semiconductor manufacturers will continue to drive the growth in the market for process control systems, and integrated process control systems in particular.

        We believe that in certain process steps, integrated metrology systems provide semiconductor manufacturers with the greatest opportunity to increase the productivity and yields of their equipment, thereby increasing their profitability. Therefore, we plan to continue to maintain a major focus on the integrated metrology market. However, recognizing that a significant number of semiconductor manufacturers will continue to rely upon stand-alone equipment, we intend to leverage our market leading position in the integrated metrology market and our metrology expertise to deepen our penetration of the stand-alone metrology market. Furthermore, the technological and operational trends within the semiconductor manufacturing industry that are strengthening the need for more effective process control solutions can sometimes be addressed through the use of stand-alone metrology equipment.

The Nova Approach

        Integrated Metrology

        Our integrated metrology systems provide semiconductor manufacturers with effective and efficient process control by measuring wafers and their properties without removing the wafer from the process equipment. All our products use our patented measuring methods that enable us to produce optical measuring systems that are small enough to be incorporated directly inside many types of equipment used in semiconductor processing. Integrated systems measure the wafer within the actual process environment, reducing labor and wafer handling as well as the risk of contamination of or damage to the wafer. In addition, we believe that our systems deliver significant increases in overall equipment efficiency through advanced process control, along with improving wafer-to-wafer uniformity, all with minimal operator intervention.

        We provide our customers with flexible integrated process control solutions by offering systems that meet thin film measurement needs in critical applications in the fabrication process. Our integrated process control platform can be deployed to multiple processes and applications of semiconductor manufacturing.

        Our systems can be installed directly in new equipment or used to upgrade existing equipment with minimal integration costs, extending the useful life of existing process equipment and saving significant capital costs. To our knowledge, only our metrology systems can be used to retrofit older 200 mm semiconductor manufacturing equipment, giving us a unique opportunity as manufacturers seek to increase production quickly to meet the increasing demand for semiconductors. Our pioneering approach, centered around our NovaReady integration package, later adopted by the process equipment manufacturers, allows process equipment manufacturers to prepare their equipment to accept our measurement and inspection systems, which can then be integrated with a simple plug-and-play installation.

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        We believe our integrated process control systems and solutions provide several important advantages to semiconductor manufacturers, enabling manufacturers to:

  — utilize the process equipment wafer handling system to allow measurement of the sample wafers while processing other wafers and avoid the need for the costly additional wafer handling required by stand-alone metrology systems;

  — perform the measurements without removing the wafer from the process equipment, increasing the efficiency of the process and decreasing the risk of contamination;

  — reduce capital costs of the fabrication facility by increasing overall equipment efficiency and reducing labor costs and necessary clean room area;

  — reduce the amount of time required to qualify process equipment that is usually idle during qualification steps, thus, minimizing costly equipment down-time;

  — reduce the number of test wafers; and

  — detect processing errors as early as possible.

        We believe that as semiconductor manufacturers demand greater efficiency from their manufacturing equipment, process equipment manufacturers will increasingly seek to offer their customers integrated metrology in their tools to lower costs and increase overall efficiency. We believe the drive toward more efficient manufacturing operations in the face of increasing complexity will continue the trend of adopting integrated metrology solutions such as those we offer to multiple processes.

        Stand-alone Metrology

        As stated above, we pioneered the area of integrated metrology and to-date revenues from that product continue to represent the larger portion of our overall revenues. With the adoption of our technology and the formation of long standing relationships with leading manufacturers, we have come to realize that our technology can be extended beyond integrated metrology into areas such as stand alone metrology. Accordingly, in the past several years we developed a stand alone metrology tool to perform measurements similar to those performed by our integrated metrology tools. The expression “stand alone metrology” generically describes free standing metrology equipment which sits inline, i.e., next to the processing equipment and receives cassettes or FOUPS of wafers to allow sampling of a few or several wafers from each cassette it receives. There are several types of stand alone metrology tools each of which performs a distinct type of measurement, e.g., defect inspection, electrical performance, microscopic analysis, cross sections, etc. Our specific focus is in the area of optical CD measurement which is generally utilized in order to characterize critical dimensions on a wafer, their width, shape and profile. This technology is today utilized in several areas of the fab such as photolithography, etch, CMP, selective deposition of thin films, etc. The key advantage offered by this technique is that it is non destructive and extremely fast with very high accuracy and repeatability.

        We introduced this concept in 2006 and while it was well accepted we cannot assure you that these products will be purchased by customers in amounts sufficient to generate significant revenues or any profits.

Our Technology

        We believe that our technological and engineering expertise and research and development capabilities allow us to develop and offer new products and technologies to meet the ever-changing demands of the semiconductor industry. We have applied our technological and engineering expertise to develop a wide range of integrated and stand-alone products for the CMP, copper CMP, etch lithography processes as well as Cu electroplating and sputtering of Cu barrier and seed materials. Because of our open architecture policy, our integrated metrology solutions can work with most models of CMP and etch tools made by the major process equipment manufacturers, for both 200 mm and 300 mm applications. In addition, to our knowledge, only our integrated metrology systems can be used to retrofit existing 200 mm process equipment, giving us a significant advantage over our competitors.

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        Our suite of technological capabilities includes:

  — Ellipsometry. Ellipsometry is a non-contact, non-destructive optical measuring technique used to measure very accurately the thickness and other properties of transparent thin films. When a surface is exposed to a polarized light laser, Ellipsometers measure the change in the reflected light’s polarization. By using multiple light angles and/or multiple wavelengths, Ellipsometry can provide accurate and reliable measurement of a wide range of film thicknesses, film materials and film stacks.

  — Broadband Spectrophotometry. Our broadband Spectrophotometry capabilities range from deep ultraviolet to near infrared. This technology enables fast, accurate and small spot size film thickness measurement in large range of applications on a very cost effective basis, both as an integrated system and as a stand-alone system.

  — Scatterometry. Our Scatterometry systems are based on our broadband Spectrophotometry. These systems use fully polarized deep ultraviolet to near-infrared spectral light source. This technology enables fast and cost effective system development. Scatterometry provides two and three dimensional characterization of very fine geometries on patterned product wafers. These profiling and critical dimension capabilities are key enablers of advanced process control, allowing almost real time metrology of the most advanced design rule, down to 65 nm and below.

  — Imaging and image processing. This technology has three different applications: 1) navigating on product wafers to perform measurements on very small selected sites; 2) detecting defects on product wafers after critical process steps, such as lithography and etch; and 3) measurement of the accuracy of registration between two layers (overlay measurement), mostly used in lithography.

  — Wide Angle X-Ray Diffraction. This technology enables measurement of microstructure of polycrystalline materials. The system is based on collecting a diffracted x-ray signal on a large area detector. The parameters that can be measured using this technique are: phase, phase volume fraction, texture, texture volume fraction, relative grain-size and layer thickness. This technology was originally developed by HyperNex – a company that in August of 2006 we purchased substantially all its assets and assumed its’certain liabilities.

        The measurement channels that we use in our metrology products are unique and protected by patented intellectual property. Our measurement channels include: polarized normal incidence spectral reflectometer/ellipsometer; multi-angle oblique incidence spectral ellipsometer; and multi-focal image overlay microscope. In addition, we are developing additional measurement channels including: multi-angle, multi-wavelength, null ellipsometer; eddy current micro-probe and phase imaging profilometer. In addition to these proprietary measurement channels, we are also seeking to acquire new measurement channels from third parties.

        Throughout our history, we have been a technological leader in the integrated metrology field. We were the first to offer integrated metrology solutions for semiconductor manufacturers and are the only provider of integrated metrology solutions that can measure wafers in water, which allows for more efficient and accurate metrology. Furthermore, because our systems are small enough to fit inside wafer fabrication equipment, to our knowledge, only our metrology solutions can be used to retrofit older 200 mm systems. Our systems have also been recognized by the industry and in 2004, we received the prestigious Editors’ Choice Best Product Award from Semiconductor International magazine for our NovaScan 2020Cu, 3030Cu Copper CMP process monitoring.

Products

        Our products include metrology systems for thin film measurement in chemical mechanical polishing and chemical vapor deposition applications; optical topography systems for use in post-copper chemical mechanical polishing applications; optical critical dimension systems for lithography and etch applications as well as X-Ray based microstructure monitoring for advanced physical vapor deposition and electroplating applications. Our integrated thickness monitoring system for chemical mechanical polishing process control enables wafer-to-wafer closed loop control. We offer several models of this integrated thickness monitoring systems, depending on polisher type and end-user requirements. These metrology systems address a broad range of metrology requirements of our end-user and process equipment manufacturer customers. Both our integrated and stand-alone systems incorporate patented optical scanning, dynamic auto-focus, unique pattern recognition for arbitrarily oriented wafers and proprietary algorithms for in-water measuring of two layers simultaneously. We offer several different product models that are tailored to conventional chemical mechanical polishing equipment as well as to newer, high throughput polishers. Following is a summary of our products.

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Thin Film Process Control

  — The NovaScan 840 combines high-speed measurement and effective handling, enabling measurement of wafers both before and after polishing. While we no longer market this system, this system and prior generations were our main revenue source in 2001 and prior years.

  — The NovaScan 2020 and 2040 are the second generation of integrated thickness monitoring systems with enhanced spectral range, responding to the needs of the industry for emerging chemical mechanical polishing high-end applications of thin films and complex layer stacks. The 2020 model was introduced to the market at the end of 2000, and since then has replaced the NovaScan 840 and accounted for the majority of our sales for 200 mm production lines.

  — The NovaScan 3030 and 3060 are the second generation of the 300mm measuring system, with improved optics and motion system enabling high speed measurement, and with broad spectral rage (ultraviolet to infrared) allowing accurate measurements on complex structures and thin film layers. The 3030 model was introduced to the market in 2001 and since then has replaced the NovaScan 3000 and accounts for the major portion of our sales for 300 mm production lines. The NovaScan 3060 was introduced in 2002.

  — The NovaScan 2020Cu has the same basic platform as the NovaScan 2040, with additional hardware and software improvements, enabling the system to answer the unique requirements of copper chemical mechanical polishing monitoring. The system went through several beta tests during 2001 and 2002 and was released for sale in the beginning of 2003.

  — The NovaScan 3030Cu has the same basic platform as the NovaScan 3030, with additional hardware and software improvements, enabling the system to answer the unique requirements of 300 mm copper CMP monitoring. The system went through field-testing during 2002 and was released for sale in the beginning of 2003.

  — The NovaScan 840CVD system is a 200 mm integrated metrology vacuum chemical vapor deposition measurement system, measuring different layers in the chemical vapor deposition process. Data can be fed forward to the chemical mechanical polishing process tool. Integration solutions were developed for different process equipment. The system was introduced to the market in the end of 2000 and several units have been sold. However, we do not expect to sell a significant number of these systems in the future.

  — The NovaScan 3090 CMP system is a scatterometry-based system for the chemical mechanical polishing metrology needs measuring thin films thicknesses in one, two or three dimensions. The system went through field-testing and was released for sale in 2005.

  — The NovaScan 3090 CD system is a scatterometry-based system for measuring the critical dimensions (CD) and profiling lines and trenches on 200 mm and 300 mm wafers. The system went through field-testing during 2003 and was released for sale in 2004. The systems are sold as integrated metrology systems and as stand-alone systems with third-party automation modules.

  — The NovaScan 3090 SA is similar in performance to the NovaScan 3090 CD, providing full two and three dimension profiling capabilities in a stand-alone configuration. The systems are utilized in lithography, etch, thin film deposition and chemical mechanical polishing process. The system was released for sale in 2005.

  — The NovaScan 3090Next system is the next generation metrology targeted at 45nm and 32nm technology nodes. The NovaScan 3090Next provides up to 50% throughput improvement, better accuracy and tool to tool matching and higher polarized spectral range enabling measurement of smaller features. The NovaScan 3090Next is available as integrated metrology and as standalone metrology systems.

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  — CrystalX II is the newest addition to Nova’s product line and is the result of the Hypernex acquisition. Employing Wide Angle X-Ray Diffraction (WA-XRD) CrystalX II answers one of the most critical requirements of IC manufacturing for measurements that provide insight into electrical performance of semiconductor devices. The system quickly identifies changes and irregularities in film microstructure that degrade device performance, reliability and yield - variations that are undetected by other metrology techniques.

  — NovaMars is an advanced scatterometry modeling and application development software tool enabling complex 2D, 3D and in-die measurements. Process engineers can harness the power and flexibility of the tool to develop their own scatterometry applications by themselves thus keeping the details of their process within the fab. Its user interface and high level of automation provide for easier and faster application development and eliminate discrepancies between different developers, enabling the best solution, independent of user proficiency. The NovaMars is offered as an option together with the 3090 &3090Next product family.

  — A closed loop control option for the NovaScan systems delivers reliable, highly automated wafer-to-wafer uniformity over chemical mechanical polishing manufacturing processes. The thickness data of every processed wafer is obtained and process parameters are fed back to adjust the next wafer polish.

  — NovaNet is a highly sophisticated computer network, connecting all NovaScan systems on a factory floor. The network is managed by a dedicated server, running with proprietary software developed by Nova, and insuring safe recipe distribution and recipe integrity across the factory. The NovaNet also includes a report generator (NSA) that allows the creation of reports from all the systems connected and allows programmable cross sections.

  — NovaHPC (High Power Computer) supports the NovaMars Application Development Tool and enables effective and timely results. Scalable and user configurable infrastructure with Nova’s proprietary task management software addresses the growing needs of IC manufacturing metrology. NovaHPC is just one of the few solutions available for cost effectiveness and computation power growth flexibility. The standalone modular rack:

  n HPC

  n TurboHPC

  n Grid computing connectivity enabled

  n Web-based management SW

  NovaHPC Value-Added Benefits: accelerates recipe set-up library building, Scalable infrastructure, invest as you grow and Low-cost entry level using grid computing with existing computation resources.

        While we continue to emphasize our integrated metrology solutions, we offer our products as stand-alone equipment as well, thereby significantly expanding our potential available markets. While we have succeeded in penetrations of standalone metrology in 2006, our revenues remain substantially dependent on sales of our CMP product line.

Research and Development

        We have assembled a core team of experienced scientists and engineers who are highly skilled in their particular field or discipline. Our research and development core competencies, technologies and disciplines are in thin film metrology and x-ray metrology, and include measurement instruments, optical modeling, image acquisition, pattern recognition, equipment integration and fab automation. Our research and development staff consists of about 80 highly skilled members, including independent contractors. Since June 2003, our research and development operations have been certified as ISO9001/2000 quality standard.

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        The process control market is characterized by continuous technological development and product innovations. We believe that the rapid and ongoing development of new products and enhancements to our existing product line is critical to our success. Accordingly, we devote a significant portion of our technical, management and financial resources to developing new applications and emerging technologies. In 2004, 2005 and 2006, our research and development expenses, net of participation by the Office of the Chief Scientist, were $8.7 million, $9.3 million and $9.2 million, respectively, representing, 24%, 31% and 19% of our respective total revenues for those years. We anticipate that our research and development expenses, net, will be approximately $9 million in 2007.

        Our research and development policy is based on a structured process of initiating new projects and on-going review of existing development projects. Our vision is to continue to be a market leader in the semiconductor process control market and our research and development policies and activities are designed to support this vision. Our launch of new development projects is based on market requirement specifications, generated through our marketing activities and research on customer needs, followed by a proposed detailed business plan, a detailed development plan with milestones, risk analysis, profit and loss model goals and required budget. Each development project is monitored through a structured process, including design reviews and project management reviews.

Intellectual Property

        Our success depends in part upon our ability to protect our intellectual property. We, therefore, have an extensive program devoted to seeking patent protection for our inventions and discoveries that we believe will provide us with competitive advantages. We have been granted 51 U.S. patents and 32 non-U.S. patents and hold an exclusive license to one U. S. patent. The U.S. patents we hold have expiration dates ranging from 2014 to 2023. We also have 25 U.S. patent applications pending and more than 50 applications pending in other countries.  Our patents and applications principally cover various aspects of optical measurement systems and methods, integrated process control implementation concepts, and optical, opto-mechanical and mechanical design. We have also registered four trademarks in the United States and five trademarks in countries other than the U.S. In August 8, 2006, HyperNex assigned all of its right, title, and interest in 8 U.S. patents, 2 non-U.S. patents, 6 patent applications filed in other countries and 4 trademarks registered in the U.S. As of April 30, 2007, the assignment of the 3 non-U.S. patents was not completed.

        To protect our proprietary rights, we also rely on a combination of copyrights, trademarks, trade secret laws, contractual provisions and licenses. Our copyrights include software copyrights. We also enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees and some of our consultants and customers, and seek to control access to and distribution of our proprietary information, such as our proprietary algorithms.

        While we attempt to protect our intellectual property through patents, copyrights and non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements, we may not be able to adequately protect our technology. Competitors may be able to develop similar technology independently or design around our patents and, despite our efforts, our trade secrets may be disclosed to others. Furthermore, the laws of countries other than the U.S. may not protect our intellectual property to the same extent as the laws in the U.S. We also cannot assure that: (i) our pending patent applications will be approved; (ii) any patents granted will be broad enough to protect our technology or provide us with competitive advantages or will not be successfully challenged or invalidated by third parties; or (iii) that the patents of others will not have an adverse effect on our ability to do business. We may also have to commence legal proceedings against third parties to protect our intellectual property, as we have done recently.

        In March 2005, we filed a civil action in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against Nanometrics seeking to enforce our U.S. Patent No. 6,752,689. This patent relates to an integrated optical measuring system. In the civil action, we seek an injunction against Nanometrics from infringing patent No. 6,752,689, monetary damages for infringement, attorneys’ fees and costs and expenses. Nanometrics has filed a counterclaim seeking judgment declaring the patent invalid, that Nanometrics does not infringe the patent and awarding Nanometrics costs and fees.

        In April 2006, Nanometrics filed a civil action in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against us and our wholly-owned subsidiary, Nova Inc. alleging infringement of its U.S. No. Re:34,783. This patent relates to measurements reflectance of materials. In the civil action, Nanometrics is seeking an injunction for monetary damages for willful infringement, attorneys fees, and costs and expenses. We filed our answer and counterclaim in May 2006, seeking a declaration that Nanometrics’ patent is invalid and unenforceable, and that neither us nor Nova Inc. infringe the patent. Nova filed a request for re-examination of the Nanometrics’ patent with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (PTO). This request for re-examination was accepted by the PTO for review in December 2006. Thereafter, Nova filed a motion with the court for a stay in the patent litigation case pending completion of the re-examination process of the patent in the lawsuit by the PTO. After reading and considering the arguments presented by the parties, the court granted Nova’s motion to stay.

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        In October 2006, Nanometrics filed a lawsuit with the United States District Court for the Northern District of California alleging Nova is infringing U.S. Patent Numbers 5,867,276, and 7,115,858 B1.

        In April 2007, we reached a settlement with Nanometrics regarding all three patent suits between the companies. We agreed to dismiss, without prejudice, all pending patent litigation between the two parties, and have further agreed not to file patent suits against the other and/or any supplier or customer of the other party for patent infringement based on offers to sell, actual sales, manufacturing, purchase or use of any equipment of the other party for a period of one year. The settlement, which received the court approval, terminated the three lawsuits pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

        From time to time, we receive communications from others asserting that our products infringe or may infringe their intellectual property rights. Typically, our in-house patent counsel investigates these matters and, where appropriate, retains outside counsel to provide assistance. Other than the litigation with Nanometrics described above we are not presently involved in any material legal proceeds in which a third party has asserted that we have violated their intellectual property rights. If, however, we become involved in any such litigation and its outcome is adverse to us, it may result in a loss of proprietary rights, subject us to significant liabilities, including treble damages in some instances, require us to seek licenses from third parties which may not be available on reasonable terms or at all, or prevent us from selling our products. Furthermore, any litigation relating to intellectual property, even if we are ultimately successful, could result in substantial costs and diversion of time and effort by our management. This in and of itself could have a negative impact on us.

        While, other than the litigation with Nanometrics described above, we are not currently involved in any material legal proceedings in which a third party has asserted that we have violated their intellectual property rights, we have become aware of a United States patent held by a competitor, which may be interpreted to cover some aspects of the products we sell in the United States. Nonetheless, we have not received any indications of intention to enforce this patent or any notice from the competitor with respect to this patent. In addition, the patent is being reexamined by the PTO, is unenforceable at this time, and may or may not survive the reexamination. If the PTO decides to allow the patent to stand in some reexamined form, it is possible that the competitor could seek to enforce the patent rights against certain of our products sold in the United States, seeking damages, an injunction, or requiring us to pay royalties for a license. While we believe that we would be successful in any litigation seeking to enforce those patent rights, the ultimate outcome of any litigation or other legal proceedings cannot be predicted.

        In September 2006, we invited companies to submit bids to license some of our patents. These patents have substantial value because the industry is on the threshold of widespread adoption of integrated metrology and the methods covered by the patents are critical for advanced manufacturing of semiconductors. We were pioneering the use of an auction model to set a market price for patent licenses by offering to the highest bidder licenses for six of our patents pertaining to the use of a lithography tool with integrated metrology in semiconductor processing lines. Participants in the auction also have the option to bid for full ownership of the patents, which represent only a small portion of Nova’s extensive patent portfolio. The auction covers two groups of patents:

  — Integrated Metrology group – which consists of four patents that generally relate to a lithography track with an integrated optical measurement capability that can be used for various types of metrology applications including overlay registration, critical dimensions, and macro defect inspection.

  — Advanced Process Control group – which consists of two patents related to methods for photolithographic processing involving making a spectrophotometric measurement and using it to influence the processing time, focus or exposure of a processing tool.

        Bids may be as follows:

  — A license for a particular model of semiconductor processing equipment, including customer rights to use.

  — A license for practice of the patents at a particular semiconductor fabrication facility or set of facilities.

  — Complete acquisition of the patents (or one of the two groups).

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        In January 2007, we extended the original January 15, 2007 deadline for receiving bids relating to the IP auction until February 15, 2007. We are currently negotiating and considering the bids submitted pursuant to this auction.

        For additional information regarding our intellectual property, see “Our Technology” starting on page 16.

Our Customers, Sales and Marketing

        Our two pronged, integrated sales and marketing strategy involves marketing our products directly to semiconductor manufacturers in addition to process equipment manufacturers in order to create demand for our products. We believe that the pricing structure of our NovaReady integration package enables process equipment manufacturers to increase their margins, and that the features and benefits of our systems can improve equipment yields, overall equipment efficiency and increase productivity, creating an incentive for process equipment manufacturers to promote our products to semiconductor manufacturers. At the same time, we believe that semiconductor manufacturers, eager to improve their own margins through increased factory throughput and yield improvements, will demand that the equipment they employ incorporate or use metrology systems such as those we manufacture. We believe that by marketing directly to end users as well as to process equipment manufacturers, we are able to ensure that both parties are aware of the wide range of benefits that our products can deliver, and that we are able to continuously enhance our products with functionality demanded by these two distinct types of customers.

        To further enhance our marketing efforts, we have established a system of integrated sales and support activities with key process equipment manufacturers. This allows us to provide comprehensive and long-term application support directly to semiconductor manufacturers. We expect to continue to add new process equipment manufacturers as partners as we introduce new integrated process control systems that can be integrated with different types of equipment.

        We also seek to establish and maintain close and mutually beneficial relationships with our customers by consistently providing them with a high level of service, support and new capabilities. We have established a global network of direct sales and marketing, customer service and applications support offices. We maintain sales, service or applications offices in Europe, Israel, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and the U.S., with a total staff of 113 people. These offices provide highly qualified application support specialists, training to process equipment manufacturer customers and end users, marketing, demonstrations and evaluations, spare parts hubs and sales and support engineers.

        We serve all sectors of the integrated circuit manufacturing industry including logic, ASIC, foundries and memory manufactures. Our end user and process equipment manufacturer customers are located in different countries, including Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, the U.S. and various European countries.

        The table below describes the distribution of our total revenues, from systems and services, according to the geographic location of the actual installation of our systems in end-user sites:

Year ended December 31,
2004
 2005
 2006
(in thousands)
 
U.S.     $ 15,943   $ 9,945   $ 16,525  
Europe    4,905    1,990    4,800  
Japan    6,132    6,666    3,214  
Asia-Pacific    9,826    11,541    23,753  
      Total   $ 36,806   $ 30,142   $ 48,292  

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        The semiconductor industry is dominated by a small number of large companies. As a result, while our overall customer base is diverse, our sales are highly concentrated among a relatively small number of customers. The following table indicates the percentage of our total revenues derived from sales to our five largest customers and the range of these revenues from these customers for the periods indicated.

Year ended December 31,
2003
 2004
 2005
 2006
 
Total revenues from five                    
     largest customers    87 %  82 %  83 %  79 %
   
Range of revenues from five  
     largest customers    3%-36 %  3%-45 %  2%-48 %  1%-46 %

        We anticipate that our revenues will continue to depend on a limited number of major customers, although the companies considered to be our major customers and the percentage of our revenue represented by each major customer may vary from year to year. As our customer base is highly concentrated, if any of our customers becomes insolvent or has difficulties meeting its financial obligations to us, we may suffer losses that may be material in amount. A loss of any of our major customers may likewise cause us to suffer a material decrease in sales and revenue.

        The highly competitive nature of the market for semiconductor capital equipment affects our ability to successfully implement our marketing and sale efforts. Competitive factors in the market for integrated process control systems include technological leadership, system performance, ease of use, reliability, cost of ownership, technical support and customer relationships. For integrated process control, an adequate business model, internal organization and unique process equipment manufacturer agreements and partnerships are also significant factors. We believe we compete favorably on the basis of these factors in the markets we serve.

        Our current integrated products primarily compete with products manufactured by Nanometrics Inc. We have gained market share with the successful launch of NovaScan 3090 but we expect our integrated products to face intense competition in 2007 and in the coming years. In the scatterometry field, used in CMP and etch processes, we face intense competition in both integrated and stand-alone metrology, from several companies.

Manufacturing

        In order to leverage the relatively high volume of integrated systems we manufacture and to decrease production costs, we continue to focus our internal manufacturing activities on processes that add significant value or require unique technology or specialized knowledge and outsource others. Our manufacturing operations received the ISO 9002 quality mark by an international certification institute in October 1999. Since then, we have upgraded our quality systems to conform to ISO 9001/2000 requirements.

        Our principal manufacturing activities include assembly, integration, final testing and calibration. Our production activities are conducted in our manufacturing and service facility in Israel. We rely and expect to continue to rely on subcontractors and turnkey suppliers to fabricate components, build assemblies and perform other non-core activities in a cost-effective manner. While we use standard components and subassemblies wherever possible, most mechanical parts, metal fabrications and critical components used in our products are engineered and manufactured to our specifications. A small portion of these components and subassemblies are obtained from a limited group of suppliers, and occasionally from a single source supplier.

        We have the capacity to produce up to 80 systems per quarter in our current facilities. Currently, we are operating at approximately 80% of that capacity.

        We have our manufacturing facility, which is located in Ness-Ziona, Israel divided into 2 buildings. Any event affecting this facility, including natural disaster, labor stoppages or armed conflict, may disrupt or indefinitely discontinue our manufacturing capabilities and could significantly impair our ability to fulfill orders and generate revenues.

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Our Subsidiaries

        Our subsidiaries and the countries of their incorporation are as follows:

Name of Subsidiary Country of Incorporation
 
Nova Measuring Instruments Inc. Delaware, U.S.
Nova Measuring Instruments K.K. Japan
Nova Measuring Instruments Taiwan Ltd. Taiwan
Nova Measuring Instruments Netherlands B.V. Netherlands

Capital Expenditures

        Our capital expenditures are primarily for network infrastructure, computer hardware and software, leasehold improvements of our facilities and system demonstration tools. None of these assets are held as collateral or guarantee other obligations. For additional information on our capital expenditures, see “Liquidity and Capital Resources” starting on page 33.

Properties and Equipment

        Our main facilities, located in Ness-Ziona, Israel, occupy approximately 5,500 square meters, including: approximately 1,300 square meters of production facilities, approximately 3,000 square meters of research and development offices (including approximately 300 square meters of laboratories) and approximately 1,200 square meters of headquarters, sales and marketing, service and support and administration facilities. Our current lease commitment relating to our facilities in Israel expires at the beginning of 2008.

        Our U.S. subsidiary leases approximately 400 square meters in Arizona, 300 square meters in Santa Clara for use as a pre-sale and support facility and also 450 square meters in State College, Pennsylvania for use as a research and development facility. Our Japanese and Taiwan subsidiaries lease approximately 200 and 300 square meters for use as a service and pre-sale facility, respectively. At the end of 2005 our Netherlands subsidiary closed its offices which occupied approximately 100 square meters.

        We believe that our facilities and equipment are in good operating condition and adequate for their present usage.

Political and Economic Conditions in Israel

        The Company is incorporated under the laws of Israel, and has its principal offices and manufacturing facilities in Israel. The Company is, therefore, directly influenced by the political, economic and military conditions affecting Israel. Any major hostilities involving Israel, the interruption or curtailment of trade between Israel and its trading partners or a significant downturn in the economic or financial condition of Israel could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

        Political Conditions. Since the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948, a number of armed conflicts have taken place between Israel and its Arab neighbors and a state of hostility, varying from time-to-time in intensity and degree, has led to security and economic problems for Israel. However, a peace agreement between Israel and Egypt was signed in 1979, a peace agreement between Israel and Jordan was signed in 1994 and, since 1993, several agreements between Israel and the Palestinian Authority representatives have been signed. As of the date hereof, Israel has not entered into any agreement with Syria or Lebanon. In 2006, for approximately one month, battles took place between the Israeli military and Lebanese guerilla units. Currently there is stagnation in the peace process in the Middle East and ongoing hostilities between Palestinian militant groups and Israel. The resumption of hostilities in the region, which have occurred after the failure of the Camp David peace talks, as well as the events of September 11, 2001, and the ongoing tension in the region, has a negative effect on the stability of the region. There can be no assurance as to whether or how the “peace process” will develop or what affect it or these ongoing hostilities may have upon the Company.

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        Beginning in 1948, nearly all Arab countries have formally adhered to a boycott of Israel and Israeli companies and, since the early 1950s, of non-Israeli companies doing business in Israel or with Israeli companies. Attempts to ensure that Arab countries are complying with this boycott have intensified due to recent hostilities between the State of Israel and the Palestinians. Despite measures to counteract the boycott, including anti-boycott legislation in the US, the boycott has had an indeterminate negative effect upon trade with and foreign investments in Israel. Although in the past such attempts did not materially affect us, there can be no assurance that restrictive laws, policies, or practices directed toward Israel or Israeli businesses will not have an adverse impact on the operation or expansion of the Company’s businesses.

        Due to the recent presence of the Israeli military in the territories previously transferred to the control of the Palestinian authority, there were certain initiatives within the institutions of the European Union to suspend the trade agreements entered into between the State of Israel and members of the European Union. These initiatives culminated in a resolution of the European Parliament recommending that the European Union members suspend those trade agreements. It is uncertain whether such agreements will in fact be suspended, but if such agreements are suspended, it may affect the Company ability to trade with European companies.

        Military Service. Many of the Company’s male employees in Israel are currently obligated to perform annual reserve duty in the Israel Defense Forces. In addition, virtually all such employees are subject to being called to active duty at any time under emergency circumstances. While the Company has operated effectively under these requirements since it began operations, no assessment can be made as to the full impact of such requirements on the Company’s workforce or business if conditions should change, and no prediction can be made as to the effect on the Company of any expansion or reduction of such obligations.

Government Regulation

        For information relating to the impact of certain government regulations on our business, see “Conditional Grants from the Office of the Chief Scientist” starting on page 34.

Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments

        Not applicable.

Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

        Information in this Operating Review and Financial Prospects Section should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto which are included elsewhere in this report.

Executive Overview

        We are a worldwide leading designer, developer and producer of integrated metrology systems for the semiconductor manufacturing industry and a designer, developer and producer of stand-alone metrology systems for the semiconductor industry. Our metrology systems are used to take precise measurements of semiconductors during the manufacturing process to control the manufacturing process and increase the productivity of the manufacturing equipment. We market and sell our metrology systems to semiconductor process equipment manufacturers and directly to semiconductor manufacturers.

        Our business is greatly affected by the level of spending on capital equipment by semiconductor manufacturers. Capital expenditures by semiconductor manufacturers tend to be cyclical in nature and depend on numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control. Factors affecting the semiconductor industry, which are beyond our control, include general economic conditions throughout the world and the demand and perceived demand for semiconductors. In addition, demand for our products and services is affected by the timing of new product announcements and releases by us and our competitors, market acceptance of our new or enhanced products and changes or advances in semiconductor design or manufacturing processes.

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        In 2003, demand for semiconductors started to increase and, as a result, demand for capital equipment by semiconductor manufacturers also increased. This increased demand continued in 2004. Accordingly, our financial results for 2003 and 2004 improved. In 2005, however, demand for capital equipment decreased and the decrease is reflected in our financial results for 2005, in which we suffered steeper losses than in 2003 and 2004. In 2006 we experienced significant growth and our sales grew 60% compared to 2005. This growth was a result of an overall upturn in the industry as well as successful proliferation of our latest model the NovaScan 3090. However, we cannot predict with certainty how long the industry upturn will last and whether we will be able to further increase our sales and revenues in the following years.

        We derive our revenues principally from sales of our metrology systems and services relating to our systems. In 2006, product sales produced 79% of our total revenues and services produced 21%. Presently, we have no significant long-term debt and continue to finance our operations mainly from the proceeds of our initial public offering in 2000. As of the end of 2006, we had working capital of $16 million, including cash and cash equivalents, short-term deposits and held to maturity securities of $10 million, and no significant long-term debt.

        From quarter to quarter and from year to year, our revenues can vary significantly for a number of reasons. Importantly, we do not have long-term or multi-unit purchase contracts with our customers. Therefore, while most of our customers have purchased multiple systems from us and we anticipate that our customers will continue to do so, our customers can determine at any time to stop doing business with us. In addition, primarily because the semiconductor industry is dominated by a small number of large companies, our customer base is concentrated among a limited number of customers. A loss of any single customer could cause our revenues to decrease by a material amount. Furthermore, because our systems range in price from $100,000 to over $1,000,000, the loss of relatively few sales could also cause our revenue to decrease by a material amount. Our service revenues, which tend to be more predictable and less subject to wide fluctuations, tend to help decrease volatility in our earnings.

        Our service organization is operated on a profit and loss basis and is measured as a cost center in each territory and on a global basis. The objectives of our service organization are defined and measured by: customer satisfaction; quality parameters, such as time to repair and mean time between failures; and by profit and loss criteria. The service organization provides support to all products we sell, during both the warranty period and the post warranty period.

        When evaluating the performance of the Company, our management tends to focus on several financial metrics and several qualitative areas such as: warranty cost per system and warranty costs as a percentage of sale price; costs of production and costs of production as a percentage of sales; inventory as a percentage of yearly sales; days sales outstanding; and the mixture of our sales and geographical distribution of installations of our systems at end users sites compared to industry capital equipment trends. In 2006, warranty costs amounted to approximately 10% of sale price. Factors that affect warranty costs include the number of systems installed in a specific site or territory and the maturity of the products. Costs of production include materials, labor, and write-off per product during product life time, and ranged from 30% to 43% of the sale price in 2006, depending on the product. Factors that affect cost of production include sales volume, product configuration, product maturity, and actual sale price. Our average inventory levels in 2006 were approximately 16% of yearly sales. In 2006, average days sales outstanding for total revenues were 65 and ranged between 53 and 71 days over the four quarters of 2006. Geographical distribution analysis of installation at end users sites of our products reveals an increase in the installation of our products in Asia Pacific (excluding Japan) 38% in 2005 to 49% in 2006. In Japan the installation of our products decreased from 22% of sales in 2005 to 7% in 2006.

Significant Events in 2006 and Outlook for 2007

        For Nova, the most significant event in 2006 was the 60% increase in revenues year over year. This increase was supported by the successful penetration of the new NovaScan 3090 product family, for integrated and stand alone products.

        An additional significant event in 2006 was our first M&A activity, the acquisition of substantially all assets and assumption of certain liabilities of HyperNex in August 2006.

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        In 2007, Nova will focus on continuing development of its current chemical mechanical polishing (“CMP”), copper CMP and optical critical dimension systems as well as investing in the products and technologies included in its long-term strategy, and products related to the new acquisition, in the x-ray segment. Over the next three years, Nova anticipates introducing future generations of its current products and new product to address the advancing technology trends toward feature sizes of 45 nm and below and new processes and materials. We believe that in 2007 our opportunities will most likely come from the increased need for monitoring and control resulting from decreasing feature sizes, and the accelerating move to new materials. The main challenges and risks we see are to be “on time” with the right process control solutions to meet the needs of our existing customers and new customers. In order to address these risk and challenges, we are working closely with leading customers’ development process groups and with the leading process equipment manufacturers. The purpose of working closely with customers and process equipment manufacturers is to receive from them as early as possible information and feedback on the metrology and process needs of the upcoming new manufacturing processes and materials. We believe receiving this information as early as possible will assist us in developing metrology solutions to meet the new needs of the semiconductor industry. In tandem with this type of long term development, our ongoing marketing activity supports our current products with short term improvements to answer the customers’ ongoing needs and to make required changes.

        Currently, our main revenue generator is our oxide CMP product line and sales of our oxide CMP product line are affected by the total number of process tools sold in this segment. In years prior to 2003, the oxide CMP represented more than 50% of the entire CMP equipment market. Since 2004, this percentage decreased and we expect it to continue to decrease as copper CMP equipment is expected to dominate the CMP equipment market. We can not foresee what will ultimately be the process control needs for copper CMP, and whether the products and solutions we will bring to market for the copper CMP market will be accepted in the market.

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 accounting principals generally accepted in the United States of America. We believe the following critical accounting policies, among others, affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Use of estimates – General

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue recognition

        We recognize revenues from the sale of products when all the following criteria have been met: a persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, title has transferred, the price is fixed or determinable, collection of resulting receivables is probable and there are no remaining significant obligations.

        In accordance with EITF 00-21 for arrangements containing multiple elements, fair value of each element is determined based on specific objective evidence and revenue is allocated to each element based upon its fair value. The revenue relating to the undelivered elements is deferred at estimated fair value until delivery of the deferred elements. If specific objective evidence of fair value does not exist for all elements to support the allocation of the total fee among all delivered and undelivered elements of the arrangement, revenue is deferred until such evidence exist for the undelivered elements, or until all elements are delivered, whichever is earlier.

        Service contracts (which sometimes include application support) generally specify fixed payment amounts for periods longer than one month, and are recognized on a straight line basis over the term of the contract. Revenue from sale of spare parts is usually recognized upon shipment of the parts.

        Other service revenue (training, time & material, etc.) is recognized upon completion of work.

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Allowances for doubtful accounts

        We review on an on-going basis the need for allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. When determining what allowance, if any, to make for doubtful accounts, we review many factors, including our history of relatively few write-offs, customer relationships and customers’ creditworthiness. Based on this review, we estimate the amount of accounts receivable, if any, we may be unable to collect and allowances for doubtful accounts may be required. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, their ability to make payments could be impaired and our estimates could prove to be inaccurate. If significant, allowances for doubtful accounts could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

Warranty provisions

        We provide for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized. While we are engaged in extensive product quality programs and processes, including actively monitoring and evaluating the quality of our component suppliers, our warranty obligations are affected by product failure rates, material usage and service delivery costs incurred in correcting product failures at our locations or at customer sites. Should actual product failure rates, material usage or service delivery costs differ from our estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability may be required.

Inventories write-off

        We value our inventory at the lower of the actual cost or the current estimated market value of the inventory. We regularly review inventory quantities on hand and record a provision for excess and obsolete inventory based primarily on our estimated forecast of product demand and production requirements for the next twelve months. As demonstrated during 2001, demand for our products can fluctuate significantly. A significant increase in the demand for our products could result in a short-term increase in inventory purchases while a significant decrease in demand could result in an increase in the amount of excess inventory quantities on hand, which could lead to losses. In addition, our industry is characterized by rapid technological change, frequent new product developments, and rapid product obsolescence that could result in an increase in the amount of obsolete inventory quantities on hand. Additionally, our estimates of future product demand may prove to be inaccurate, in which case we may have understated or overstated the provision required for excess and obsolete inventory. In the future, if our inventory is determined to be overvalued, we would be required to recognize such costs in our cost of goods sold at the time of such determination. Likewise, if our inventory is determined to be undervalued, we may have over-reported our costs of goods sold in previous periods and would be required to recognize such additional operating income at the time of sale. Therefore, although we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our forecasts of future product demand, any significant unanticipated changes in demand or technological developments could have a significant impact on the value of our inventory and our reported operating results.

        For a discussion of other significant accounting policies used in the preparation of our financial statements and recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements contained elsewhere in this report.

Operating Results

Overview

        A significant portion of our revenues historically has been derived from customers in the United States of America, and we expect that this trend will continue. However, we expect that U.S. sales as a percentage of total sales may decrease if the portion of our sales directly to semiconductor manufacturers, rather than through process equipment manufacturers, will increase. In 2004, 67% of our revenues were derived from U.S. customers, 11% were from European customers, 18% were from Japanese customers, and 4% were from Asian (other than Japanese) customers. In 2005, 66% of our revenues were derived from U.S. customers, 11% were from European customers, 18% were from Japanese customers, and 5% were from Asian (other than Japanese) customers. In 2006, 68% of our revenues were derived from U.S. customers, 10% were from European customers, 13% were from Japanese customers, and 9% were from Asian (other than Japanese) and customers from other regions.

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        The table below describes the distribution of our total revenues, from systems and services, by geographic areas of our product installations at semiconductor manufacturing facilities. As our customers include both semiconductor manufacturers and process equipment manufactures, this distribution is different from the distribution of our revenues by customer location discussed in the immediately preceding paragraph.

2004
 2005
 2006
 
USA      43 %  33 %  34 %
Europe    13 %  7 %  10 %
Japan    17 %  22 %  7 %
Asia-Pacific    27 %  38 %  49 %
      Total    100 %  100 %  100 %

        Historically, a substantial portion of our revenues has come from a small number of customers. In 2004, 2005 and 2006, our five largest customers accounted for 82%, 83% and 79% of our revenues, respectively. In, 2004, 2005 and 2006, our single largest customer accounted for 45%, 48% and 46% of our revenues, respectively. We anticipate that our revenues will continue to depend on a limited number of major customers, although the companies considered being major customers and the percentage of our revenue represented by each major customer may vary from period to period. Therefore, the loss of any one of our major customers could materially and adversely affect us.

        The sales cycle for our systems typically ranges from 3 to 12 months and depends upon the status of our system’s integration with a particular manufacture and model of process equipment, the evaluation criteria of our customers, and the technology or application of the process. Additionally, the rate and timing of customer orders may vary significantly from month to month as a function of the introduction of a new type of system to a production line. We have a relatively low backlog. Accordingly, if sales of our products do not occur when we expect or we are unable to adjust our estimates on a timely basis, our expenses and inventory levels may fluctuate relative to revenues and total assets. In 2006, our inventory levels at the end of each quarter ranged from $6.6 million to $9.1 million. We planned our 2006 inventories for sales of 200 mm systems and 300 mm systems according to our expectation that approximately 80% of equipment sales would be for 300 mm equipment and that the NovaScan 3090 would account for most of our sales of 300 mm systems. Actual sales in 2006 were similar to this plan. In 2007, we anticipate continued proliferation of the new NovaScan 3090 product series for the 300 mm market, and expect that overall 300mm sales will account for over 80% of our revenues. If our actual sales are significantly different from our expectations, we may have to write-off some of our inventory.

        We schedule production of our systems based upon order backlog and customer forecasts. We include in backlog only those orders to which the customer has assigned a purchase order number and for which delivery has been specified within 12 months. In general, because shipment dates may be changed and customers may cancel or delay orders with little or no penalty, our backlog as of any particular date may not be a reliable indicator of actual sales for any succeeding period. We do not maintain any reserves for cancellations or variations in our customers’ orders because historically cancellations and variations have been insignificant. In addition, if a cancellation occurs, we may be able to sell the equipment to other customers.

        Our revenues increased by 60% in 2006 following an 18% decrease in 2005 and a 38% increase in 2004.

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        The following table shows the relationship, expressed as a percentage, of the listed items from our consolidated statements of operations to our total revenues for the periods indicated:

Percentage of Total Revenues
Year ended December 31,
2004
 2005
 2006
 
Revenues from products sale      79.5 %  72.9 %  79.2 %
Revenues from services    20.5 %  27.1 %  20.8 %
Total revenues    100.0 %  100.0 %  100.0 %
   
Cost of products sale    39.1 %  37.9 %  38.8 %
Cost of services    18.3 %  26.2 %  18.7 %
Total cost of revenues    57.4 %  64.1 %  57.5 %
   
Gross profit    42.6 %  35.9 %  42.5 %
   
Operating expenses:  
Research and development expenses, net    23.5 %  30.8 %  19.0 %
Sales and marketing expenses    18.1 %  23.1 %  18.1 %
General and administrative expenses    6.3 %  12.0 %  10.6 %
Other operating income    --    --    --  
Total operating expenses    47.9 %  65.9 %  47.7 %
   
Operating loss    (5.3 )%  (30.0 )%  (5.2 )%
   
Financing income, net    1.4 %  2.1 %  1.2 %
   
Net Loss    (3.9 )%  (27.9 )%  (4.0 )%

Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2006 and 2005

        Revenues. Our revenues in 2006 increased by $18.2 million, or 60%, compared to 2005, with revenues attributable to product sales accounting for $38.3 million, an increase of $16.3 million, or 74%, compared to 2005, and services accounting for $10.0 million, an increase of $1.9 million, or 23%, compared to 2005. The increase in product sales revenue in 2006 was attributed mainly to the increased demand for our integrated metrology products and the successful penetration and revenues from our stand-alone Optical CD product, which was accompanied by the general upturn in the semiconductor industry in 2006. Revenues from services accounted for 21% of total revenues in 2006, compared to 27% of total revenues in 2005. The decrease in the percentage of our revenues from services is attributed mainly to the increase in product revenues in 2006 relative to 2005. The increase in service revenues is attributed mainly to new service contracts.

        We expect that sales from our main integrated process control product line targeting the CMP market, including dielectric, copper and etch, will continue to account for a substantial portion of our revenues for at least the next year, and that the new stand alone product lines sales will gradually become more significant following wider market penetration. As our revenues are largely dependent upon the sale of systems for CMP processing, any decrease in demand for our CMP products would have a material adverse affect on us. In 2007, we expect service revenue to increase relative to 2006 as the warranty periods for additional systems will expire and we expect customers to buy service contracts for these systems.

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Cost of Revenues and Gross Profit. Cost of revenues consists of the labor, material and overhead costs of manufacturing our systems, and the costs associated with our worldwide service and support infrastructure. It also consists of inventory write-offs and provision for estimated future warranty costs for systems we have sold. Our cost of revenues attributable to product sales in 2006 was $18.7 million, an increase of $7.3 million, or 64%, compared to 2005. This increase is attributable to the increased volume of systems sold in 2006. As a percentage of total revenues, our cost of revenues attributable to product sales in 2006 increased to 38.8% from 37.9% in 2005. This increase is attributable to the higher sales volume of products with lower gross margins. In the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 we wrote-off inventories in the amounts of $0.4 million and $0.1 million, respectively. Our cost of revenues attributable to services in 2006 was $9.0 million, an increase of $1.1 million, or 14%, compared to 2005. This increase is attributable mainly to labor and material costs relating to new service contracts.

        Our gross profit increased by 90% to $20.6 million in 2006 from $10.8 million in 2005. Our gross profit represented 42.5% and 35.9% of our total revenues in 2006 and 2005, respectively. Our gross profits increased from 2005 to 2006 due to the higher volume of revenues, and was partially offset by revenues from lower gross margins products.

        Research and Development Expenses, Net. Research and development expenses, net, consist primarily of salaries and related expenses and also include consulting fees, subcontracting costs, related materials and overhead expenses, after offsetting conditional grants received or receivable from the Office of the Chief Scientist. Our research and development expenses, net, decreased by 1% from $9.3 million in 2005 to $9.2 million in 2006, after offsetting conditional grants received or receivable from the Office of the Chief Scientist of $1.9 million in 2006 and 2005, each. In 2006 research and development expenses, net, represented 19% of our revenues compared to 31% of our revenues in 2005, due to the significant increase in our revenues in 2006.

        Approximately $5 million of our research and development expenses, net, in 2006, resulted from our research and development efforts relating to the introduction of new NovaScan 3090 models, to current products activities, and to creating a new technology infrastructure for scatterometry based metrology solutions. We believe that meeting the needs of semiconductor manufacturers with respect to the manufacture of semiconductors with features ranging from 90 nm to below 45 nm will allow us to maintain our position as a market leader in integrated process control equipment. Approximately $3 million of our research and development expenses, net, in 2006, was related to developing a technology infrastructure for next generation metrology tools platform, both for stand-alone and for integrated metrology market segments. The balance was related mainly to development costs related to the x-ray technology which we acquired in August 2006.

        Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses are comprised of salaries and related costs for sales and marketing personnel, related travel expenses, and overhead. They also include commissions to our representatives and sales personnel and royalties. Our sales and marketing expenses increased by 26% from $7.0 million in 2005 to $8.8 million in 2006. Sales and marketing expenses represented 23% and 18%, respectively, of our revenues in 2005 and 2006. The decrease as a percentage of revenue is related to the higher volume of revenues in 2006. This decrease was offset with $1.8 million higher sales and marketing costs in 2006, related to evaluations, commissions and managerial transition costs in the Asia Pacific and Japan regions.

        General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses are comprised of salaries and related expenses and other non-personnel related expenses such as legal expenses. Our general and administrative expenses increased 42% from $3.6 million in 2005 to $5.1 million in 2006. This increase is attributed mainly to an increase in legal expenses related to the Nanometrics intellectual property infringement law suit. General and administrative expenses represented 12% and 11% of our revenues in 2005 and 2006, respectively. The decrease in general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues from 2005 to 2006 is a result of the increase in our revenues in 2006, which was offset mainly by the increase of our legal costs as described above.

Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2005 and 2004

        Revenues. Our revenues in 2005 decreased by $6.7 million, or 18.1%, compared to 2004, with revenues attributable to product sales accounting for $22.0 million, a decrease of $7.3 million, or 24.9%, compared to 2004, and services accounting for $8.2 million, an increase of $0.6 million, or 8.3%, compared to 2004. The decrease in product sales revenue in 2005 was attributed to the competition in the 300 mm integrated metrology market, including the delay in introduction of our NovaScan 3090 product series during 2004, and also to the general slowdown in the semiconductor industry in the first half of 2005. Revenues from services accounted for 27.1% of total revenues in 2005, as compared to 20.4% of total revenues in 2004. The increase in the percentage of our revenues from services is attributed mainly to an increase in service contracts revenues and a decrease in revenues from product sales.

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        We expect that sales from our main integrated process control product line targeting the CMP market, including dielectric and copper, will continue to account for a substantial portion of our revenues for at least the next year, and that the new product lines sales (integrated and stand-alone process control systems for etch) will gradually become more significant following wider market adoption of integrated metrology for etch. As our revenues are largely dependent upon the sale of systems for CMP processing, any decrease in demand for our CMP products would have a material adverse affect on us. In 2006, we expect service revenue to increase relative to 2005 as the warranty periods for additional systems will expire and we expect customers to buy service contracts for these systems.

        Cost of Revenues and Gross Profit. Cost of revenues consists of the labor, material and overhead costs of manufacturing our systems, and the costs associated with our worldwide service and support infrastructure. It also consists of inventory write-offs and provision for estimated future warranty costs for systems we have sold. Our cost of revenues attributable to product sales in 2005 was $11.4 million, a decrease of $3.0 million, or 20.8%, compared to 2004. This decrease is attributable mainly to the decreased volume of systems sold. As a percentage of total revenues, our cost of revenues attributable to product sales in 2005 decreased to 37.9% from 39.1% in 2004. This decrease is attributable to the mixture of products sold. Inventory write-down did not have significant affect on our cost of goods sold in 2005 or in 2004. Our cost of revenues attributable to services in 2005 was $7.9 million, an increase of $1.2 million, or 17.5%, compared to 2004. This increase is attributable to an increase in labor and material costs relating to service contracts and installations at new customer sites.

        Our gross profit decreased by 31.2% to $10.8 million in 2005 from $15.7 million in 2004. Our gross profit represented 35.9% and 42.6% of our total revenues in 2005 and 2004, respectively. Our gross profits decrease from 2004 to 2005 is attributable mainly to the lower volume of systems sold.

        Research and Development Expenses, Net. Research and development expenses, net, consist primarily of salaries and related expenses and also include consulting fees, subcontracting costs, related materials and overhead expenses, after offsetting conditional grants received or receivable from the Office of the Chief Scientist. Our research and development expenses, net, increased 7.3% from $8.7 million in 2004 to $9.3 million in 2005, after offsetting conditional grants received or receivable from the Office of the Chief Scientist of $1.9 million in 2005 and 2004, each. In 2005 research and development expenses, net, represented 30.9% of our revenues compared to 23.5% of our revenues in 2004, due to the significant decrease in our revenues in 2005.

        Approximately $5 million of our research and development expenses, net, in 2005, resulted from our research and development efforts relating to the introduction of new NovaScan 3090 models for the next manufacturing technology nodes and creating a new technology infrastructure for scatterometry based metrology solutions. We believe that meeting the needs of semiconductor manufacturers with respect to the manufacture of semiconductors with features ranging from 90 nm to below 45 nm will allow us to maintain our position as a market leader in integrated process control equipment. The balance of the research and development expenses, net, was related to current products activities, such as engineering improvements, new versions of software and application support and developments, as well as to new software products for scatterometry based metrology and also to developing a technology infrastructure for next generation metrology tools, both for stand-alone and for integrated metrology market segments.

        Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses are comprised of salaries and related costs for sales and marketing personnel, related travel expenses, and overhead. They also include commissions to our representatives and sales personnel and royalties. Our sales and marketing expenses increased by 6% from $6.6 million in 2004 to $7.0 million in 2005. Sales and marketing expenses represented 23.1% and 18.1%, respectively, of our revenues in 2005 and 2004. This increase as a percentage of revenue is related to lower volume of revenues in 2005.

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        General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses are comprised of salaries and related expenses and other non-personnel related expenses. Our general and administrative expenses increased 55.6% from $2.3 million in 2004 to $3.6 million in 2005. This increase is attributed mainly to increase of legal expenses of about $0.6 million mainly due to Nanometrics IP infringement law suit and executives retirement payments of about $0.3 million. General and administrative expenses represented 6.3% and 12.0% of our revenues in 2004 and 2005, respectively. The increase in general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues from 2004 to 2005 is a result of a decrease in our revenues in 2005 and the increase of our general and administration expenses as described above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        As of December 31, 2006 we had working capital of $15.9 million compared to working capital of $14.8 million as of December 31, 2005. This increase is attributed primarily to the increase in trade account receivables and inventory during 2006.

        Cash and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term deposits and securities held to maturity as of December 31, 2006 were $15.2 million compared to $22.8 million as of December 31, 2005.

        Trade accounts receivable increased from $6.8 million as of December 31, 2005 to $10.3 million as of December 31, 2006. Inventories increased from $6.6 million as of December 31, 2005 to $9.0 million as of December 31, 2006.

        Operating activities in 2006 used cash of $5.1 million compared to $7.4 million in 2005. Operating activities in 2006 used less cash relative to 2005, mainly due to the decrease in operational losses in 2006, which was partially offset by the increase in working capital. Financing activities generated $3.4 million of cash in 2006, compared to $0.7 million in 2005.

        The following table describes our investments in capital expenditures during the last three years:

2006
 2005
 2004
Domestic
 Abroad
 Domestic
 Abroad
 Domestic
 Abroad
(in dollar thousands)
 
Electronic equipment      955    81    1,176    41    844    78  
Office furniture and equipment    44    14    13    2    230    3  
Leasehold improvements    228    12    48    2    79    8  
          Total    1,227    107    1,237    45    1,153    89  

        The investment in capital expenditures was financed mainly from the cash reserves of the Company. The increase in capital expenditures for electronic equipment in 2006 and 2005 was due to our investments in information systems improvements (software and hardware), electronic equipment used in our research and development labs and systems for our demonstration centers and application development. Although we currently have no significant capital commitments, we expect to spend up to $2 million on capital expenditures in the next 12 months, mainly for information systems improvements (software and hardware), electronic equipment used in our research and development labs and demonstration centers.

        Our principal liquidity requirements are expected to be for working capital, research and development, capital expenditures and lease payments for our worldwide facilities. We believe that our current cash reserves, which include a $5 million private placement that was completed during March 2007, will be adequate to fund our activities for at least the next 12 months.

        Our long-term capital requirements will be affected by many factors, including the success of our current products, our ability to enhance our current products and our ability to develop and introduce new products that will be accepted by the semiconductor industry. We plan to finance our long-term capital needs with the remaining net proceeds of our initial public offering, together with cash flow from operations, if any. If these funds are insufficient to finance our activities, we will have to raise additional funds through the issuance of additional equity or debt securities, through borrowing or through other means. We cannot assure you that additional financing will be available on acceptable terms.

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        Presently, we have no long-term debt, nor any readily available source of long-term debt financing such as a line of credit.

        With regard to usage of hedging financial instruments and the impact of inflation and currency fluctuations, see “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” starting on page 60.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

        We do not have and are not party to any off-balance sheet arrangements.

Contractual Obligation

        As of December 31, 2006 we had contractual obligations as described in the following table:

Total Less than 1 year 1-3 years
 
Operating Lease Obligations      1,525    1,081    444  
Purchase Obligations    5,317    5,317    -  
Other Long Term Liabilities    70    -    70  
Total    6,912    6,398    514  

Research and Development

        For information regarding our research and development activities, see “Research and Development” starting on page 19.

Conditional Grants from the Office of the Chief Scientist

        Under the Law for the Encouragement of Industrial Research and Development, 1984, a qualifying research and development program is eligible for conditional grants of up to 50% of the program’s expenses. The program must be approved by a committee of the Office of the Chief Scientist of the Israeli Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor. The recipient of the conditional grants is required to return the grants by the payment of royalties on the revenues derived from using the grants. Current regulations promulgated under the law provide for the payment of royalties to the Office of the Chief Scientist ranging from 3% to 5% on the revenues derived from using the conditional grants until 100% of the grants are repaid. Conditional grants received under programs approved after January 1, 1999 will accrue interest at an annual rate of the 12-month LIBOR applicable to dollar deposits. Royalties are paid in NIS linked to the dollar at the exchange rate in effect at the time of payment. Following the full payment of such royalties and interest, there is generally no further liability for payment.

        The terms of the conditional grants under the law require that we manufacture the products developed with these grants in Israel. These restrictions apply even after grants are fully repaid. Under the regulations promulgated under the law, the products may be manufactured outside Israel by us or by another entity and know-how may be transferred outside of Israel, only if prior approval is received from the Office of the Chief Scientist. This approval may be given only if we abide by all the provisions of the law and related regulations. Ordinarily, as a condition to obtaining approval to manufacture outside Israel, we would be required to pay increased royalties and as a condition to obtaining approval to transfer know-how outside Israel, ordinarily we would be required to pay a lump sum, all as defined under the relevant law. If we perform the manufacturing, the increased royalties would ordinarily be one percentage point above the otherwise applicable royalty rate. If the manufacturing is performed by an entity other than us, the rate would depend on the amount of manufacturing performed outside of Israel and the size of the conditional grants in relation to the investments made by us in the project. The total amount to be repaid to the Office of the Chief Scientist would also be adjusted to between 120% and 300% of the conditional grants, depending on the manufacturing volume that is performed outside Israel. If we wish to transfer know-how, the terms for approval shall be determined according to the character of the transaction and the consideration paid to us for such transfer. Approval of the transfer of technology to another Israeli company may be granted only if the recipient abides by all the provisions of the law and related regulations, including the restrictions on the transfer of know-how outside of Israel and the obligation to pay royalties in an amount that may be increased. Approval to manufacture products outside of Israel or consent to the transfer of technology, if requested, might not be granted.

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        As of December 31, 2006 we received conditional grants from the Office of the Chief Scientist totaling $9.8 million. Because the implementation of regulations raising royalty rates to between 3% and 6% has been deferred, we are obligated to pay royalties of 3% of revenues derived from sales of products funded with these grants. As of December 31, 2006, our contingent liability to the Office of the Chief Scientist for conditional grants received was approximately $6.2 million. See also Note 9A to our consolidated financial statements contained elsewhere in this report.

        The funds available for conditional grants from the Office of the Chief Scientist were reduced for 2004 and 2005, and the Israeli authorities have indicated that the government may further reduce or abolish grants of this kind in the future. Even if these conditional grants are maintained, we might not receive them in the future and cannot presently predict the amount of any grants we might receive.

        In addition to royalty-bearing grants from the Office of the Chief Scientist, in 2006, we participated in two programs sponsored by the Office of Chief Scientist. In one program, we are a member of a research consortium comprised of several Israeli high technology companies, which are engaged in the development of multimedia on-line technology. In the other program, we are cooperating with a research institute in Israel for the development of advanced measurement techniques. In both programs, the Office of the Chief Scientist contributes 66% of the approved research and development budget for the research consortium and the members of the research consortium contribute the remaining 34%. No royalties from this funding are payable to the Israeli government, however, the provisions of the law and related regulations regarding the restrictions on the transfer of know-how outside of Israel apply to these programs. Expenses in excess of the approved budget are borne by the consortium members. In general, any consortium member that develops technology as part of the consortium retains the intellectual property rights to the technology developed by this member, and all the members of the consortium have the right to utilize and implement such technology without having to pay royalties to the developing consortium member. As of December 31, 2006, we had received approximately $3 million in grants from the Office of Chief Scientist in connection with these programs.

Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees

        The following is the list of senior management and directors as of April 20, 2006:

Name
 Age
 Position
 
Micha Brunstein 62 Chairman of the board of directors
Giora Dishon 62 Director and co-founder
Moshe Finarov 55 Director and co-founder
Avi Kerbs 60 Director
Joseph Ciechanover 73 Director
Alon Dumanis 57 Director
Naama Zeldis 44 External Director
Dan Falk 62 External Director
Gabi Seligsohn 41 President and Chief Executive Officer
Dror David 38 Chief Financial Officer
Avi Magid 46 Executive Vice President Global Business Management Group
David Scheiner 47 Chief Technology Officer
Avron Ger 46 Vice President Thin Film Business Unit
Gabi Sharon 45 Vice President Operations

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        Our directors (other than the external directors) serve as such until the next annual general meeting of our shareholders. Our external directors, in accordance with Israeli law, serve for a three-year term, which may be renewed for one additional three-year term and thereafter for additional three-year terms, if both the audit committee and the board of directors confirm that in light of the expertise and contribution of the external director, the extension of such external director’s term would be in the interest of our company. Mr. Dan Falk was elected in 2005. Ms. Zeldis was elected in 2006.

       Dr. Micha Brunstein was named chairman of our board of directors in June 2006, after serving as member of our board of directors from November 2003. During the years 1990 and 1999, Dr. Brunstein served as Managing Director of Applied Materials Israel Ltd. Prior to that, Dr. Brunstein served as President of Opal Inc., and as a Director of New Business Development in Optrotech Ltd. At present, Dr. Brunstein serves as a board member of Ham-let Ltd., a company listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and Valor Computerized Systems Ltd., a company listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. He is a chairman and serves on boards of directors of several privately owned companies. Dr. Brunstein holds a B.Sc. in Mathematics and Physics from the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, and a M.Sc. and a Ph.D. in Physics from Tel Aviv University.

        Dr. Giora Dishon is a co-founder of Nova and served as President and Chief Executive Officer since Nova’s formation in 1993 until August 2006. From 1989 to 1993 he served as Thin Film and Flat Panel Display Product Line Manager at Orbot Systems and Orbotech Ltd., a manufacturer of automated optical inspection equipment. From 1986 to 1988 he was a Visiting Scientist at the Microelectronics Center of North Carolina, and from 1982 to 1986 he served as Managing Director at AVX Israel Ltd., a manufacturer of electronic devices. Dr. Dishon holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry, a M.Sc. and a Ph.D. in Materials Science from the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel.

        Dr. Moshe Finarov is a co-founder of Nova and a member of our board of directors. He has served as Chief Technology Officer and VP Technology from Nova’s formation in 1993 until August 2006. From 1989 to 1993 he served as Senior Physicist at Orbotech Ltd. and from 1974 to 1988 he was employed at PULSAR and ENIMS Scientific Research Institutes in Moscow. Dr. Finarov holds a Ph.D in Semiconductor Physics and a M.Sc. in Microelectronics from Moscow Steel & Alloys Institute. He is named on approximately 40 U.S. patents and published approximately 40 papers.

        Mr. Avi Kerbs has served as a director of Nova since 1993. He serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Teuza Management & Development Ltd., the management company of Teuza-A Fairchild Technology Venture Ltd., a venture capital company and has served in this capacity since 1991. Teuza-A Fairchild Technology Venture Ltd. is a major shareholder of Nova. He serves as a director of most of the companies comprising the investment portfolio of the Teuza Fund. Mr. Kerbs holds a B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering and Management and a M.Sc. in Management from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. Mr. Kerbs serves as a member of the Technion’s Board of Governors and the Haifa University Board of Governors and is the Chairman of the Scientific Academic Club of Haifa University. Mr. Kerbs is also a member of the Board of the United Cerebral Palsy Research and Educational Foundation in the U.S. Mr. Kerbs was originally appointed to our board of directors by Teuza.

        Mr. Joseph Ciechanover has served as a director of Nova from October 1996 until December 1998 and again from February 2000 until the present. He is the founder and president of the Challenge Fund-Etgar L.P., a venture capital firm holding approximately 1.5% of Nova’s outstanding shares as of April 20, 2007, and served as chairman of the board of directors of El-Al Israel Airlines from 1995 until 2001. He served as a chairman of Israel Discount Bank from 1986 to 1993 and the President and a member of the board of directors of PEC Israel Economic Corporation, a diversified investment company which merged later into Discount Investment Corp. Since 1995, Mr. Ciechanover has been a member of the board of directors of United Retail Group, Inc. and serves on the audit and compensation committees. United Retail Group, Inc.‘s stock is publicly traded in the United States. He has been a member of the board of directors of Harel Investment Co. since 1995. Mr. Ciechanover holds a law degree from the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, an LL.M. from the University of California at Berkeley and a Ph.D. in philosophy from Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.

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        Dr. Alon Dumanis, has served as a director of Nova from 2002. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Docor International Management, a Dutch investment company, subsidiary of The Van-Leer Group Foundation. Dr. Dumanis is a member of the board of Directors of Tadiran Communications (TASE-TDCM), a former member of the board of directors of El Al Israel Airlines (TASE-LY), and a former member of the board of directors of Inventech Investments Co. Ltd. (TASE-IVTC), a shareholder of the Company. Previously, Dr. Dumanis was the Head of the Material Command in the Israel Air Force at the rank of Brigadier General. Dr. Dumanis currently serves as chairman and member of several national steering committees and is the author of many papers published in a number of subject areas, including technology and management. Dr. Dumanis holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.

        Mr. Dan Falk was elected as the Company’s external director in accordance with the provisions of the Israeli Companies Law in 2005. Mr. Falk is a business consultant to public and private companies. During 1999 to 2000 Mr. Falk served as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Sapiens International NV. Prior to that, Mr. Falk served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Orbotech Ltd. Mr. Falk serves as a member of various companies’ boards of directors such as Orbotech Ltd., Nice Systems Ltd., Ormat Technologies, Inc., Attunity Ltd., ClickSoftware Technologies, Ltd., Orad Hi-tech Systems Ltd., Jacada Ltd., Dmatek Ltd., Poalim Ventures1, Plastopil Ltd. (all of which are companies publicly traded in the United States or other countries)  and Netafim Ltd.

        Ms. Naama Zeldis was elected as the Company’s external director in accordance with the provisions of the Israeli Companies Law in 2006. Ms. Zeldis has been serving as Chief Financial Officer of Netafim Ltd. since December 2005. Prior to that, she served as Chief Financial Officer of EDS Israel, Radguard, and Director of Finance of RAD Data Communications. Ms. Zeldis has been serving as a member of the board of directors and of the audit committee of Metalink since Dec. 2006. Metalink is traded both in NASDAQ and in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. Ms. Zeldis holds a B.A. in Economics and an M.A. in Business Administration, majoring in Financing, from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a B.A. in Accounting from the Tel-Aviv University.

        Mr. Gabi Seligsohn has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer since August 2006. Having joined Nova in 1998, Mr. Seligsohn has served in several key positions in the company including as the Executive Vice President, Global Business Management Group from August 2005 to August 2006. From August 2002 until August 2005 he was President of Nova’s US Subsidiary, Nova Inc. Previous to that he was Vice President Strategic Business Development at Nova Inc. where he established Nova’s OEM group managing the Applied Materials and Lam Research accounts between the year 2000 to 2002. From 1998 to 2000 he served as global strategic account manager for the Company’s five leading customers. Mr. Seligsohn joined Nova after two years service as Sales Manager for key financial accounts at Digital Equipment Corporation. Mr. Seligsohn holds an LL.B. from the University of Reading, Reading, England.

        Mr. Dror David has served as our Chief Financial Officer. From 1998 to 2005, he served in various managerial positions in Nova including Vice President of Resources, Operations Manager and Global Controller. From 1994 to 1998, Mr. David served as an Audit and Tax Consultant with Brightman, Almagor & Co. Mr. David holds a B.A. in Accounting & Economics from Bar-Ilan University and an MBA from Derby University of Britain.

        Mr. Avi Magid has served as Executive Vice President Global Business Management since November 2006. From 2001 to 2006, Mr. Magid served as managing director and Vice President at Kulicke & Soffa, a leading supplier of semiconductor assembly equipment. From 2000 to 2001, Mr. Magid served as Deputy Managing Director for Business Development at K&S Micro Swiss LTD. Prior, Mr. Magid served as managing director and Deputy Managing Director for Sales & Marketing at Semitec Santa Clara CA. Mr. Magid holds a BA in Industrial Engineering from Polytechnic University-Pomona, Pomona, California.

        Dr. David Scheiner has served as Chief Technology Officer since September 2006. Dr. Scheiner joined Nova in 1996 and initially served in several positions including Applications Group Manager and Physics Group Manager. From 2000 to 2005 he served as R&D Manager. Dr. Scheiner holds a B.Sc. and MSc. in Electrical Engineering from the Technion –Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel and a Ph.D. in Physics from the Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.

        Mr. Avron Ger has served as Vice President Thin Film Business Unit since September 2006. Mr. Ger joined Nova in 1996 and held service management positions as well as key product management and marketing positions. Mr. Ger holds a B.Sc in Electronics from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.

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        Mr. Gabi Sharon is serving as Vice President of Operations since September 2006. Having joined Nova in 1995, Mr. Sharon served in several key positions in the company including as Global Customer Support Manager from September 1995 to September 2004. From September 2004 until September 2006 Mr. Sharon managed the Product Development Division, spearheaded the NovaScan 3090 product line and its successful market launch. For a period of 2 years, from 2004 to 2006, he also served as the Product Marketing Manager led the initial penetration of the Copper CMP market.  Prior to joining Nova Mr. Sharon served as Project Manager in ECI Israel. Mr. Sharon holds B.Sc. in Computer Science from Northeastern University, Boston Massachusetts, and M.Sc. in Technology Management from Polytechnic University, New York.

Voting agreement

        We are not aware of any voting agreement currently valid.

Compensation

        The aggregate direct remuneration paid or payable to all persons who served in the capacity of executive officer during 2006 was approximately $770,000 including approximately $240,000, which was set aside for pension and retirement benefits and including amounts expended by us for automobiles made available to our executive officers.

        The total amount paid or payable to the directors, including external directors, for 2006 was $325,000 (not including payments made during 2006 to directors who have also served as executive officers. Such payments are included in the executive compensation for the year 2006 disclosed above). As of April 20, 2007, 1,717,205 options to purchase our ordinary shares were outstanding to certain executive officers and directors (consisting of 14 persons), of which 931,625 options are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of April 20, 2007. See “Share ownership” Section.

Board of Directors’ Committees

        The Company’s Board of Directors has appointed the following committees:

        The Audit Committee is comprised of Dan Falk, Joseph Ciechanover and Naama Zeldis. The functions of the audit committee according to Israeli Law are to locate and monitor deficiencies in the management of the Company, including in consultation with the independent auditors and the internal auditor, and to advise the board of directors on how to correct such deficiencies. The audit committee is also responsible to assist the board of directors in fulfilling its responsibility for oversight of the quality and integrity of accounting, auditing and financial reporting practices of the Company. Furthermore, the audit committee is also responsible for approving related party transactions. In addition, as described under Item 16, the audit committee is responsible for the approval of all audit and non-audit services provided to the Company by Deloitte & Touche and to oversee the qualifications, independence, appointment, compensation and performance of the Company’s independent auditors. The audit committee operates under a charter adopted by the board of directors.

        The Compensation Committee is comprised of Joseph Ciechanover, Micha Brunstein and Dan Falk. The function of the compensation committee is described in the approved charter of the committee, and includes assisting to the board of directors in discharging its responsibilities relating to compensation of the Company’s directors and executives and the overall compensation programs. The primary objective of the committee is to develop and implement compensation policies and plans that are appropriate for the Company in light of all relevant circumstances and which provide incentives that further the Company’s long-term strategic plans and are consistent with the culture of the Company and the overall goal of enhancing enduring shareholder value.

        The Investment Committee is comprised of Naama Zeldis, Avi Kerbs, and Joseph Ciechanover. The function of the investment committee is described in the approved charter of the committee, and includes evaluation of the Company’s financial strategies and policies.

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        The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is comprised of Alon Dumanis, Dan Falk and Micha Brunstein. The function of the nominating committee is described in the approved charter of the committee, and includes responsibility for identifying individuals qualified to become board members and recommending that the board select the director nominees for election at the general meeting of shareholders. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is also responsible for developing and recommending to the board of directors a set of corporate governance guidelines applicable to the company, periodically reviewing such guidelines and recommending any changes thereto.

        The Strategic Committee is comprised of Micha Brunstein, Avi Kerbs, Alon Dumanis, Giora Dishon, Moshe Finarov and Gabi Seligsohn. The function of the strategic committee is described in the approved charter of the committee, and includes assisting the board in fulfilling its responsibilities for overseeing and facilitating the development and implementation of the company’s long-term and short-term strategic planning.

        All committees are acting according to written charters that were approved by our board of directors.

Employees

        Set forth below is a chart showing the number of people we employed at the times indicated.

as of December 31,
2004
 2005
 2006
 
Total Personnel      239    239    280  
   
Located in Israel    159    156    168  
Located abroad (mainly U.S.)    80    83    112  
   
In operations    40    33    60  
In research and development    82    84    83  
In Global Business    95    98    116  
In general and administration    22    24    21  

        As of December 31, 2006, we employed a total of 280 persons worldwide, not including 19 independent contractors and temporary employees, of which 83 were in research and development, 60 were in operations, 116 were in global business and 21 were in general and administration. As of December 2006, 168 of our employees were based in Israel and 112 were located abroad.

        We were a member of the Industrialists Association in Israel, an employer’s union until December 31, 2006. As a result of this membership, a number of collective bargaining agreements apply to us. These agreements principally concern cost of living wage increases, paid vacation and holidays, length of the workday, wage tariffs, termination and severance payments. As of December 31, 2006, we have been providing our employees with benefits and working conditions that are at least as favorable as those found in the collective bargaining agreements.

        Israeli labor laws and regulations apply to all our employees employed by Nova Measuring Instruments Ltd. The laws principally concern matters such as paid vacation, paid sick days, length of workday, payment for overtime and severance payments upon the retirement or death of an employee or termination of employment.

Share Ownership

        Giora Dishon, former President and Chief Executive Officer, current director and co-founder, and Moshe Finarov, former Vice President, Director of Technology, current director and co-founder, beneficially owned 708,042 (including 61,100 shares held by a trustee pursuant to Israeli tax laws) and 646,941 ordinary shares of the Company, respectively, as of April 20, 2007. All other directors and executive officers each beneficially owned less than 1% of the Company’s shares. In addition, the following table sets forth information regarding options held by our directors and officers currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days as of April 20, 2007.

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Name
 Ordinary Shares
Underlying Options
 Expiration Dates
 Exercise Prices
($/share)
 
Giora Dishon      281,236    2007-2012    2.06-7.37  
Moshe Finarov    247,500    2007-2012    2.06-7.37  
14 directors and officers as a group    931,625    2007-2012    1.79-7.37  

        All other directors and executive officers each beneficially owned less than 1% of the Company’s shares.

        We currently have six active share option plans.

        As of December 31, 2006, options to acquire 5,190,462 ordinary shares had been issued under these plans, of which 240,298 options to acquire shares have been exercised, 1,370,324 have been cancelled and 2,477,770 were exercisable. The active share option plans are described below:

        Option Plan 4 — As of December 31, 2006, options to purchase 757,401 ordinary shares at exercise prices of $6.27 or $7.37 per share were granted; 5,594 options were exercised, 363,465 options were exercisable and 388,342 options had been cancelled;

        Option Plan 5 — As of December 31, 2006, options to purchase 972,161 ordinary shares at an exercise prices of $1.13, $2.17 or $2.46, the fair market value of Nova’s stock on the date of grant were granted; 128,722 options were exercised, 413,170 options were exercisable and 430,269 options had been cancelled;

        Option Plan 6 — As of December 31, 2006, options to purchase 960,000 ordinary shares at an exercise price of $2.06, the fair market value of Nova’s stock on the date of grant were granted; 85,982 options were exercised, 628,245 options were exercisable and 245,773 options had been cancelled. On September 29, 2005, our shareholders have approved amendments to the plan allowing our board of directors to accelerate the vesting dates and to determine an exercise price which is different from the fair market value of our shares at the date of grant;

        Options to purchase an aggregate of 75,000 ordinary shares at an exercise price of $3.69 per share granted to the members of our board of directors, other than our external directors; as of December 31, 2006, 20,000 options were exercised, 35,000 options were exercisable and 20,000 options had been cancelled;

        Option Plan 7A — As of December 31, 2006, options to purchase 600,000 ordinary shares at exercise prices of $4.01 and $5.15, the fair market value of Nova’s stock on the date of grant, were granted; 478,035 were exercisable and 121,965 options had been cancelled. On September 29, 2005, our shareholders have approved amendments to the plan allowing our board of directors to accelerate the vesting dates and to determine an exercise price which is different from the fair market value of our shares at the date of grant;

        Option Plan 7B — As of December 31, 2006, options to purchase 650,000 shares at an exercise price of $3.40, the fair market value of Nova’s stock on the date of grant, were granted; 512,125 were exercisable and 137,875 had been cancelled. On September 29, 2005, our shareholders approved amendments to the plan allowing our board of directors to accelerate the vesting dates and to determine an exercise price which is different from the fair market value of our shares at the date of grant;

        Option Plan 7C – As of December 31, 2006, options to purchase 153,000 ordinary shares at an exercise prices of $2.20, the fair market value of Nova’s stock on the date of grant, were granted, 47,730 options were exercisable. As of December 31, 2006, no options under this plan were exercised; and

        Option Plan 8 – As of December 31, 2006 options to purchase 1,022,900 ordinary shares at an exercise prices of $1.79, $1.90, $1.95, $2.18 or $2.50, the fair market value of Nova’s stock on the date of grant were granted. As of December 31, 2006, no options under this plan were exercisable and 26,100 options had been cancelled. Furthermore, in February 19, 2007, we granted options to purchase 207,000 ordinary shares at exercise price of $2.87, the closing price of the Company’s ordinary shares on Nasdaq on the trading day immediately following the last day of the blackout period proceeding the board of directors approval.

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        In addition to the option plans described above, in 2003, we implemented an Employee Stock Purchase Plan pursuant to which eligible employees of the Company may purchase up to 150,000 ordinary shares, subject to certain adjustments, at a discounted price. The Company issued a total of 138,505 ordinary shares under this plan.

        On December 20, 2006 the board of directors resolved to amend the Company’s incentive plans to clarify that the blackout period pursuant to the Company’s blackout policy shall be excluded from the 30-day exercise period allowed under the various incentive plans following the termination of employment.

        On February 19, 2007, the board of directors adopted an Equity Based Compensation Policy, according to which the exercise price of granted options will be as provided by the applicable incentive plan, provided, however, that in the event that the grant approval takes place during a blackout period, the exercise price of the options granted will be equal to the closing price of our ordinary shares on Nasdaq on the trading day immediately following the last day of the blackout period (with the exception of approvals subject to shareholder approvals, in which case, the exercise price shall be the closing price on the day of the shareholder approval).

        The following table summarizes information about share options outstanding as of December 31, 2006:

Outstanding as of
December 31, 2006
 Exercisable as of
December 31, 2006
Range of exercise prices
 Number outstanding
 Weighted average
remaining
contractual life
 Weighted average
exercise price
 Number exercisable
 Weighted average
exercise price
(US dollars)
 (in years)
 (US dollars)
 (US dollars)
 
1.13-1.95      733,792    6.3    1.81    28,492    1.13  
2.06    628,245    3.1    2.06    628,245    2.06  
2.17-3.69    1,376,303    4.4    2.80    979,533    2.98  
4.01    438,035    4.4    4.01    438,035    4.01  
5.15    40,000    4.2    5.15    40,000    5.15  
6.27-7.37    363,465    1.5    7.02    363,465    7.02  
      3,579,840              2,477,770       

        On August 8, 2006, pursuant to the Amended and Restated Asset Purchase Agreement with HyperNex and its stockholders, we issued 1,208,000 ordinary shares to HyperNex, which were distributed by HyperNex to its stockholders and 392,000 restricted shares were allocated to managers and employees of HyperNex. Ordinary shares issued to HyperNex managers will vest over a thirty (30) month period as follows: (i) a third of the these shares vested on November 8, 2006, which is three (3) months after grant date; (ii) a third of these shares will vest on November 8, 2007, which is fifteen (15) months after grant date; and (iii) a third of these shares will vest thirty (30) months after grant date. The ordinary shares issued to employees of HyperNex will vest over a three (3) year period with a third of such shares vesting on each anniversary as of the grant date. The Amended and Restated Asset Purchase Agreement, also provides the recipients of our ordinary shares with certain limited piggy-back registration rights. These piggy-back registration rights are subject to certain customary carve-outs and limitations as well as other limitations set forth in the Amended and Restated Asset Purchase Agreement.

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Item 7. Major Shareholder and Related Party Transactions

Major Shareholders

        The following table shows the number of ordinary shares beneficially owned by persons known by us to own beneficially more than five percent of the Company’s ordinary shares, as of April 20, 2007:

Name
 Number of Ordinary
Shares Beneficially
Owned*
 Percentage of Ordinary
Shares
Beneficially Owned
 
Clal Electronics Industries Ltd.(1)      4,858,627    24.3 %
Austin W. Marxe & David Greenhouse(2)    2,367,837    12.4 %
Rima Managenent, LLC(3)    1,640,673    8.3 %
Richard Mashaal(3)    1,640,673    8.3 %
Teuza - A Fairchild Technology Venture Ltd.(4)    1,453,407    7.6 %
Teuza Management & Development (1991) Ltd.(4)    1,453,407    7.6 %
Tamir Fishman Ventures II, L.L.C.(5)    1,175,600    6.2 %
Shai Saul(5)    1,175,600    6.2 %
Michael Elias(5)    1,182,850    6.2 %
Tamir Fishman & Co. Ltd.(5)    1,180,700    6.2 %
Eldad Tamir(5)    1,180,700    6.2 %
Danny Fishman(5)    1,180,700    6.2 %
Giora Dishon(6)    989,278    5.1 %

* Applicable percentages are based on 19,107,567 ordinary shares outstanding on April 20, 2007

(1) The information was provided by Clal Electronics Industries Ltd. Includes 872,092 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of warrants currently exercisable.
(2) The information is based upon Amendment No. 4 to Schedule 13G filed with the Commission by Messrs. Marxe and Greenhouse on February 15, 2006. Includes 536,778 shares held by Special Situations Cayman Fund, L.P., 77,631 shares held by Special Situations Technology Fund, L.P., 397,869 shares held by Special Situations Technology Fund II, L.P., 109,246 shares held by Special Situations Fund III, L.P. and 1,246,313 shares held by Special Situations Fund III, QP, L.P.
(3) The information is based upon Schedule 13G filed with the Commission by Rima Management, LLC and Richard Mashaal on March 23, 2007. Based upon such Schedule 13G, the reporting persons disclaim beneficial ownership in the shares reported therein except to the extent of their pecuniary interest therein. Includes 581,393 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of warrants currently exercisable.
(4) The information was provided by Avi Kerbs, President and Chief Executive Officer of Teuza Management & Development Ltd., the management company of Teuza-A Fairchild Technology Venture Ltd.
(5) The information is based upon Amendment No. 2 to Schedule 13G filed with the Commission by, among others, Tamir Fishman Ventures II, LLC (“TFV”), on March 30, 2005: (i) five limited partnerships and a corporation directly beneficially own, in the aggregate, 1,175,600 shares; (ii) TFV beneficially owns 1,175,600 shares as the sole general partner of the five limited partnerships and by virtue of its management rights with respect to the corporation; (c) Shai Saul, is one of the managing members of TFV; (d) Michael Elias is one of the managing members of TFV and reports having sole voting and dispositive power over an additional 7,250 shares; (e) Tamir Fishman & Co. Ltd is one of the managing members of TFV and reports directly owning 5,100 additional shares; (f) Eldad Tamir and Danny Fishman are each Co-President and Co-CEO of Tamir Fishman & Co. Ltd. The total number of shares beneficially owned collectively by this group is 1,182,850.
(6) The information was provided by Giora Dishon. Includes 61,100 ordinary shares held by a trustee according to the tax laws of Israel and 281,236 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of options immediately exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of April 20, 2007.

        All the shareholders of the company have the same voting rights.

        The Company believes that, as of December 31, 2006, approximately 40% of its ordinary shares were held by U.S. holders, and there were approximately 45 record holders in the U.S.

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Control of Registrant

        To the Company’s knowledge, it is not owned or controlled by a foreign government. Except for the shareholders identified above owning more than ten percent of the Company’s ordinary shares, the Company has no knowledge of any corporation or other natural or legal person owning a controlling interest in the Company.

Related Party Transactions

        In 2002, we obtained directors and officers’ liability insurance for our officers and directors with coverage in an aggregate amount of $5,000,000. This coverage was renewed in 2003, 2004 and 2005. In 2007, we obtained directors and officers’ liability insurance for our officers and directors with coverage in an aggregate amount of $7,500,000. This directors and officers’ liability insurance shall be presented for the approval and ratification of the shareholders according to the Companies Law at the General Annual Meeting to be held in 2007. In addition, we undertook to indemnify our officers and directors. Following the 2005 amendment to the Companies Law, on August 31, 2006, the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting approved an amended letter of indemnification to be given to our directors and officers. The aggregate indemnification amount that the Company will pay to all its officers and directors pursuant to these letters of indemnification shall not exceed $10,000,000 or 30% of the Company’s shareholders equity, according to the most recent consolidated financial statement prior to the date of indemnification payment, the higher of the two. Prior to that, we undertook to indemnify our officers and directors up to an aggregate amount of $15,000,000.

        The Company’s undertakings under the indemnification letter are subject to its undertaking made under its registration statement filed with the Commission according to which it shall not be bound to indemnify and exculpate its directors and officers if a court of competent jurisdiction determines that such indemnification is not lawful.

        For information relating to option granted to officers and directors, see “Share Ownership” starting on page 39.

        On November 30, 2006 our shareholders approved the employment agreements with Dr. Giora Dishon and Dr. Moshe Finarov, our directors and co-founders as advisors to our Chief Executive Officer. The agreements are in effect as of July 1, 2006. Pursuant to his employment agreement, Dr. Dishon is being paid a gross monthly salary of $15,000 payable in NIS and was granted options to purchase up to 100,000 ordinary shares under our Stock Option Plan No. 8. Pursuant to the employment agreement with Dr. Finarov, Dr. Finarov is being paid a gross monthly salary of $14,000 payable in NIS and was granted options to purchase up to 100,000 ordinary shares under our Stock Option Plan No. 8. The employment agreements contain a change of control provisions pursuant to which the vesting of the 100,000 options shall be accelerated in certain circumstances.

        On August 31, 2006 our shareholders approved an agreement with Dr. Micha Brunstein, our chairman of the board of directors. The term of engagement commenced as of June 19, 2006 and continues for an unlimited period, unless terminated in certain circumstances as stated in the agreement. Pursuant to the agreement, Dr. Brunstein is being paid a gross annual fee of $110,000 payable monthly in NIS and was granted options to purchase up to 150,000 ordinary shares under our Stock Option Plan No. 8. The employment agreement contains a change of control provisions pursuant to which the vesting of the 150,000 options shall be accelerated in certain circumstances.

        On February 28, 2007, we entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with four investors, including Clal Electronics Industries Ltd., pursuant to which such investors purchased in the aggregate 1,937,983 ordinary shares of the Company, at a price of $2.58 per share, for gross proceeds of $5 million. In connection with this transaction, we issued warrants to these investors to purchase 1,453,485 additional ordinary shares at an exercise price of $3.05 per share.

Item 8. Financial Information

Consolidated Financial Statements

        See “Financial Statements” on page 63 of this report and pages F-1 through F-23.

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Significant Changes

        None.

Legal Proceedings

        From time to time, we are a party to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business. We are not currently a party to any material legal proceedings, apart from those mentioned below.

        In March 2005, we filed a civil action in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against Nanometrics Inc. seeking to enforce our U.S. Patent No. 6,752,689 and in April 2006 Nanometrics filed a civil action in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against us and our wholly-owned subsidiary, Nova Inc. seeking to enforce their U.S. Patent No. Re:34,783. Nova had filed a request for re-examination of the Nanometrics’ patent with the PTO. This request for re-examination was accepted by the PTO for review in December 2006. Nova filed with the court a motion for a stay in the patent litigation case pending completion of the re-examination process of the patent in the lawsuit by the PTO. After reading and considering the arguments presented by the parties, the Court granted Nova’s motion to stay. In October 2006, Nanometrics filed a lawsuit with the District Court of Northern California alleging Nova infringes U.S. Patent Numbers 5,867,276, and 7,115,858 B1. In April 2007, we reached a settlement with Nanometrics of all three patent suits between companies. We agreed to dismiss, without prejudice, all pending patent litigation between the two parties, and have further agreed not to file patent suits against the other and/or any supplier or customer of the other party for patent infringement based on offers to sell, actual sales, manufacturing, purchase or use of any equipment of the other party for a period of one year. The settlement, which received the court approval, terminated the three lawsuits pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. For additional information regarding this litigation, see “Intellectual Property” starting on page 20.

Dividend Policies

        We anticipate that, for the foreseeable future, we will retain any earnings to support operations and to finance the growth and development of our business. Therefore, we do not expect to pay cash dividends for at least the next several years.

        We obtained the status of “approved enterprise” under the Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959, under which we may take advantage of certain tax exemptions. We may further obtain such status in the future. If we distribute a cash dividend from income which is tax exempt, we would have to pay corporate tax at a rate of up to 25% on the amount equal to the amount distributed and on the amount of corporate tax which would have been due in the absence of the tax exemption, in addition to withholding tax on such dividends paid. For further description of the conditions limiting our ability to declare and pay dividends see “Israeli Taxation” starting on page 51.

        The distribution of dividends may also be limited by the Companies Law, which permits the distribution of dividends only out of retained earnings or earnings derived over the two most recent fiscal years, whichever is higher, provided that there is no reasonable concern that payment of a dividend will prevent a company from satisfying its existing and foreseeable obligations as they become due. Our articles of association provide that dividends will be paid at the discretion of, and upon resolution by, our Board of Directors however, the board of directors at its discretion, may transfer the decision in this matter to the general meeting.

Export Sales

        Substantially all of our products are sold to customers located outside Israel.

Item 9. The Offer and Listing

Offer and listing details

        The information presented in the table below presents, for the periods indicated, the reported high and low closing sales prices on the Nasdaq Global Market of our ordinary shares. The shares began trading on Nasdaq on April 11, 2000 at a price of $18 per share. Our ordinary shares were registered for trading on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange in 2002 and the table below presents, for the periods indicated, the reported high and low sales prices on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.

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Nasdaq Global Market

Price per share (US$)
High
 Low
 
Yearly highs and lows            
2002     4.54    0.86  
2003     7.19    1.42  
2004     8.21    3.00  
2005     3.84    2.00  
2006     2.72    1.72  
   
Quarterly highs and lows   
   
2005   
         Second quarter    3.00    2.22  
         Third quarter    2.98    2.20  
         Fourth quarter    2.47    2.00  
2006   
         First quarter    2.64    1.90  
         Second quarter    2.40    1.72  
         Third quarter    2.06    1.82  
         Fourth quarter    2.72    1.86  
2007   
         First quarter    3.02    2.42  
         Second Quarter (until May 7, 2007)    2.88    2.56  
   
Monthly highs and lows   
   
November 2006    2.50    2.14  
December 2006    2.72    2.45  
January 2007    2.70    2.42  
February 2007    3.02    2.46  
March 2007    2.99    2.55  
April 2007    2.88    2.56  

Tel Aviv Stock Exchange*

Price per share (NIS)
High
 Low
 
Yearly highs and lows            
2002     11.58    10.80  
2005     14.08    9.56  
2006     12.79    8.08  
   
Quarterly highs and lows   
   
2005   
         Second quarter    11.00    10.80  
         Third quarter    14.08    10.28  
         Fourth quarter    11.81    9.56  
2006   
         First quarter    12.79    9.74  
         Second quarter    11.31    8.17  
         Third quarter    10.02    8.08  
         Fourth quarter    11.37    8.20  
2007   
         First quarter    12.74    10.40  
         Second Quarter (until May 7, 2007)    12.74    11.21  
   
Monthly highs and lows   
   
November 2006    11.03    9.25  
December 2006    11.37    10.50  
January 2007    11.47    10.86  
February 2007    12.70    10.40  
March 2007    12.74    10.75  
April 2007    12.74    11.21  

* During the years 2003 and 2004 there has been no market activity at the TASE

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Item 10. Additional Information

        Set forth below is a summary of certain provisions of the Company’s memorandum and articles of association, as amended to date, and Israeli law affecting shareholders of the Company. This summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our memorandum and articles of association and such law.

        Registration. The Company was incepted and registered in the Israeli Registrar of Company’s on May 17, 1993, under registration number 51-181-246-3.

        Purpose of the Company. The purposes of the Company, as provided by Article B(3) of our memorandum and articles of association, are (a) to invent, design, plan, develop, manufacture, market and trade in the field of measuring instruments in electronics, micro-electronics, medicine, chemistry, metallurgy, ceramics and any other field, (b) to initiate, participate, manage, execute, import and export any kind of project within the borders of the State of Israel and/or outside Israel, (c) to register patents, trademarks, trade names intellectual property rights marketing rights and any other right of any kind whatsoever, both in Israel and abroad and (d) to engage in any legal activity, both in Israel and abroad.

        Approval of Related Party Transaction; Corporate Borrowings. The Israeli Companies Law, to which the company is subject, requires that an office holder of a company, including directors and executive officers, promptly disclose to the board of directors of that company any personal interest that the office holder may have and all related material information known about any existing or proposed transaction with the company. The approval of the board of directors is required for a transaction between the company and its office holder or between the company and another person in which the office holder has a personal interest that is not an “extraordinary transaction,” unless the articles of association provide otherwise. If the transaction is an “extraordinary transaction,” it also requires the approval of the audit committee prior to its being approved by the board of directors. In the event that the transaction is between the company and a director regarding the director’s terms of engagement with the company, including with regard to other positions in the company filled by the director and including with respect to indemnification, insurance and exemptions, the transaction requires the approval of the audit committee, the board of directors and the shareholders.

        The Companies Law applies the same disclosure requirements to a controlling shareholder of a public company. A controlling shareholder is a shareholder who has the ability to direct the activities of a company, including a shareholder that owns 25% or more of the voting rights if no other shareholder owns more than 50% of the voting rights, but excluding a shareholder whose power derives solely from his or her position on the board of directors or any other position with the company. Approving an extraordinary transaction with a controlling shareholder requires the approval of the company’s audit committee, the board of directors and the company’s shareholders. Approval by the company’s shareholder must be by the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares attending in person or by proxy and, in addition, at least one third of the holders of shares who do not have personal interest in approving the transaction attending in person or represented by proxy must vote in favor of the proposal, or the aggregate number of shares voted against the proposal must not exceed one per cent (1%) of a company’s voting rights.

        Under our articles of association, a transaction by the Company with an officer or director of the Company, in which transaction such officer or director has a personal interest, other than an extraordinary transaction, does not require any board or shareholder approval. Interested board members may not vote on extraordinary transactions. Arrangements regarding the compensation of directors require approval by the audit committee, board of directors and shareholders. Arrangements as to compensation of officer employment terms, if considered “extraordinary transaction”, require approval by the audit committee and board of directors.

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        Under regulations promulgated under the Companies Law regarding payment of compensation to external directors, compensation of external directors shall be comprised of annual compensation and a per meeting payment ranging as stated in the regulations. These amounts are adjusted twice a year in accordance with the Israeli consumer price index. However, with regard to a company, which shares are traded in an exchange outside of Israel, and is subject to laws which impose upon the external directors duties which exceed the duties imposed upon them under Israeli law, the maximum amount payable to the external directors is NIS 100,000 per annum and NIS 3,000 per meeting. The approval of the shareholders of the Company is required for such compensation, unless it is at a fixed amount set forth in these regulations. Alternatively, the compensation of external directors may be linked to the compensation of other directors subject to certain restrictions. Additionally, external directors may be entitled to compensation in stock (including by way of granting options to purchase the Company’s stock), provided that such compensation is granted within the framework of a stock incentive plan applicable to all other directors and further provided the amount of stock granted or purchasable shall not fall below the lowest amount granted to any other director and shall not exceed the average amount of stock granted to all other directors.

        Share Capital. The Company currently has one class of ordinary stock, 0.01 NIS par value per share. Our articles of association provide that the board of directors may declare dividends out of funds legally available therefor. Under the Companies Law, dividends may be paid out of net earnings, as calculated under that law, for the two years preceding the distribution of the dividend and retained earnings, provided that there is no reasonable concern that the dividend will prevent the company from satisfying its existing and foreseeable obligations as they become due. For more information, see the Company’s balance sheet and the statement of shareholders’ equity in the financial statements. Each ordinary share is entitled to one vote at all shareholders meetings.

        Changes of Rights of Holders of the Ordinary Shares. The rights attached to the ordinary shares may be changed, converted, expanded or altered in any other way by the shareholders with the vote of the holders of at least 75% of the ordinary shares.

        Shareholders Meetings. An annual meeting shall be convened at least once every calendar year, and no later than 15 months after the preceding annual meeting, to deliberate on the financial reports, appointment of directors, appointment of an auditing accountant, and any other matter which the board of directors places on the agenda of the annual meeting, at a time and place that the board of directors shall determine. An extraordinary meeting may be called by the board of directors and at the demand of any of the following: two directors or one-quarter of the directors then serving; one or more shareholders who hold at least five per cent of the issued and outstanding capital stock and at least one percent of the voting rights in the Company; or one or more shareholders who hold at least five percent of the voting rights in the Company.

        According to our articles of association, the quorum required for an ordinary meeting of shareholders is at least two shareholders present in person or by proxy who together hold or represent in the aggregate more than one third (33.33%) of the voting power. A meeting adjourned for lack of a quorum is adjourned to the same day in the following week at the same time and place or to a later date if said date is indicated in the prior written notice or if the Company has sent to the shareholders a prior notice of no less than 72 hours before the date set for the postponed meeting. At the reconvened meeting, the required quorum consists of any number of members present in person or by proxy, regardless of the number of shares represented. The Companies Law and regulations determine that prior notice of no less than 21 days should be given to the company’s shareholders, prior to convening a meeting. In the event that the issue to be resolved is an issue listed in Article 87 to the Companies Law and is to be voted upon pursuant to a proxy solicitation, a notice of no less than 35 days should be given to the company’s shareholders.

        Subject to anti-terror legislations, there are no limitations on the rights of non-resident or foreign owners to hold or vote ordinary shares imposed under Israeli law or under the Company’s memorandum or articles of association.

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        Board of Directors. Our articles of association provide that directors may be elected either at our annual general meeting or an extraordinary meeting of shareholders by a vote of the holders of at least 50% of the total number of votes represented at such meeting. In addition, our board of directors is authorized to appoint directors, at its discretion, provided that the total number of directors shall not exceed the maximum number of directors permitted by our articles of association. Each of our directors holds office until the next annual general meeting of shareholders. However, in accordance with the Companies Law, our external directors serve for three years, which may be renewed for additional three year terms, if both the audit committee and the board of directors confirm that in light of the expertise and contribution of the external director, the extension of such external director’s term would be in the interest of our company. The Companies Law requires that the offices of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of the board of directors be held by different persons. However, the Companies Law further provide that those positions may be held by the same person for a period not exceeding three years if approved by a majority of the company’s shareholder, including at least two thirds of the voting present shareholders (shares held by abstaining shareholders are not considered) which are not controlling shareholders or the aggregate number of shares voting against the proposal shall not exceed 1% of company voting shareholders.

        The Companies Law provides that Israeli public companies must have at least two external directors. External directors may be elected at our annual general meeting or an extraordinary meeting of our shareholders in a number and manner stipulated by law, namely, for a term of three years which may be renewed for additional three year terms and requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares and in addition either that (i) at least one third (33.33%) of the holders of shares who are not controlling shareholders attending in person or represented by proxy have voted in favor of the proposal (shares held by abstaining shareholders shall not be considered) or (ii) the aggregate number of shares voting against the proposal has not exceeded 1% of the company’s voting shareholders. External directors may be removed from office only under the following circumstances: (i) an external director ceases to meet the legal requirements for appointment as an external director or breaches his or her fiduciary duty to the company and a resolution to remove such external director is made by the shareholders at a meeting at which such external director is granted a reasonable opportunity to express his position such a resolution requires the same majority of votes that elected the external director) (ii) an external director ceases to meet the legal requirements for appointment as an external director or breaches his or her fiduciary duty to the Company and a court orders that such director be removed; or (iii) an external director is unable to perform his or her duties or is convicted of certain felonies and a court orders that such director be removed.

        According to an amendment made to the Companies Law, an external director is qualified for nomination as an external director, only if he/she has either professional qualifications or accounting and financial expertise. The amendment also provides that at least one of the external directors must have accounting and financial expertise. At the time of nomination, an Israeli company shall be required to nominate an external director who has professional qualifications or accounting and financial expertise provided that at least one of the external directors to serve the company has accounting and financial expertise. However, a company whose shares are traded in certain exchanges outside of Israel, including Nasdaq Global Market, such as our company, is not required to nominate at least one external director who has accounting and financial expertise as long as another independent director for audit committee purposes who has such expertise serve on board of directors pursuant to the applicable foreign securities laws. In such case all external directors will have professional qualification.

        Regulations adopted pursuant to that recent legislation provide that a director with accounting and financial expertise is a director that due to his education, experience and skills has high expertise and understanding in business-accounting matters and financial statements in a way that enables him to deeply understand the financial statements of the company and to facilitate discussion with respect to the way the financial data should be presented. The assessment of the accounting and financial expertise of a director shall be made by the board of directors, who shall take into consideration, inter alia, the education, experience and knowledge of the director in the following subjects:

  (1) Accounting matters and audit accounting matters, which are typical to the sector in which the company works and of companies with the same size and complexity as of the company;
  (2) The duties and obligations of the auditing accountant; and
  (3) Preparing of financial statements and their approval according to applicable law, including securities law.

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        The regulations also provide that a director with professional qualifications is a director who meets one of the following conditions:

  (1) A holder of an academic degree in one of the following: economics, business administration, accounting, law, or public administration;
  (2) A holder of another academic degree or is otherwise a graduate of higher education in a major field of business of the company or in other field which is relevant to the role;
  (3) He has experience of at least five years in one of the following, or that he has cumulative experience of at least five years in two or more of the following:
  (a) A senior position in the business management of a corporation which has a significant scope of business;
  (b) A senior public position or in a senior role in the public service; or
  (c) A senior position in the company’s major fields of business.

        According to the Companies Law, the board of directors of a public company must establish the minimum number of board members that are to have accounting and financial expertise while considering, inter alia, the nature of the company, its size, the scope and complexity of its operations and the number of directors stated in the articles of association of the company.

        In April 2006, the board of directors resolved that the minimum number of board members that need to have accounting and financial expertise, including the external director with accounting and financial expertise is one (1).

        The board of directors determined that each of Mr. Dan Falk and Ms. Naama Zeldis has accounting and financial expertise as described in the regulations promulgated pursuant to Companies law, and that, therefore, the requirements of the minimum number of board members that need to have accounting and financial expertise, as set by the board of directors, has been met.

        Our board of directors has the authority to issue preferred stock in one or more classes or series and to fix the voting powers, preferences and relative participating, optional or other special rights of such preferred stock, without any further vote or action by the shareholders, subject to specific events as detailed in our Articles of Association and relevant rules.

        Changes in Capital. Our share capital may be increased or decreased by a vote of the holders of at least 75% of the shares present at the shareholders meeting.

        Acquisition of a Controlling Stake. According to the Company’s Law, an acquisition pursuant to which a purchaser shall hold a “controlling stake”, that is defined as 25% or more of the voting rights if no other shareholder holds a controlling stake, or an acquisition pursuant to which such purchaser shall hold 45% or more of the voting rights of the company if no other shareholder owns more than 45% of the voting rights, may not be performed by way of market accumulation, but only by way of a tender offer made to all of the company’s shareholders on a pro rata basis. Such offer needs to be approved by the company’s shareholders. A shareholder may be free to object to such an offer without such objection being deemed as waiver of his right to sell its respective shares if the transaction is approved by a majority of the company’s shareholders despite his objection. Shares purchased not in accordance with those provisions shall become “dormant shares” and shall not grant the purchaser any rights so long as held by the purchaser.

        Acquisition. The Companies Law requires an acquirer of a public company’s shares who wishes to acquire all of the company’s shares without the approval of its minority shareholders to acquire at least 95% of all outstanding shares. Even if the acquirer acquires 95% of the outstanding shares, the remaining minority shareholders may seek to block the acquisition in court.

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        The Companies Law provides that corporate mergers require the approval of both companies’ boards of directors and shareholders. In the event, however that shares of the target company are held by the acquiring company or by a person holding 25% or more of any type of controlling means of the acquiring company, the merger will not be approved if a majority of the shareholders of the target company attending and voting at the meeting at which the merger is considered (without taking into account, for that purpose, the shares held by the acquiring company or by a person holding 25% or more of any type of controlling means of the acquiring company) object to and do not vote in favor of the merger. If a person holds 25% or more of any type of controlling means of more than one merging company, the same provisions shall apply with regard to the shareholders’ vote with respect to each such company. Upon the request of a creditor of either party to the proposed merger, the Israeli courts may delay or prevent the merger if the courts conclude that there exists a reasonable concern that as a result of the merger the surviving company will be unable to satisfy the target company’s obligations. Furthermore, a merger may not close unless at least 30 days have passed from the time that the general meeting of each of the merging companies was held and at least 50 days have passed from the date on which the merger proposal was sent to the Israeli Registrar of Companies.

        In addition, the Companies Law preserves provisions of its predecessor, the Companies Ordinance, dealing with arrangements between a company and its shareholders. These arrangements may be used to effect squeeze out transactions in which the target company becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of the acquirer. These provisions generally require that the merger be approved by at least 75% of the shares of participating shareholders and a majority of the shareholders voting at a shareholders meeting. In addition to shareholder approval, court approval of the transaction is required, which entails further delay.

        A merger, the acquisition of a controlling stake or any transaction in which all or substantially all the assets of a company are de facto transferred to another company, may require the approval of the Israeli Commissioner of Restrictive Trade Practices, in the event that the aggregate annual sales volume in Israel of all the companies which are parties to such transaction, exceeds 150,000,000 NIS (approximately $33,000,000, an amount which is adjusted on an annual basis), and also if after the consummation of such transactions, the joint market, in Israel, or at any identified geographic part of Israel will be in excess of 50% with respect to such products and services.

Material Contracts

        On April 24, 2006, we entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with HyperNex, a Delaware corporation located at State College, Pennsylvania and its shareholders providing for the acquisition by us of substantially all the assets of HyperNex and our assumption of certain specified liabilities, including liabilities accruing after the closing relating to contracts assumed by Nova. In August 2006, Nova and HyperNex amended and restated the Asset Purchase Agreement to reduce the amount of shares to be issued by Nova from 1.8 million, as originally agreed, to 1.6 million to reflect the assumption of certain additional liabilities. On August 8, 2006 we completed the purchase of substantially all the assets of HyperNex and assumed certain liabilities, including those accruing after the closing which relate to contracts assumed by us. 1,208,000 ordinary shares were issued to HyperNex, which were distributed to the preferred stockholders of HyperNex. 392,000 of ordinary shares were allocated to managers and the employees of HyperNex. Shares issued to HyperNex managers will vest over a thirty (30) month period as follows: (i) a third of the these shares vested on November 8, 2006 which is three (3) months after grant date; (ii) a third of these shares will vest on November 8, 2007 which is fifteen (15) months after grant date; and (iii) a third of these shares will vest thirty (30) months after grant date. The shares issued to employees of HyperNex will vest over a three (3) year period with a third of such shares vesting on each anniversary as of the grant date. The Asset Purchase Agreement, as amended and restated, also provides the recipients of our ordinary shares with certain limited piggy-back registration rights with respect to our ordinary shares they receive. These piggy-back registration rights are subject to certain customary carve-outs and limitations as well as other limitations set forth in the Amended and Restated Asset Purchase Agreement. In connection with the closing, each HyperNex employee receiving shares also entered into a restricted stock agreement with respect to our ordinary shares received, an employment agreement and a non-compete agreement.

        On February 28, 2007, we entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with four investors, including Clal Electronics Industries Ltd., pursuant to which such investors purchased in the aggregate 1,937,983 ordinary shares of the Company, at a price of $2.58 per share, for gross proceeds of $5 million. In connection with this transaction, we issued warrants to these investors to purchase 1,453,485 additional ordinary shares at an exercise price of $3.05 per share.

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Exchange Controls

        Non-residents of Israel who purchase our ordinary shares outside of Israel with U.S. dollars or other foreign currency will be able to convert dividends (if any) thereon, and any amounts payable upon the dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Company, as well as the proceeds of any sale in Israel of the ordinary shares to an Israeli resident, into freely repatriable dollars, at a rate of exchange prevailing at the time of conversion, pursuant to regulations issued under the Currency Control Law, 1978, provided that Israeli income tax has been withheld by the Company with respect to such amounts. Israeli residents are eligible to purchase securities of certain companies, including our ordinary shares, if they are listed on a foreign exchange in a designated country, which is defined to include the Nasdaq.

Israeli Taxation

        The following summary describes the current tax structure applicable to companies in Israel, with special reference to its effect on us. It also discusses Israeli tax consequences material to persons holding our ordinary shares. Because some parts of the summary are based on new tax legislation yet to be judicially or administratively interpreted, we cannot be sure that the views expressed will accord with any future interpretation. The summary is not intended, and should not be construed, as legal or professional tax advice and does not exhaust all possible tax considerations. Accordingly, you should consult your own tax advisor as to the particular tax consequences of an investment in our ordinary shares.

Tax Reform 

        During the year 2002, tax reform legislation was enacted with effect from January 1, 2003, which significantly changed the taxation basis of corporate and individual taxpayers from a territorial basis to a worldwide basis. From such date, an Israel resident taxpayer will be taxed on income produced and derived both in and out of Israel. The main provisions of the tax reform that may affect the Company are as follows:

        Transfer pricing of international transactions with related parties. The Income Tax Ordinance was amended to include provisions concerning transfer pricing between related parties, where one of the parties is situated abroad. Although the Company considers that the transfer pricing policy adopted with foreign affiliates is economically fair, we cannot be sure that our policy will accord with any future interpretation.

        Employee stock incentive plans. The tax reform codified past practice and determined three alternative tracks for taxing employee stock option plans. Where a trustee arrangement is in place, the employer can either claim an expense for tax purposes while the employee will be fully taxed up to the maximum marginal tax rate of 49% or the Company can waive the tax expense and the employee will pay a reduced tax rate of 25%. Where there is no trustee arrangement, the employee is fully taxable and no expense is allowed to the Company. There are detailed provisions for implementing these tracks. For Option Plans 6 and 7, which were allocated after the implementation of the tax reform, the Company has used the trustee arrangement, with waiver of the tax expense for the company and employee payment of reduced tax rate of 25%. As a result of the reform, the income tax authorities allowed the Company a change of tracks with regard to unvested options issued under option plans prior to the tax reform taking effect, subject to the optionees agreeing to certain restrictions.

        Controlled foreign company (CFC). The amendment to the law introduced Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) provisions, which, in certain circumstances, will lead to the Israeli company being charged tax on passive income of foreign affiliates as if it had received a dividend from such companies. This change is not expected to have material affect on the company’s financial results and tax payments.

        Capital gains tax. Capital gains tax is reduced to 25% from 36%, except with respect to capital gains from marketable securities, with transitional provisions for assets acquired prior to January 1, 2003. For further discussion see below “Capital Gains Tax”.

        Carrying forward of capital losses. The seven year limit for carrying forward of capital losses has been removed with respect to capital losses arising from 1996 and thereafter. This change is not expected to have material affect on the company’s financial results and tax payments.

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General Corporate Tax Structure

        Income not eligible for “approved enterprise” benefits is taxed in 2006 at a regular corporate tax rate of 31%. The tax rate will be reduced in subsequent tax years as follows: in 2007 29%, in 2008 27%, in 2009 26% and thereafter 25%. This change does not have a material effect on our financial statements. However, the effective rate of tax payable by a company which derives income from an “approved enterprise” may be considerably lower – see discussion below.

Tax Benefits under the Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959

        The Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959, provides that upon application to the Investment Center of the Ministry of Industry Trade and Labor, a proposed capital investment in eligible facilities may be designated as an “approved enterprise.” Each certificate of approval for an “approved enterprise” relates to a specific investment program delineated both by its financial scope, including its capital sources, and by its physical characteristics, such as the equipment to be purchased and utilized under the program. The tax benefits derived from this certificate of approval relate only to taxable income derived from growth in operations as determined generally by the growth in manufacturing revenues attributable to the specific approved enterprise. If a company has more than one approval or 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 under the law are not available for income derived from products manufactured outside of Israel.

        Taxable income of a company derived from an approved enterprise is taxed at the maximum rate of 25%, rather than the usual rate of 35% (or less as described above), for the benefit period. This period is ordinarily seven years commencing with the year in which the approved enterprise first generates taxable income, and is limited to 12 years from the year of commencement of operations, as determined by the Investment Center, or 14 years from the year of approval, whichever is earlier.

        A company owning an approved enterprise may elect to receive an alternative package of benefits. Under the alternative package, the company’s undistributed income derived from an approved enterprise will be exempt from tax for a period of between two and ten years from the first year of taxable income, depending on the geographic location of the approved enterprise within Israel, subject to the 12- and 14-year limitations, and the company will be eligible for the tax benefits under the law for the remainder of the benefits period.

        A company that has an approved enterprise program is eligible for further tax benefits if it qualifies as a foreign investors’ company. A foreign investors’ company is a company more than 25% of whose share capital and combined share and loan capital is owned by non-Israeli residents. A company, which qualifies as a foreign investors’ company and has an approved enterprise program is eligible for tax benefits for a ten-year benefit period instead of the ordinary seven-year period. Income derived from the approved enterprise program will be exempt from tax for a specified period and will be taxed at a reduced rate for the rest of the period. The tax rate for the additional eight years is 25%, unless the level of foreign investment exceeds 49%, in which case the tax rate is 20% if the foreign investment is more than 49% and less than 74%, 15% if more than 74% and less than 90%, and 10% if 90% or more.

        The Investment Center bases its decision of whether to approve or reject a company’s application for designation as an approved enterprise on criteria set forth in the law and related regulations, the then prevailing policy of the Investment Center and the specific objectives and financial criteria of the applicant. Accordingly, a company cannot be certain in advance whether its application will be approved. In addition, the benefits available to an approved enterprise are conditional upon compliance with the conditions stipulated in the law and related regulations and the criteria set forth in the specific certificate of approval. In the event that a company violates these conditions, in whole or in part, it would be required to refund the amount of tax benefits plus an amount linked to the Israeli consumer price index and interest.

        A major portion of our production facilities has been granted the status of approved enterprises. Income arising from our approved enterprise facilities is tax-free under the alternative package of benefits described above and entitled to reduced tax rates of up to 25%, based on the level of foreign ownership for specified periods. We have derived, and expect to continue to derive, a substantial portion of our income from our approved enterprise facilities. In general, the benefits for most of our current production facilities in Israel will continue until termination in 2006. Our current investments in facilities are made under new approvals, the benefits of which will continue no longer than 2012.

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        An approved enterprise may elect to distribute dividends from taxable or tax-exempt income. Dividends distributed from taxable income are considered to be attributable to the entire taxable income of the enterprise and their effective tax rate is the result of a weighted combination of the applicable tax rates. We currently intend to reinvest the amount of our income and not to distribute such income as a dividend. In the event that we do pay a cash dividend from income that is derived from our approved enterprises under the alternative package of benefits, which income would normally be tax-exempt, we would be required to pay tax on the amount intended to be distributed as dividends at the rate which would have been applicable had we not elected the alternative package of benefits, generally 10% to 25%, depending on the percentage of our shares held by foreign shareholders. The dividend recipient is taxed at the reduced rate of 15% applicable to dividends from approved enterprises if the dividend is distributed during the tax-exemption period or within 12 years thereafter. We would be required to withhold this tax at source, as final tax in Israel. See “U.S. Taxation – Distributions on the Ordinary Shares” and Note 11 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

        The law also provides that an approved enterprise is entitled to accelerated depreciation on property and equipment included in an approved investment program, generally ranging from 200% for equipment, to 400% for buildings, of ordinary depreciation rates during the first five tax years of the operation of these assets with a ceiling of 20% per year for depreciation on buildings.

        On April 1, 2005, an amendment to the Investment Law came into effect (“the Amendment”) and has significantly changed the provisions of the Investment Law. The Amendment limits the scope of enterprises which may be approved by the Investment Center by setting criteria for the approval of a facility as a Privileged Enterprise, such as provisions generally requiring that at least 25% of the Privileged Enterprise’s Income will be derived from export. Additionally, the Amendment enacted major changes in the manner in which tax benefits are awarded under the Investment Law so that companies no longer require Investment Center approval in order to qualify for tax benefits. However, the Investment Law provides that terms and benefits included in any certificate of approval already granted will remain subject to the provisions of the law as they were on the date of such approval. Therefore, the Israeli companies with Approved Enterprise status will generally not be subject to the provisions of the Amendment. As a result of the amendment, tax-exempt income generated under the provisions of the new law, will subject the Company to taxes upon distribution or liquidation.

Tax Benefits for Research and Development

        Israeli tax law allows a tax deduction in the year incurred for expenditures, including capital expenditures, in scientific research and development projects, if the projects are approved by the relevant Israeli government ministry and the research and development is for the promotion of the enterprise. Expenditures from projects not so approved are deductible over a three-year period. However, expenses made out of proceeds made available to us through government grants are not deductible according to Israeli law.

Tax Benefits under the Law for the Encouragement of Industry (Taxes), 1969

        According to the Law for the Encouragement of Industry (Taxes), 1969, an “industrial company” is a company located in Israel, of which at least 90% of the income, exclusive of income from defense loans, capital gains, interest and dividends, is derived from an “industrial enterprise” owned by it. An “industrial enterprise” is defined as an enterprise whose major activity in a given tax year is industrial production activity. We believe that we currently qualify as an industrial company within the definition of the Law for the Encouragement of Industry (Taxes), 1969.

        Under the law, industrial companies are entitled to the following preferred corporate tax benefits:

  — deduction of purchases of know-how and patents over an eight-year period for tax purposes;

  — deduction of specified expenses incurred in connection with a public issuance of securities over a three-year period for tax purposes, although Israeli tax authorities have indicated that they do not allow these deductions in connection with offerings outside of Israel;

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  — an election to file a consolidated tax return with related Israeli industrial companies that satisfy conditions set forth in the law; and

        Additionally, certain tax laws and regulation allow accelerated depreciation rates on equipment and buildings for industrial companies while referring to the definition of “industrial company” set out by the Law for the Encouragement of Industry (Taxes), 1969.

        Eligibility for the benefits under the law does not require receipt of prior approval from any governmental authority. However, the Israeli tax authorities may determine that we do not qualify as an industrial company. In addition, we might not continue to qualify as an industrial Company in the future. As a result of either of the foregoing, the benefits described above might not be available in the future.

Special Provisions Relating to Taxation Under Inflationary Conditions

        The Income Tax Law (Inflationary Adjustments) (the “Inflationary Adjustments Law”), 1985 represents an attempt to overcome the problems presented to a traditional tax system by an economy undergoing inflation. The law is highly complex. Its features that are material to us can be described as follows:

  — A special tax adjustment for the preservation of equity whereby corporate assets are classified broadly into fixed, or inflation immune assets and non-fixed, or soft assets. Where a company’s equity exceeds the depreciated cost of its fixed assets, the company may take a deduction from taxable income, including tax-exempt income, that reflects the effect of multiplication of the annual rate of inflation on this excess, up to a ceiling of 70% of taxable income, including tax exempt income, in any single tax year, with the unused portion carried forward on a linked basis. If the depreciated cost of fixed assets exceeds a company’s equity, then the excess multiplied by the annual rate of inflation is added to taxable income.

  — Depreciation deductions on fixed assets and losses carried forward are generally adjusted for inflation based on the increase of the Israeli consumer price index.

  — Gains on traded securities, which are normally exempt from tax, are taxable in specified circumstances. However, the regular tax rules governing business income in Israel apply to dealers in securities.

        In accordance with an amendment to the Inflationary Adjustments Law, the Minister of Finance may, with the approval of the Knesset Finance Committee, determine by order, during a certain fiscal year (or until February 28th of the following year), in which the rate of increase of the price index would not exceed or shall not have exceeded, as applicable, 3%, that all or some of the provisions of this law shall not apply to such fiscal year, or, that the rate of increase of the price index relating to such fiscal year shall be deemed to be 0%, and to make the adjustments required to be made as a result of such determination.

Taxation of our Shareholders

Capital Gain Tax

        Capital gain tax is imposed on the disposal of capital assets by an Israeli resident, and on the disposal of such assets by a non- Israel resident if those assets are either (i) located in Israel; (ii) are shares or a right to a share in an Israeli resident corporation (iii) represent, directly or indirectly, rights to assets located in Israel. The Israeli Tax Ordinance distinguishes between “Real Gain” and the “Inflationary Surplus”. Real Gain is the excess of the total capital gain over Inflationary Surplus computed generally on the basis of the increase in the Israeli CPI between the date of purchase and the date of disposal.

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        The capital gain accrued by individuals on the sale of an asset purchased on or after January 1, 2003 will be taxed at the rate of 20%. However, if the individual shareholder is a “Controlling Shareholder” (i.e., a person who holds, directly or indirectly, alone or together with other, 10% or more of one of the Israeli resident company’s means of control at the time of distribution or at any time during the preceding 12 months period) such gain will be taxed at the rate of 25%. In addition, capital gain derived by an individual claiming deduction of financing expenses in respect of such gain will be taxed at the rate of 25%. The real capital gain derived by corporation will be generally subject to tax at the rate of 25%. However, the real capital gain derived from sale of securities, as defined in Section 6 of the Inflationary Adjustment Law, by a corporation, which was subject upon December 31, 2005 to the provisions of Section 6 of the Inflationary Adjustment Law, will be taxed at the corporate tax rate (31% in 2006). The capital gain accrued at the sale of an asset purchased prior to January 1, 2003 will be subject to tax at a blended rate. The marginal tax rate for individuals (up to 49% in 2006) and the regular corporate tax rate for corporations (31% in 2006) will be applied to the gain amount which bears the same ratio to the total gain realized as the ratio which the holding period commencing at the acquisition date and terminating on January 1, 2003 bears to the total holding period. The remainder of the gain realized will be subject to capital gains tax at the rates applicable to an asset purchased after January 1, 2003 (see aforementioned).

        Individual and corporate shareholder dealing in securities in Israel are taxed at the tax rates applicable to business income (in 2006 – 31% tax rate for a corporation and a marginal tax rate of up to 49% for individual). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the shareholder is a non-Israeli resident, then such taxation is subject to the provision of any applicable double tax treaty. Moreover, capital gain derived from the sale of the Shares by a non-Israeli shareholder may be exempt under the Israeli income tax ordinance from Israeli taxation provided the following cumulative conditions are met: (i) the Shares were purchased upon or after the registration of the Shares at the stock exchange, (ii) the seller doesn’t have a permanent establishment in Israel to which the derived capital gain is attributed, and (iii) if the seller is a corporation, less than 25% of its means of control are held by Israeli resident shareholders. In addition, the sale of the Shares may be exempt from Israeli capital gain tax under an applicable tax treaty. Thus, the U.S.-Israel Double Tax Treaty exempts U.S. resident from Israeli capital gain tax in connection with such sale, provided (i) the U.S. resident owned, directly or indirectly, less than 10% of an Israeli resident company’s voting power at any time within the 12 – month period preceding such sale; (ii) the seller, being an individual, is present in Israel for a period or periods of less than 183 days at the taxable year; and (iii) the capital gain from the sale was not derived through a permanent establishment of the U.S. resident in Israel.

        Either the seller, the Israeli stockbrokers or financial institution through which the sold securities are held are obliged, subject to the above mentioned exemptions, to withhold tax upon the sale of securities from the real capital gain at the rate of 25% in respect of a corporation and 20% in respect of an individual.

        Generally, within 30 days of a transaction a detailed return, including a computation of the tax due, should be submitted to the Israeli Tax Authority, and an advanced payment amounting to the tax liability arising from the capital gain is payable. At the sale of traded securities, the aforementioned detailed return may not be submitted and the advanced payment should not be paid if all tax due was withheld at source according to applicable provisions of the Israeli income tax ordinance and regulations promulgated thereunder. Capital gain is also reportable on the annual income tax return.

Dividends

        A distribution of dividend from income attributed to an “approved enterprise” will be subject to tax in Israel at the rate of 15%, subject to a reduced rate under any applicable double tax treaty. A distribution of dividend from income, which is not attributed to an “Approved Enterprise” to an Israeli resident individual will generally be subject to income tax at a rate of 20%. However, a 25% tax rate will apply if the dividend recipient is a “Controlling Shareholder” (i.e., a person who holds, directly or indirectly, alone or together with other, 10% or more of one of the Israeli resident company’s means of control at the time of distribution or at any time during the preceding 12 months period). If the recipient of the dividend is an Israeli resident corporation, such dividend will be exempt from income tax provided the income from which such dividend is distributed was derived or accrued within Israel.

        Under the Israeli Income Tax Ordinance, a non-Israeli resident (either individual or corporation) is generally subject to an Israeli income tax on the receipt of dividends at the rate of 20% (25% if the dividends recipient is a “Controlling Shareholder” (as defined above)); those rates are subject to a reduced tax rate under an applicable double tax treaty. Thus, under the Double Tax Treaty concluded between the State of Israel and the U.S. the following rates will apply in respect of dividends distributed by an Israeli resident company to a U.S. resident: (i) if the U.S. resident is a corporation which holds during that portion of the taxable year which precedes the date of payment of the dividend and during the whole of its prior taxable year (if any), at least 10% of the outstanding shares of the voting stock of the Israeli resident paying corporation and not more then 25% of the gross income of the Israeli resident paying corporation for such prior taxable year (if any) consists of certain type of interest or dividends – the tax rate is 12.5%, (ii) if both the conditions mentioned in section (i) above are met and the dividend is paid from an Israeli resident company’s income which was entitled to a reduced tax rate applicable to an “approved enterprise” under the Israeli Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments of 1959– the tax rate is 15%, and (iii) in all other cases, the tax rate is 25%. The aforementioned rates under the Israel U.S. Double Tax Treaty will not apply if the dividend income was derived through a permanent establishment of the U.S. resident in Israel.

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        An Israeli resident company whose shares are listed in a stock exchange is obligated to withhold tax, upon the distribution of a dividend attributed to an approved enterprise’s income, from the amount distributed, at the following rates: (i) Israeli resident corporation – 15%, (ii) Israeli resident individual – 15%, and (iii) non-Israeli resident – 15%, subject to a reduced tax rate under an applicable double tax treaty. If the dividend is distributed from an income not attributed to the approved enterprise, the following withholding tax rates will apply: (i) Israeli resident corporation – 0%, (ii) Israeli resident individual – 20% (iii) non-Israeli resident – 20%, subject to a reduced tax rate under an applicable double tax treaty.

U.S. Taxation

        The following describes the material United States federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our ordinary shares to a U.S. holder.

        For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. holder” is:

  — a natural person who is a citizen or resident of the United States;

  — a corporation or another entity taxable as a corporation created or organized under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision of the United States;

  — an estate, the income of which is includable in gross income for United States federal income tax purposes regardless of its source; or

  — a trust, if (a) a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and (b) one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions.

        This summary is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all of the U.S. federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to a decision to purchase, hold or dispose of the ordinary shares. This summary generally considers only U.S. holders that will own the ordinary shares as capital assets and does not consider the U.S. tax consequences to a person that is not a U.S. holder or the tax treatment of persons who hold the ordinary shares through a partnership or other pass-through entity. In addition, the possible application of U.S. federal estate or gift taxes or any aspect of state, local or non-U.S. tax laws is not considered. This discussion is based on current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), current and proposed Treasury Regulations promulgated under the Code, and administrative and judicial interpretations of the Code, all as in effect today and all of which may change, possibly with a retroactive effect.

        This discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to any particular U.S. holder based on the holder’s particular circumstances, such as,

  — persons who own, directly, indirectly or constructively, 10% or more of our outstanding voting shares;

  — persons who hold the ordinary shares as part of a hedging, straddle or conversion transaction;

  — persons whose functional currency is not the dollar;

  — persons who acquire their ordinary shares in a compensatory transaction;

  — broker-dealers;

  — insurance companies;

  — tax-exempt organizations;

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  — financial institutions; and

  — persons subject to the alternative minimum tax.

Availability of Reduced Tax Rates

        U.S. legislation enacted in 2003 reduced to 15% the maximum U.S. Federal income tax rate on certain long-term capital gains and on qualifying dividends. Long-term capital gains from the sale of our ordinary shares would be eligible for this reduced rate.  Dividends, if any, would also be eligible for this reduced rate, provided that we do not constitute a passive foreign investment company.

Distributions on the Ordinary Shares

        We currently do not intend to pay dividends for at least the next several years. However, if we make any distributions of cash or other property to a U.S. holder of our ordinary shares, the amount of the distribution for U.S. federal income tax purposes will equal the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property distributed and will also include the amount of Israeli taxes withheld, if any, as described above under “Dividends” starting on page 55. In general, a distribution paid by us on the ordinary shares to a U.S. holder will be treated as dividend income if the distribution does not exceed our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The amount of any distribution which exceeds these earnings and profits will be treated first as a non-taxable return of capital, reducing the U.S. holder’s tax basis in its ordinary shares to the extent thereof, and then as capital gain from the deemed disposition of the ordinary shares. Corporate holders generally will not be allowed a deduction for dividends received on the ordinary shares.

        A dividend paid by us in NIS will be included in the income of U.S. holders at the U.S. dollar value of the dividend, based upon the spot rate of exchange in effect on the date of the distribution. U.S. holders will have a tax basis in the NIS for U.S. federal income tax purposes equal to that U.S. dollar value. Any subsequent gain or loss resulting from exchange rate fluctuations between the day the dividend was included in income of U.S. holders and the day the NIS are converted into U.S. dollars or otherwise are disposed of, will be taxable as ordinary income, gain or loss from U.S. sources.

        Dividends paid by us generally will be foreign source “passive income” for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes or, in the case of a U.S. holder that is a financial services entity, “financial services income.” U.S. holders may elect to claim as a foreign tax credit against their U.S. federal income tax liability the Israeli income tax withheld from dividends received on the ordinary shares. The Code provides limitations on the amount of foreign tax credits that a U.S. holder may claim. U.S. holders that do not elect to claim a foreign tax credit may instead claim a deduction for Israeli income tax withheld, but only for a year in which these U.S. holders elect to do so for all foreign income taxes. The rules relating to foreign tax credits are complex, and you should consult your tax advisor to determine whether and if you would be entitled to this credit.

Sale or Exchange of the Ordinary Shares

        Upon the sale or exchange of the ordinary shares, a U.S. holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale or exchange and the U.S. holder’s tax basis in the ordinary shares. The gain or loss recognized on the sale or exchange of the ordinary shares generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder’s holding period of the ordinary shares is more than one year at the time of the disposition.

        Gain or loss recognized by a U.S. holder on a sale or exchange of ordinary shares generally will be treated as U.S. source income or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. Under the tax treaty between the United States and Israel, gain derived from the sale, exchange or other disposition of ordinary shares by a holder who is a resident of the U.S. for purposes of the treaty and who sells the ordinary shares within Israel may be treated as foreign source income for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.

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Passive Foreign Investment Companies

        In general, a foreign (that is, non-U.S.) corporation will be a passive foreign investment company (a “PFIC”) for any taxable year if either (1) 75% or more of its gross income in the taxable year is passive income, or (2) 50% or more of the average value of its gross assets in the taxable year is held for the production of, or produces, passive income. For purpose of the income test, passive income includes dividends, interest, royalties, rents, annuities and net gains from the disposition of assets, which produce passive income. For purposes of the assets test, assets held for the production of passive income includes assets held for the production of, or that produce dividends, interest, royalties, rents, annuities, and other income included in the income test. The income test is conducted at the taxable year-end. The asset test is conducted on a quarterly basis and the quarterly results are then averaged together.

        If a corporation is treated as a PFIC for any year during a U.S. holder’s holding period and the U.S. holder does not timely elect to treat the corporation as a “qualified electing fund” under Section 1295 of the Code or elect to mark its ordinary shares to market (both as described below), any gain on the disposition of the shares will be treated as ordinary income, rather than capital gain, and the holder will be required to compute its tax liability on that gain, as well as on dividends and other distributions, as if the income had been earned ratably over each day in the U.S. holder’s holding period for the shares. The portion of the gain and distributions allocated to prior taxable years in which a corporation was a PFIC will be taxed at the highest ordinary income tax rate in effect for each taxable year to which this portion is allocated. An interest charge will be imposed on the amount of the tax allocated to these taxable years. A U.S. holder may elect to treat a corporation as a qualified electing fund only if the corporation complies with requirements imposed by the IRS to enable the shareholder and the IRS to determine the corporation’s ordinary income and net capital gain. Additionally, if a corporation is a PFIC, a U.S. holder who acquires shares in the corporation from a decedent will be denied the normally available step-up in tax basis to fair market value for the shares at the date of death and instead will have a tax basis equal to the decedent’s tax basis if lower than fair market value.

        Status of Nova as a PFIC. Under the income test, less than 75% of our gross income was passive income in 2006. The determination of our status under the asset test is more difficult, because that test requires a quarterly determination of the fair market value of our passive and non-passive assets and there is no definitive method set forth in the Code, U.S. Treasury Regulations or administrative or judicial interpretations thereof for determining the value of a foreign corporation’s assets under the asset test. While there are no definitive rules, the legislative history of the U.S. Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 indicates that for purposes of the PFIC assets test, “the total value of a publicly-traded foreign corporation’s assets generally will be treated as equal to the sum of the aggregate value of its outstanding stock plus its liabilities.”

        For 2006, while we continued to have substantial amounts of cash and short-term deposits and the market value of our ordinary shares continued to decrease, a determination of the value of our assets by reference to the market value of our ordinary shares and our liabilities results in a conclusion that the average value of our passive assets did not exceed 50% of the average value of our gross assets in 2006. Nonetheless, there is a risk that we were a PFIC in 2006 or we will be a PFIC in 2007 or subsequent years because, as indicated above, there are no definitive rules regarding the manner in which a company should value its assets for purposes of the PFIC asset test.

        Available Elections. If we will be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, U.S. holders should consider whether or not to elect to treat us as a “qualified electing fund” or to elect to “mark-to-market” their ordinary shares. If a U.S. holder makes a qualified electing fund election (a “QEF election”) for all taxable years that the U.S. holder holds our ordinary shares and during which we are treated as a PFIC, the U.S. holder will be required for each taxable year to include in income a pro rata share of our undistributed ordinary earnings and net capital gain, if any, as ordinary income and long-term capital gain, respectively. In order to make (or maintain) a QEF election, the U.S. holder must annually complete and file IRS From 8621. In addition, we must make certain information regarding our net capital gains and ordinary earnings available to the U.S. holder and permit our books and recorded to be examined to verify such information. Therefore, if you determine that we are a PFIC for any year and make a request to us in writing at the address on the cover our latest Annual Report on Form 20-F, Attention Chief Financial Officer, for the information required to make a QEF election, we will promptly make the information available to you and comply with any other applicable requirements of the Code.

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        A QEF election, once made with respect to us, applies to the tax year for which it was made and to all subsequent tax years, unless the election is invalidated or terminated, or the IRS consents to revocation of the election. If you make a QEF election and we cease to qualify as a PFIC in a subsequent tax year, the QEF election will remain in effect, although it will not be applicable during those tax years in which we do not qualify as a PFIC. Therefore, if we – after ceasing to qualify as a PFIC – again qualify as a PFIC in a subsequent tax year, the QEF election will be effective and you will again be subject to the rules described above for US holders making QEF elections in such tax year and any subsequent tax years in which we qualify as a PFIC. A QEF election also remains in effect even after you dispose of all of your direct and indirect interest in our ordinary shares. As a result, if you subsequently acquire any of our ordinary shares or an interest in any of our ordinary shares, you will again be subject to the rules described above for US holders making a QEF election for each tax year in which we qualify as a PFIC.

        Alternatively, if a U.S. holder elects to “mark-to-market” its ordinary shares, the U.S. holder will generally include in its income any excess of the fair market value of our ordinary shares at the close of each taxable year over the holder’s adjusted basis in such ordinary shares. A U.S. holder generally will be allowed an ordinary deduction for the excess, if any, of the adjusted tax basis of the ordinary shares over the fair market value of the ordinary shares as of the close of the taxable year, or the amount of any net mark-to-market gains recognized for prior taxable years, whichever is less. A U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in the ordinary shares will generally be adjusted to reflect the amounts included or deducted under the mark-to-market election. Additionally, any gain on the actual sale or other disposition of the ordinary shares generally will be treated as ordinary income. Ordinary loss treatment also will apply to any loss recognized on the actual sale or other disposition of ordinary shares to the extent that the amount of such loss does not exceed the net mark-to-market gains previously included with respect to such ordinary shares. An election to mark-to-market generally will apply to the taxable year in which the election is made and all subsequent taxable years. A mark-to-market election applies to the tax year for which the election is made and to each subsequent year, unless our ordinary shares cease to be marketable, as specifically defined, or the IRS consents to revocation of the election. No view is expressed regarding whether our ordinary shares are marketable for these purposes or whether the election will be available.

        If a U.S. holder makes either the QEF election or the mark-to-market election, distributions and gain will not be recognized ratably over the U.S. holder’s holding period or be subject to an interest charge as described above. Further, the denial of basis step-up at death described above will not apply. If a U.S. holder elects to treat us as a “qualified electing fund,” gain on the sale of the ordinary shares will be characterized as capital gain. However, U.S. holders making one of these two elections may experience current income recognition, even if we do not distribute any cash. The elections must be made with the U.S. holder’s federal income tax return for the year of election, filed by the due date of the return (as it may be extended) or, under certain circumstances provided in applicable Treasury Regulations, subsequent to that date.

        The foregoing discussion relating to the QEF election and mark-to-market elections assumes that a U.S. holder makes the applicable election with respect to the first year in which Nova qualifies as a PFIC. If the election is not made for the first year in which Nova qualifies as a PFIC, the procedures for making the election and the consequences of election will be different.

        A number of specific rules and requirements apply to both the QEF election and the mark-to-market election, and you are urged to consult your tax advisor concerning our PFIC status and the various elections you can make.

United States Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

        Dividend payments and proceeds from the sale or disposal of ordinary shares may be subject to information reporting to the Internal Revenue Service and possible U.S. federal backup withholding at the rate of 28%. Backup withholding will not apply, however, to a holder who furnishes a correct taxpayer identification number or certificate of foreign status and makes any other required certification or who is otherwise exempt from backup withholding (for example, if you are a corporation). Any U.S. holder who is required to establish exempt status generally must file Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 (“Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification”). Finalized Treasury Regulation, which are applicable to payments made after December 31, 2000, have generally expanded the circumstances under which information reporting and backup withholding may apply.

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        Amounts withheld as backup withholding may be credited against a U.S. holder’s federal income tax liability. A U.S. holder may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules by filing the appropriate claim for refund with the Internal Revenue Service and furnishing any required information.

Documents on Display

        The documents referred to herein, including our memorandum and articles of association, can be obtained from the Company at its registered office at Weizmann Science Park, Building 22, 2nd Floor, Ness-Ziona 76100, Israel. In addition, the Company is subject to certain informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. In accordance therewith, the Company files reports with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Reports and other information provided to the SEC by the Company may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at Room 1024, 100 Fifth Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Information on the operation of the public reference facilities may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, certain of the Company’s reports filed with the SEC are available on-line at www.sec.gov.

Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market risk

        Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact the consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company. The Company is exposed to market risk in the area of foreign exchange rates, as described below.

        The Company does not utilize financial instruments for trading purposes and holds no derivative financial instruments that could expose it to significant market risk.

Impact of Inflation and Currency Fluctuation

        Substantially all of our sales are made in U.S. dollars. Over 50% of our expenses in 2006 were in dollars or in NIS linked to the dollar. Most of the remaining expenses were in NIS. The dollar cost of our operations in Israel is influenced by any increase and the timing of such increase, in the rate of inflation in Israel that is not offset by the devaluation of the NIS in relation to the dollar During 2006, the value of the NIS increased against the dollar by 8.62%, while the consumer price index in Israel decreased approximately 0.1 %. During 2005, the value of the NIS decreased against the dollar by 5.6%, while the consumer price index in Israel increased 2.39%.During 2004, the value of the NIS increased against the dollar by 1.62%, while the consumer price index in Israel increased 2.38%. We believe that the rate of inflation in Israel has had a minor effect on our business to date. However, our dollar costs in Israel will increase if inflation in Israel exceeds the devaluation of the NIS against the dollar or if the timing of this devaluation lags behind inflation in Israel. As of December 31, 2006, the majority of our net monetary assets were denominated in dollars and the remainder was denominated mainly in NIS. Net monetary assets that are not denominated in dollars or dollar-linked NIS are affected by the risk of currency fluctuations. In addition, approximately 5% of our expenses are in Euros. During 2006, the value of the Euro increased against the dollar by approximately 11.5%. The strength of the dollar against the Euro and the NIS has decreased the average dollar value of expenses valued in those currencies.

        Based upon historical US dollar currency movement, the Company does not believe that reasonably possible near-term changes in the US dollar currency of 5% will result in a material effect on future earnings, financial position or cash flows of the Company.

        In 2004, the Company entered into currency-forward and currency-put options transactions (NIS/dollar) to insure (NIS/dollar) the rate in 2004. The total accumulated sum insured in the year was approximately $7.7 million with settlement dates through 2005, and the results of these transactions did not have, as expected, any material effect on the operational results of the Company.

        In 2005, the Company entered into currency-forward and currency-put and currency call options transactions (NIS/dollar, Euro/dollar, Yen/dollar) to insure (NIS/dollar, Euro/dollar, Yen/dollar) the rate in 2005. The total accumulated sum insured in the year was approximately $4.25 million with settlement dates through 2005, and the results of these transactions did not have, as expected, any material effect on the operational results of the Company.

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        In 2006, the Company entered into currency-forward transactions (NIS/dollar, Euro/dollar, Yen/dollar) to insure (NIS/dollar, Euro/dollar, Yen/dollar) the rate in 2006. The total accumulated sum insured in the year was approximately $15.2 million with settlement dates through 2006, and the results of these transactions did not have, as expected, any material effect on the operational results of the Company.

Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

        Not applicable.

PART II

Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

        None.

Item 14. Material Modification to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

        The effective date of the Securities Act registration statement for which use of proceeds is being disclosed is April 11, 2000. The commission file number assigned to that registration statement is 333-11640.

        We sold 3,000,000 ordinary shares for net proceeds of $49 million. As of March 31, 2007, approximately $26 million of the net proceeds had been used for working capital requirements and $7 million for capital expenditures.

Item 15. Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

        Based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 20-F, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) were effective so as to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

        In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, we and our management recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and our management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating and implementing possible controls and procedures.

Changes in internal controls

        During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

        In early 2006, and before publishing the financial results for year 2005, we initiated a review of our recognition of revenues in 2004 and for the first three quarters of 2005. As a result of this review, we concluded that we did not properly recognize revenues from multiple deliverables sales arrangements in 2004 which included upgrade commitments or trade-in rights. We also concluded that we did not properly recognize revenues in the first three quarters of 2005 from multiple deliverables sales arrangements that included upgrade commitments or trade-in rights, and in the first quarter of 2005 from extended warranty contracts. This review led us to restate our 2004 financial statements and to correct our financial results for the first three quarters of 2005.

- 61 -

        Accordingly, we implemented several additional disclosure controls in 2006, including a quarterly review of all purchase orders and agreements governing the purchase orders, stricter controls to ensure that all multiple deliverables sales arrangements are properly approved by management in writing, and monitoring of the accuracy and proper use of new computer systems which are used to allocate revenue from warranty contracts.

Item 16. Reserved

        Reserved.

Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert

        Our Board of Directors has determined that our Audit Committee includes one audit committee financial expert, as defined by Item 16A of Form 20-F, Mr. Dan Falk. Mr. Dan Falk is an independent director as such term is defined by Rule 4200(15) of the NASDAQ Stock Market.

Item 16B. Code of Ethics

        The Company has adopted a written code of conduct that applies to all Company employees, including the Company’s directors, principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer.

        You may review our code of conduct on our website, http://nova.co.il under “About Nova”.

Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

        During each of the last two fiscal years, Brightman Almagor & Co., an independent registered accounting firm and a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (“Deloitte & Touche”) has acted as the our registered public accounting firm and independent auditors.

        Audit Fees

        Deloitte & Touche billed the Company approximately $43,000 for audit services for fiscal 2005, including fees associated with the annual audit and reviews of the Company’s quarterly financial results submitted on Form 6-K, consultations on various accounting issues and performance of local statutory audits. Deloitte & Touche billed the Company approximately $57,000 for audit services in fiscal 2006.

        Audit-Related Fees

        Deloitte & Touche did not bill for any audit-related services in 2005 or 2006, except as included under the caption “Audit Fees”.

        Tax Fees

        Deloitte & Touche billed the Company approximately $2,000 for tax advice, including fees associated with tax compliance services, tax planning services and other tax consulting services for fiscal 2005. Deloitte & Touche billed the Company approximately $4,000 for tax advice in fiscal 2006.

        All Other Fees

        Deloitte & Touche billed the Company approximately $5,000 for SEC compliance related services other than Audit Fees and Tax Fees described above for fiscal 2005. Deloitte & Touche billed the Company approximately $4,000 for services related to the Office of Chief Scientist and Investment Center other than Audit Fees and Tax Fees described above for fiscal 2005.

- 62 -

        Pre-Approval Policies For Non-Audit Services

        Prior to the engagement of Deloitte & Touche each year, the engagement is approved by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. The Company’s Audit Committee rules of procedure provide for a process with respect to the prior approval of all services, including non-audit services, to be performed by the independent auditors for the Company. In fiscal 2005 and 2006, the Company’s Audit Committee approved all of the services provided by Deloitte & Touche.

Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

        The Company has not obtained any exemption from applicable audit committee listing standards.

Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliates Purchasers

        In 2006, neither the Company nor any affiliated purchaser (as defined in the Exchange Act) purchased any of the Company’s ordinary shares.

PART III

Item 17. Financial Statements

        Not applicable.

Item 18. Financial Statements

        See pages F-1 through F-23.

Item 19. Exhibits

        See Exhibit Index.

- 63 -

NOVA MEASURING INSTRUMENTS LTD.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2006

NOVA MEASURING INSTRUMENTS LTD.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2006

Contents

Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm F-2
        
Consolidated Financial Statements
        
   Balance Sheets- December 31, 2006 and 2005 F-3
        
   Statements of Operations - Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 F-4
        
   Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss) -
   Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 F-5
        
   Statements of Cash Flows - Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 F-6-F-7
        
   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-8-F-23

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF
NOVA MEASURING INSTRUMENTS LTD.

We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Nova Measuring Instruments Ltd. (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive loss and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and their consolidated results of operations and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America

Brightman Almagor & Co.
Certified Public Accountants (Israel)
A member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

Tel Aviv, Israel
February 28, 2007

F - 2

NOVA MEASURING INSTRUMENTS LTD.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)

As of December 31,
2006
 2005
 
CURRENT ASSETS            
   Cash and cash equivalents   $ 4,176   $ 5,776  
   Short-term interest-bearing bank deposits    466    1,206  
   Short-term investments    2,400    3,500  
   Held to maturity securities    3,265    4,388  
   Trade accounts receivable (net of $14 for doubtful accounts)    10,252    6,841  
   Inventories (Note 4)    8,968    6,606  
   Other current assets    1,917    1,141  
     31,444    29,458  
LONG-TERM ASSETS  
   Long-term interest-bearing bank deposits    3,172    2,974  
   Held to maturity securities    1,704    4,952  
   Other long-term assets    222    262  
   Severance pay funds (Note 8)    2,249    2,186  
     7,347    10,374  
   
   FIXED ASSETS, NET (Note 5)    2,601    2,507  
   
   INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET (Note 6)    3,027    -  
   
      Total assets   $ 44,419   $ 42,339  
   
CURRENT LIABILITIES  
   Trade accounts payable   $ 6,424   $ 5,744  
   Deferred revenue    3,048    3,852  
   Other current liabilities (Note 7)    6,099    5,028  
     15,571    14,624  
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES  
   Liability for employee severance pay (Note 8)    3,224    2,907  
   Deferred revenue    979    1,264  
   Other long-term liability    70    100  
     4,273    4,271  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 9)  
   
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Note 10)  
   Ordinary shares, NIS 0.01 par value - authorized 40,000,000  
     shares, issued and outstanding 17,104,523  
     and 15,457,471 shares, respectively    50    46  
   Additional paid-in capital    76,685    73,636  
   Accumulated other comprehensive income    (6 )  (18 )
   Accumulated deficit    (52,154 )  (50,220 )
         Total shareholders' equity    24,575    23,444  
   
         Total liabilities and shareholders' equity   $ 44,419   $ 42,339  

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

F - 3

NOVA MEASURING INSTRUMENTS LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except loss per share data)

Year ended December 31,
2006
 2005
 2004
 
REVENUES:                
Product sales   $ 38,258   $ 21,985   $ 29,274  
Services    10,034    8,157    7,532  
     48,292    30,142    36,806  
   
COST OF REVENUES:  
Product sales    18,728    11,413    14,396  
Services    9,015    7,893    6,715  
     27,743    19,306    21,111  
   
GROSS PROFIT    20,549    10,836    15,695  
   
OPERATING EXPENSES:  
   
Research and development, net of participation  
   by the Office of Chief Scientist of $1,862, $1,896 and $1,926,  
    respectively (Note 9)    9,166    9,301    8,665  
Sales and marketing    8,754    6,950    6,647  
General and administrative    5,136    3,626    2,331  
     23,056    19,877    17,643  
   
OPERATING LOSS    (2,507 )  (9,041 )  (1,948 )
   
INTEREST INCOME, NET    573    627    528  
   
NET LOSS FOR THE YEAR   $ (1,934 ) $ (8,414 ) $ (1,420 )
   
LOSS PER SHARE:  
   
Basic and diluted loss per share   $ (0.12 ) $ (0.55 ) $ (0.09 )
   
Shares used in calculation of basic and diluted loss per share    15,976    15,437    15,259  

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

F - 4

NOVA MEASURING INSTRUMENTS LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In thousands)

Ordinary
shares
 Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 Deferred
stock-based
compensation
 Accumulated
other
Comprehensive
Income (loss)
 Accumulated
Deficit
 Total
Comprehensive
Income (loss)
 Total
Shareholders'
Equity (loss)
 
Balance as of January 1, 2004     $ 46   $ 72,785   $ (122 ) $ 13   $ (40,386 )      $ 32,336  
   
Employee share-based plans   (*) -    548                        548  
Amortization of deferred equity- based compensation              122                   122  
Change in fair market value of hedging derivatives                   (5 )      $ (5 )  (5 )
Net loss for the year                        (1,420 )  (1,420 )  (1,420 )
Total comprehensive loss                            $ (1,425 )  (1,425 )
   
Balance as of December 31, 2004   $ 46   $ 73,333   $ -   $ 8   $ (41,806 )      $ 31,581  
Shares issued under employee share-based plans   (*) -    275                        275  
Equity-based compensation         28    (28 )                 -  
Amortization of deferred equity- based compensation              28                   28  
Change in fair market value of hedging derivatives                   (26 )      $ 26    (26 )
Net loss for the year                        (8,414 )  (8,414 )  (8,414 )
Total comprehensive loss                            $ (8,388 )  (8,440 )
   
Balance as of December 31, 2005   $ 46   $ 73,636   $ -   $ (18 ) $ (50,220 )      $ 23,444  
   
Employee share-based plans   (*) -    83                        83  
Restricted shares issued to employees    1    346                        347  
Equity-based compensation         315                        315  
Shares issued in acquisition    3    2,305                        2,308  
Change in fair market value of hedging derivatives                   12        $ 12    12  
Net loss for the year                        (1,934 )  (1,934 )  (1,934 )
Total comprehensive loss                            $ (1,922 )  (1,922 )
   
Balance as of December 31, 2006   $ 50   $ 76,685   $ -   $ (6 ) $ (52,154 )      $ 24,575  

(*) Less than $1

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

F - 5

NOVA MEASURING INSTRUMENTS LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)

Year ended December 31,
2 0 0 6
 2 0 0 5
 2 0 0 4
 
CASH FLOWS - OPERATING ACTIVITIES                
   
  Net loss for the year   $ (1,934 ) $ (8,414 ) $ (1,420 )
  Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operations:  
     Depreciation and amortization    1,413    894    548  
     Net recognized gains on investments    (226 )  (380 )  (309 )
     Amortization of deferred equity-based compensation    662    28    122  
     Increase (decrease) in liability for employee termination benefits, net    254    (66 )  310  
     Decrease (increase) in trade accounts receivable    (3,411 )  9    (1,046 )
     Decrease (increase) in other current assets and other long term assets    (736 )  148    (70 )
     Increase in inventories    (786 )  (252 )  (2,202 )
     Increase (decrease) in trade accounts payables and other
       long-term liabilities		    137    904    (624 )
     Increase (decrease) in short term and long-term deferred income    604    (2,567 )  3,568  
     Increase (decrease) in other current liabilities    (1,089 )  2,315    (715 )
     Net cash - operating activities    (5,112 )  (7,381 )  (1,838 )
CASH FLOWS - INVESTING ACTIVITIES   
   
  Decrease (increase) in short-term interest-bearing bank deposits    567    931    (1,205 )
  Decrease (Increase) in short term investments    1,100    (3,500 )  -  
  Proceeds from held to maturity securities    5,261    5,612    4,530  
  Investment in short-term held to maturity securities    (664 )  -    (1,948 )
  Investment in long-term held to maturity securities    -    -    (12,549 )
  Investment in long-term interest-bearing bank deposits    (25 )  (1,050 )  (759 )
  Acquisition of assets and liabilities - Schedule A    (1,577 )  -    -  
  Additions to fixed assets    (1,233 )  (1,282 )  (1,242 )
   
     Net cash - investing activities    3,429    711    (13,173 )
CASH FLOWS - FINANCING ACTIVITIES   
   
Shares issued under employee share-based plans    83    275    548  
   
     Net cash - financing activities    83    275    548  
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents    (1,600 )  (6,395 )  (14,463 )
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year    5,776    12,171    26,634  
Cash and cash equivalents - end of year   $ 4,176   $ 5,776   $ 12,171  

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

F - 6

NOVA MEASURING INSTRUMENTS LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)

SCHEDULE A – ACQUISITION OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Acquisition of Assets and liabilities
 2 0 0 6
 
              Working Capital      665  
              Long lived assets    101  
              Other identifiable intangible assets    2,408  
              Long term liabilities    (81 )
              Goodwill arising on acquisition    792  
     3,885  
   
                                Issuance of shares    (2,308 )
              Cash paid, net   $ 1,577  

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

F - 7

NOVA MEASURING INSTRUMENTS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

NOTE 1 – GENERAL

  A. Business Description

  Nova Measuring Instruments (the “Company”) was incorporated in May 1993 and commenced operations in October 1993 in the design, development and production of integrated process control systems, used in the manufacturing of semiconductors. In October 1995, the Company began manufacturing and marketing its systems. In addition, the Company is continuing research and development for the next generation of its products and additional applications for such products. The Company operates in one operating segment.

  The Company has wholly owned subsidiaries in the United States of America (the “U.S.”), Japan, The Netherlands and Taiwan. All companies (the “subsidiaries”) are mainly engaged in pre-sale activities and providing technical support to customers.

  The industry in which the Company operates is characterized by rapid technological development in a competitive environment. Substantially most of the Company’s current sales are derived from a single product line for usage exclusively by the semiconductor industry, whose business is highly cyclical. The Company depends on a limited number of suppliers, and at times a sole supplier. Any disruption or termination of the suppliers’operations may adversely affect the Company’s production capabilities. In addition, certain of the Company’s development projects are in the early stages and there can be no assurance that these projects will be successful.

  The ordinary shares of the Company are traded on the NASDAQ Global Market since April, 2000. The ordinary shares are also traded on the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange, since June, 2002.

  B. Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

F - 8

NOVA MEASURING INSTRUMENTS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

  The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States of America.

  The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies, which were applied in the preparation of these financial statements, on a consistent basis:

  A. Financial Statements in U.S. Dollars

  The currency of the primary economic environment in which the operations of the Company and its subsidiaries are conducted is the U.S. dollar (the “dollar”). Accordingly, the Company uses the dollar as its functional and reporting currency. Certain of the dollar amounts in the financial statements may represent the dollar equivalent of other currencies, including the New Israeli Shekel (“NIS”), and may not be exchangeable for dollars.

  Transactions and balances denominated in dollars are presented at their dollar amounts. Non-dollar transactions and balances are remeasured into dollars in accordance with the principles set forth in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 52, “Foreign Currency Translation” of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). Net financing income includes translation gains (losses), which were immaterial for all years presented.

  B. Principles of Consolidation

  The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries (“the Group”), after elimination of material intercompany transactions and balances.

  C. Cash and Cash Equivalents

  Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of cash and demand deposits in banks and other short-term, highly liquid investments (primarily interest-bearing time deposits and commercial papers) with maturity dates not exceeding three months from the date of deposit.

  D. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

  The allowance for doubtful accounts is computed on the specific identification basis.

  E. Held to Maturity Securities

  Securities held to maturity include investments in debt securities that the Company has positive intent and ability to hold to maturity. Securities held to maturity are measured at amortized cost.

  F. Inventories

  Inventories are presented at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined as follows: Raw materials-on the average cost basis.

Finished goods and work in process – on actual production cost basis (materials, labor and indirect manufacturing costs).

F - 9

NOVA MEASURING INSTRUMENTS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)

  G. Fixed assets

  Fixed assets are presented at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Annual depreciation is calculated based on the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the related assets or terms of the related leases. Estimated useful life, in years, is as follows:

Years
 
Electronic equipment 2-7
Office furniture and equipment 7-17

  Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method, over the shorter of the lease term, including renewal options, or the useful lives of the improvements.

  In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” of the FASB, management reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable based on estimated future undiscounted cash flows. If so indicated an impairment loss would be recognized for the difference between the carrying amount of the asset and its fair value.

  H. Acquisition-related intangible assets

  The Company accounts for its business combinations in accordance with SFAS No. 141 “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141”) and the related acquired intangible assets and goodwill in accordance with SFAS No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS 142”). SFAS 141 specifies the accounting for business combinations and the criteria for recognizing and reporting intangible assets apart from goodwill.

  Goodwill is the amount by which the acquisition cost exceeds the fair values of identifiable acquired net assets on the date of purchase. SFAS 142 requires that good will not be amortized but instead be tested for impairment in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 142 at least annually and more frequently upon the occurrence of certain events. Acquisition-related intangible assets are reported at cost, net of accumulated amortization. Purchased technology and customer base are presented at cost, net of accumulated amortization, and are amortized over their estimated useful lives of 4 to 6 years using the straight-line method.

  I. Accrued Warranty Costs

  Accrued warranty costs are calculated in respect of the warranty period on the Company’s products (generally one year) and are based on the Company’s prior experience and in accordance with management’s estimate. See Note 7B for disclosure with regard to accrued warranty costs.

  J. Revenue Recognition

  Revenues from the sale of products are recognized when all the following criteria have been met: a persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, title has transferred, the price is fixed or determinable, collection of resulting receivables is probable and there are no remaining significant obligations.

  In accordance with EITF 00-21 for arrangements containing multiple elements, fair value of each element is determined based on specific objective evidence and revenue is allocated to each element based upon its fair value. The revenue relating to the undelivered elements is deferred at estimated fair value until delivery of the deferred elements. If specific objective evidence of fair value does not exist for all elements to support the allocation of the total fee among all delivered and undelivered elements of the arrangement, revenue is deferred until such evidence exist for the undelivered elements, or until all elements are delivered, whichever is earlier.

F - 10

NOVA MEASURING INSTRUMENTS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)

  J. Revenue Recognition (cont.)

  Service contracts (which sometimes include application support) generally specify fixed payment amounts for periods longer than one month, and are recognized on a straight line basis over the term of the contract. Revenue from sale of spare parts is usually recognized upon shipment of the parts.

  Other Service Revenue (Training, Time & Material, etc.) is recognized upon completion of work.

  K. Research and Development

  Research and development costs are charged to operations as incurred. Amounts received or receivable from the Government of Israel through the Office of the Chief Scientist (“OCS”) as participation in certain research and development programs are offset against research and development costs. The accrual for grants receivable is determined based on the terms of the programs, provided that the criteria for entitlement have been met.

  L. Income Taxes

  The Group accounts for income taxes utilizing the asset and liability method in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” of the FASB. Current tax liabilities are recognized for the estimated taxes payable on tax returns for the current year. Deferred tax liabilities or assets are recognized for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences between the income tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements, and for tax loss carryforwards. Measurement of current and deferred tax liabilities and assets is based on provisions of enacted tax laws, and deferred tax assets are reduced, if necessary, by the amount of tax benefits, the realization of which is not considered likely than not based on available evidence.

  M. Equity-Based Compensation

  On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” (“SFAS 123(R)”) which requires companies to recognize the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments based upon the grant-date fair value of those awards.

F - 11

NOVA MEASURING INSTRUMENTS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)

  M. Equity-Based Compensation (Cont.)

  SFAS 123(R) supersedes the Company’s previous accounting under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB 25”).

  The Company adopted SFAS 123(R) using the modified prospective transition method, which requires the application of the accounting standard as of January 1, 2006. In accordance with the modified prospective transition method, the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for prior periods have not been restated to reflect, and do not include, the impact of SFAS 123(R). Stock-based compensation expense recognized under SFAS 123(R) in 2006 was $315, which consisted of stock-based compensation expense related to employee stock options.

  Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), the Company measured compensation expense for its employee equity-based compensation plans using the intrinsic value method under APB 25 and related interpretations. As the exercise price of all options granted under these plans was not below the fair market price of the underlying common stock on the grant date, no equity-based compensation cost for stock options was recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in 2005 and 2004 under the intrinsic value method.

  Stock Options

  The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. This model was developed for use in estimating the value of publicly traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. The weighted average assumptions used in the model are outlined in the following table:

2006
 
Risk-free interest rate 4.7%
Expected life of options 4.8
Expected volatility 64.9%
Expected dividend yield None

  Restricted Stock Awards

  As part of the Hypernex Inc. asset and liabilities acquisition (see Note 3) the Company granted restricted stock awards to certain of its employees who were formerly employed by Hypernex Inc. The restricted stock awards (the “Award Shares”) are ordinary shares of the Company that vest over a period of up to 3 years from the grant date ..Vesting of the Award Shares is subject to the employee’s continuing service to the Company. The compensation expense related to these awards was determined using the market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant; compensation is recognized over the service period.

  Pro Forma Information under SFAS 123 for Periods Prior to 2006

  Prior to 2006, the Company followed the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”(SFAS 123), as amended.

  For purposes of estimating fair value in accordance with SFAS 123, the Company utilized the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following assumptions were utilized in such calculations for the years 2004 and 2003. No stock were granted during 2005 (all in weighted averages):

2004
 
Risk-free interest rate 4.7%
Expected life of options 7 years
Expected volatility 56%
Expected dividend yield none

F - 12

NOVA MEASURING INSTRUMENTS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)

  M. Equity-Based Compensation (Cont.)

  Had compensation cost for the Company’s stock option plans been determined based on fair value at the grant dates for all awards made in 2005 and 2004 in accordance with SFAS 123, as amended, the Company’s pro forma loss per share would have been as follows:

2 0 0 5
 2 0 0 4
 
                  Pro forma net loss            
Net loss for the year, as reported   $ (8,414 ) $ (1,420 )
Deduct - stock-based compensation determined under APB-25    28    122  
Add - stock-based compensation determined under SFAS 123    (2,710 )  (1,258 )
Pro forma net loss   $ (11,096 ) $ (2,556 )
       
                  Pro forma loss per share   
       
Basic and diluted- as reported   $ (0.55 ) $ (0.09 )
Basic and diluted- pro forma   $ (0.72 ) $ (0.17 )

  In November 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan to accelerate the vesting of certain outstanding stock options.  Based on this action, most of the stock options outstanding as of December 29, 2005 were vested and became fully exercisable as of that date. Aside from the acceleration of the vesting date, the terms and the conditions of the stock option award agreements governing the underlying stock options grants remained unchanged. As a result of this plan, options to purchase approximately 1,126,145 shares became exercisable. This action result in stock option total expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations over the next three years in accordance with SFAS 123 (revised 2004) “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123(R)”) to be approximately $1,491 lower than the expense would have been if the vesting had not been accelerated. As a result of the accelerated vesting, the pro forma stock-based employee compensation expense for 2005 increased by $28.

  N. Loss per Share

  Loss per share is presented in accordance with SFAS 128 of the FASB, “Earnings per Share.” Pursuant to this standard, basic earnings (loss) per share excludes the dilutive effects of convertible securities and is computed by dividing income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflects the potential dilutive effect of all convertible securities. Due to the anti-dilutive effect, basic loss per share was equal to diluted loss per share for years 2006, 2005 and 2004. The number of potentially dilutive securities excluded from diluted earnings per share due to the anti-dilutive effect amounted to 1,362,037, 2,444,175 and 754,109 in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

F - 13

NOVA MEASURING INSTRUMENTS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)

  O. Derivative Financial Instruments

  SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” as amended by SFAS No. 138 and SFAS 149, requires, principally, the presentation of all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and the measurement of those instruments at fair value. Gains and losses resulting from changes in the fair values of derivative instruments would be accounted for depending on the use of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting.

  See Note 14 for disclosure of the derivative financial instruments in accordance with such pronouncements.

  P. New Accounting Pronouncements

  In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS No. 157). The purpose of SFAS No. 157 is to define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value, and enhance disclosures about fair value measurements. The measurement and disclosure requirements are effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that SFAS No. 157 will have on its financial statements.

  In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (SFAS No. 159). SFAS No. 159 permits companies to choose to measure certain financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The standard requires that unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected be reported in earnings. SFAS No. 159 is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2008, although earlier adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that SFAS No. 159 will have on its financial statements.

  In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes–an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (FIN 48). The interpretation contains a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount which is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company currently estimates that the adoption of FIN 48 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

NOTE 3 – BUSINESS COMBINATION:

  On August 8, 2006, Nova completed the acquisition of substantially all of HyperNex Inc’s (“HyperNex”) assets and assumed responsibility of most of HyperNex liabilities. HyperNEx, Inc, a privately held Company focused on Wide-angle X-Ray Diffraction systems. The total purchase price was $3,885, and it includes the issuance of the Company’s 1.2 million common stock valued at $2,308, $789 funds remitted to HyperNex and estimated direct transaction costs of $788. The acquisition has been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting in accordance with SFAS No. 141 and SFAS No. 142. Under the purchase method of accounting, the total estimated purchase price is allocated to the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets and to liabilities assumed based on their respective estimated fair values.

F - 14

NOVA MEASURING INSTRUMENTS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

NOTE 3 – BUSINESS COMBINATION (Cont.):

  The allocation of the purchase price is detailed hereafter:

2 0 0 6
 
Property and equipment, net     $ 101  
Inventory    1,576  
Identifiable intangible assets:  
       Purchased technology    2,003  
       Costumer base    405  
Goodwill    792  
   
Total assets acquired    4,877  
   
Trade accounts payable    540  
Current liabilities    371  
Long term liabilities    81  
Total liabilities assumed    992  
   
Net assets acquired   $ 3,885  

NOTE 4 – INVENTORIES

  A.

As of December 31,
2 0 0 6
 2 0 0 5
 
Raw materials     $ 2,581   $ 931  
Work in process    3,628    2,695  
Finished goods    2,759    2,980  
    $ 8,968   $ 6,606  

  B. In the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 the Company wrote-off inventories in the amounts of $393 and $116, respectively.

NOTE 5 – FIXED ASSETS, NET

As of December 31,
2 0 0 6
 2 0 0 5
 
Cost:
Electronic equipment     $ 5,478   $ 5,552  
Office furniture and equipment    455    616  
Leasehold improvements    1,933    1,802  
     7,866    7,970  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization:   
Electronic equipment    3,466    3,778  
Office furniture and equipment    274    429  
Leasehold improvements    1,525    1,256  
     5,265    5,463  
Net book value    $ 2,601   $ 2,507  

F - 15

NOVA MEASURING INSTRUMENTS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

NOTE 6 – INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

As of
December 31,
2 0 0 6
 
Cost:        
Goodwill   $ 792  
Purchased Technology    2,003  
Purchased Customer Base    405  
     3,200  
Accumulated amortization:   
Purchased Technology    40  
Purchased Customer Base    133  
     173  
Net book value    $ 3,027  

NOTE 7 – OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

  A.

As of December 31,
2 0 0 6
 2 0 0 5
 
Accrued salaries and fringe benefits     $ 3,011   $ 2,229  
Accrued warranty costs (See B below)    2,120    1,864  
Governmental institutions    759    917  
Other    209    18  
    $ 6,099   $ 5,028  

  b. Accrued warranty costs:

As of December 31,
2 0 0 6
 2 0 0 5
 
Balance as of beginning of year     $ 1,864   $ 2,915  
Services provided under warranty    (3,304 )  (3,090 )
Changes in provision    3,560    2,039  
Balance as of end of year   $ 2,120   $ 1,864  

NOTE 8 – LIABILITY FOR EMPLOYEE SEVERANCE PAY, NET

  Israeli law and labor agreements determine the obligations of the Company to make severance payments to dismissed employees and to employees leaving employment under certain other circumstances. The obligation for severance pay benefits, as determined by Israeli law, is based upon length of service and the employee’s most recent salary.

  The liability is partially covered through insurance policies purchased by the Company and deposits in a severance fund.

  Severance-pay expense amounted to $796, $597 and $691 for 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

F - 16

NOVA MEASURING INSTRUMENTS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

NOTE 9 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

  A. The Company has received grants in the aggregate amount of $9,778 from the OCS, as its participation of up to 60% of certain development costs. In consideration for such grants, the Company has undertaken to pay royalties amounting to 3%-3.5% of the net sales of products developed, directly or indirectly, from the projects financed, not to exceed 100% of the grants received. Refund of the grants thereon is contingent on future sales and the Company has no obligation to refund grants if sufficient sales are not generated. Royalty expense amounted to $ 0 for the years 2006, 2005 and for the year 2004. The balance of the contingent liability to the OCS as of December 31, 2006 was approximately $6,245.

  B. The Group rents its facilities under various operating lease agreements, which expire on various dates, the latest of which is in 2011. The minimum rental payments are as follows:

Year
 Amount (US dollars)
 
2007      1,081  
2008    262  
2009    182  

  Rental expense for the facilities amounted to $1,060, $1,062 and $1,248 for 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

  C. The Company leases vehicles under various operating lease agreements, which expire on various dates, the latest of which is in 2009. Vehicle lease expense amounted to $625, $717 and $669 for 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

  D. In March 2005 the Company filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against one of its competitors (hereinafter-the “Competitor”) for infringing its US Patent. The patent relates to the Company’s Integrated Metrology (IM) tools and the fundamental aspects of these systems. The Competitor has filed two counter claims for patent infringement. The Company is unable to determine at this time with any certainty the ultimate outcome of the aforementioned issue and its effect, if any, on the Company’s financial condition, operating results and business.

NOTE 10 – SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

  A. Share Capital Transactions

  The Company sponsored an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) for the benefit of its employees. Under the ESPP, substantially all employees were entitled to purchase the Company’s ordinary shares through payroll deductions at a price equal to 85 percent of the lower of fair market value at the beginning or end of each six-month offering period. The ESPP ended in March 19, 2005. Total shares issued under the ESPP were 138,505, out of which 42,062 shares were issued under the ESPP in 2005. The Company issued 42,062, 52,858 and 43,585 shares, in 2005, 2004 and 2003 respectively under the ESPP.

  B. Rights of Shares

  Holders of ordinary shares are entitled to participate equally in the payment of cash dividends and bonus shares (stock dividends) and, in the event of the liquidation of the Company, in the distribution of assets after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors. Each ordinary share is entitled to one vote on all matters to be voted on by shareholders.

F - 17

NOVA MEASURING INSTRUMENTS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

NOTE 10 – SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (cont.)

  C. Share Option Plans

  The Company’s Board of directors approves, from time to time, employee share option plans, the last of which was approved in May 2006. The options usually vest over four years and their term may not exceed 7 years. The exercise price of each option is usually the market price of the underlying share at the date of each grant.

Through December 31, 2006, 6,906,722 share options have been issued under the plans, of which 1,773,819 options have been exercised, 1,553,063 options have been cancelled, and 2,447,770 options were exercisable as of December 31, 2006.

  The weighted average fair value (in dollars) of the options granted during 2006 and 2004, according to Black-Scholes option-pricing model, amounted to $1.165 and $2.11 per option, respectively. Fair value was determined on the basis of the price of the Company’s share.

  D. Restricted Stock Awards  

  As part of the Hypernex Inc. asset and liabilities acquisition (see Note 3) the Company granted 392,000 restricted stock awards to certain of its employees who were formerly employed by Hypernex Inc. The restricted stock awards (the “Award Shares”) are ordinary shares of the Company that vest over a period of up to 3 years from the grant date .Vesting of the Award Shares is subject to the employee’s continuing service to the Company. The compensation expense related to these awards was determined using the market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant; compensation is recognized over the service period.

  A summary of the status of the Company’s share option plans as of December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, as well as changes during each of the years then ended, is presented below:

2 0 0 6
 2 0 0 5
 2 0 0 4
Share
options
 Weighted
average
exercise price
 Share
options
 Weighted
average
exercise price
 Share
options
 Weighted average
exercise price
 
Outstanding - beginning of year      3,179,004   $ 3.57    3,630,378   $ 3.57    2,621,213   $ 3.38  
Granted    1,175,900    2.03    -       1,250,000  3.86
Exercised    (45,252 )  1.85    (107,079 )  1.51    (138,640 )  2.58  
Cancelled    (729,812 )  3.61    (344,295 )  3.46    (102,195 )  3.60  
Outstanding - year end    3,579,840    3.07    3,179,004    3.57    3,630,378    3.57  
   
Options exercisable at year-end    2,477,770    3.53    3,170,885    3.57    1,575,108    4.02  

F - 18

NOVA MEASURING INSTRUMENTS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

NOTE 10 – SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (cont.)

  The following table summarizes information about share options outstanding as of December 31, 2006:

Outstanding as of
December 31, 2006
 Exercisable as of
December 31, 2006
Range of exercise prices
 Number outstanding
 Weighted average
remaining
contractual life
 Weighted average
exercise price
 Number exercisable
 Weighted average
exercise price
(US dollars)
 (in years)
 (US dollars)
 (US dollars)
 
1.13-1.95      733,792    6.3    1.81    28,492    1.13  
2.06    628,245    3.1    2.06    628,245    2.06  
2.17-3.69    1,376,303    4.4    2.80    979,533    2.98  
4.01    438,035    4.4    4.01    438,035    4.01  
5.15    40,000    4.2    5.15    40,000    5.15  
6.27-7.37    363,465    1.5    7.02    363,465    7.02  
        3,579,840              2,477,770       

NOTE 11 – INCOME TAXES

  A. Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments – 1959

  Part of the Company’s investment in equipment has received approvals in accordance with the Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959 (“Approved Enterprise” status) in three separate investment plans. The Company has chosen to receive its benefits through the “Alternative Benefits” track, and, as such, is eligible for various benefits. These benefits include accelerated depreciation of fixed assets used in the investment program, as well as a full tax exemption on undistributed income in relation to income derived from the first plan for a period of 4 years and for the second and third plans for a period of 2 years. Thereafter a reduced tax rate of 25% will be applicable for an additional period of up to 3 years for the first plan and 5 years for the second and third plans, commencing with the date on which taxable income is first earned but not later than certain dates. The first plan benefit period has already expired. The benefit periods of the second and third plans have not yet commenced. The period in which the Company is entitled to the abovementioned tax benefits is limited to seven years from the first year that taxable revenues are generated, and such benefits must be utilized within 12 years from the year that operation (as defined) of the approved enterprise commences, or 14 years from the year the approval is granted, whichever is earlier.

F - 19

NOVA MEASURING INSTRUMENTS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

NOTE 11 – INCOME TAXES (cont)

  In the case of foreign investment of more than 25%, the tax benefits are extended to 10 years, and in the case of foreign investment ranging from 49% to 100% the tax rate is reduced on a sliding scale to 10%. The benefits are subject to the fulfillment of the conditions of the letter of approval.

  On April 1, 2005, an amendment to the Investment Law came into effect (“the Amendment”) and has significantly changed the provisions of the Investment Law.

  The Amendment limits the scope of enterprises which may be approved by the Investment Center by setting criteria for the approval of a facility as a Privileged Enterprise, such as provisions generally requiring that at least 25% of the Privileged Enterprise’s Income will be derived from export. Additionally, the Amendment enacted major changes in the manner in which tax benefits are awarded under the Investment Law so that companies no longer require Investment Center approval in order to qualify for tax benefits. However, the Investment Law provides that terms and benefits included in any certificate of approval already granted will remain subject to the provisions of the law as they were on the date of such approval. Therefore, the Israeli companies with Approved Enterprise status will generally not be subject to the provisions of the Amendment. As a result of the amendment, tax-exempt income generated under the provisions of the new law, will subject the Company to taxes upon distribution or liquidation.

  The above tax benefits are conditioned upon fulfillment of the requirements stipulated by the aforementioned law and the regulations promulgated there under, as well as the criteria set forth in the certificates of approval. In the event of failure by the Company to comply with these conditions, the tax benefits could be canceled, in whole or in part, and the Company would be required to refund the amount of the canceled benefits, plus interest and certain inflation adjustments.

  The income of the Company that is not derived from assets, which are eligible for reduced taxation benefits, as described above, is taxed at the statutory rate for Israeli companies (see H below).

In the event of distribution by the Company of a cash dividend out of retained earnings that were tax exempt due to its approved enterprise status, the Company would have to pay a 25% corporate tax on the income from which the dividend was distributed. A 15% withholding tax may be deducted from dividends distributed to the recipients.

  The Company has not provided deferred taxes on future distributions of tax-exempt earnings, as management and the Board of Directors do not anticipate any distribution that may result in a tax liability for the Company. Accordingly, such earnings have been considered to be permanently reinvested.

  To date, the Company has not had earnings attributable to Approved Enterprise programs.

F - 20

NOVA MEASURING INSTRUMENTS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

NOTE 11 – INCOME TAXES (cont)

  B. Law for the Encouragement of Industry (Taxation), 1969

  The Company is an “industrial Company” under the Law for the encouragement of Industry (Taxation), 1969 and, therefore, is entitled to certain tax benefits, mainly accelerated rates of depreciation.

  C. Taxation Under Inflationary Conditions

  The Company reports for tax purposes in accordance with the provisions of the Income Tax Law (Adjustments Due to Inflation) – 1985, under which taxable income is measured in terms of NIS adjusted for changes in the Israeli Consumer Price Index.

  D. Deferred Taxes

  The Company has accumulated losses for Israeli tax purposes as of December 31, 2006 in the amount of approximately $53,000. At such date, other temporary differences were approximately $ 9,000.

  The Israeli tax loss carryforwards have no expiration date. The Company expects that during the period these losses are utilized, its undistributed earnings will be tax exempt. Since the Company has no intention to distribute such earnings, there will be

  no tax benefit available from such tax losses and no deferred taxes have been included in these financial statements for these losses.

  As of December 31, 2006, the subsidiaries had a net operating loss carryforward of approximately $1,500.

  E. Effective Tax Rates

  The Company’s effective tax rates differ from the statutory rates applicable to the Company for all years presented due primarily to its approved enterprise status (see A above) and the tax loss carry-forward.

  F. Tax Assessments

  The Company received final tax assessments until and including tax year 2001.

  G. In light of losses for both financial reporting and tax purposes in 2006 and 2005, a reconciliation of the effective income tax rate has not been presented. In 2006, “theoretical” income taxes on the Company’s pre-tax income were primarily reduced by the utilization of tax loss carryforward from prior years for which a deferred tax asset had not been recorded and reduced tax rates related to approved enterprise.

  H. Tax Rates

  In 2005 the Israeli Knesset approved a law for the amendment of the Income Tax Ordinance, according to which the regular corporate tax rate is to be reduced gradually and annually from 34% to 31% for 2006 tax year ending in 25% for 2010 tax year.

F - 21

NOVA MEASURING INSTRUMENTS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

NOTE 12 – GEOGRAPHIC AREAS AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS

  A. Sales by geographic area (as percentage of total sales):

Year ended December 31,
2 0 0 6
 2 0 0 5
 2 0 0 4
%
 %
 %
 
USA      68    66    67  
Europe - primarily Italy, France and Germany    10    11    11  
Japan    13    18    18  
Other    9    5    4  
    Total    100    100    100  

  B. Sales by major customers (as percentage of total sales):

Year ended December 31,
2 0 0 6
 2 0 0 5
 2 0 0 4
%
 %
 %
 
Customer A      46    48    45  
Customer B    9    16    18  
Customer C    10    15    12  
Other    35    21    25  
Total    100    100    100  

  C. Assets by location

  Substantially all fixed assets are located in Israel.

NOTE 13 – TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES WITH RELATED PARTIES

  The total directors’ fees (including the chairman of the Board) for the year 2006 amounted to $193 (2005 – $114, 2004 -$103). Number of options granted to directors amounted 562,000 (no options in 2005, 380,000 options in 2004).

NOTE 14 – FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

  A. Fair value of financial instruments

  A financial instrument is defined as cash, evidence of an ownership interest in an entity, or a contract that impose on one entity a contractual obligation either to deliver cash or receive cash or another financial instrument to or from a second entity. Examples of financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, short-term interest-bearing bank deposits, held to maturity securities, trade accounts receivable, investments, trade accounts payable, accrued expenses, options and forward contracts.

  At December 31, 2006 and 2005 the fair market value of the Company’s financial instruments did not materially differ from their respective book value.

F - 22

NOVA MEASURING INSTRUMENTS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

NOTE 14 – FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Cont.):

  B. Hedging activities

  In 2004, the Company entered into currency-forward transaction, to currency-put option and to currency-call option (NIS/dollar, Euro/dollar, Yen/dollar) of 7,700 with settlement date through 2005, designed to reduce cash-flow exposure to the impact of exchange-rate fluctuations on firm commitments of 7,700. In accordance with SFAS 133 the Company recorded in 2004 a decrease of $5 in fair market value in “Other Comprehensive Income”. In 2005 this increase was charged to operations on the relevant settlement dates.

  In 2005, the Company entered into currency-forward transaction, to currency-put option and to currency-call option (NIS/dollar, Euro/dollar, Yen/dollar) of 4,250 with settlement date through 2005, designed to reduce cash-flow exposure to the impact of exchange-rate fluctuations on firm commitments of 4,250. In accordance with SFAS 133 the Company recorded in 2005 a decrease of $26 in fair market value in “Other Comprehensive Income”. In 2006 this decrease was charged to operations on the relevant settlement dates.

  In 2006, the Company entered into currency-forward transaction, (NIS/dollar, Euro/dollar, Yen/dollar) of 15,220. with settlement date through 2006 designed to reduce cash-flow exposure to the impact of exchange-rate fluctuations on firm commitments of 15,220. In accordance with SFAS 133 the Company recorded in 2006 an increase of $12 in fair market value in “Other Comprehensive Income”.

NOTE 15 – SUBSEQUENT EVENT

  On February 28, 2007, the Company entered into Share Purchase Agreement with four investors for the private placement of 1,937,983 ordinary shares of the Company, at a price of $2.58 per share, for gross proceeds of $5 million. As part of the transaction, the Company issued warrants to the investors for the purchase of 1,453,485 additional ordinary shares at an exercise price of $3.05 per share. On March 13, 2007 the shares were issued and the proceeds from the private placement were received.

F - 23

SIGNATURES

        The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

NOVA MEASURING INSTRUMENTS LTD.


By: /s/ Gabi Seligsohn
——————————————
Gabi Seligsohn
President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: May 11, 2007

EXHIBIT INDEX

Number Description

1.1 Articles of Association, as amended (filed herewith)

4.1 1997 Stock Option Plan (Plan 2) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-11640))

4.2 Option Plan 3 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-11640))

4.3 Option Plan 4A and 4B (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-11640))

4.4 Option Plan 5 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company's Annual Report for 20-F for 2002 filed May 9, 2002)

4.5 Option Plan 6 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed December 24, 2002 (File No. 333-102193))

4.6 Employment Agreement between Nova and Giora Dishon (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 6-K filed October 26, 2006)

4.7 Employment Agreement between Nova and Moshe Finarov (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 6-K filed October 26, 2006)

4.8 Agreements between Nova and the Office of the Chief Scientist in Israel (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-11640))

4. 9 Certificate of Approval from the Investment Center in Israel (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-11640))

4.10 Lease Agreement between Nova and Ef-Shar Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on May 9, 2002)

4.11 Summary of Lease Agreement between Nova and Ef-Shar Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.15 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on May 9, 2002)

4.12 Employee Stock Purchase Plan 1 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on March 24, 2003 (File No. 33-103981))

4.13 Letter of Indemnification and Exculpation for certain directors, officers and/or employees (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix C to the Company’s Report on Form 6-K filed on July 7, 2006)

4.14 Option Plan 7A (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1. to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on May 17, 2004 (File No. 333-115554))

4.15 Option Plan 7B (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on March 7, 2005 (File No. 333-123158)

4.16 Amended and Restated Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of August 8, 2006 by and among the Company, HyperNex, Inc. and the Stockholders listed on Schedule 4(a) therein (filed herewith).

4.17 Option Plan 7C (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.20 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on June 29, 2006).

4.18 Option Plan 8 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on December 29, 2005 (File No. 333-130745).

4.19 Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2007, by and between the Company and the investors identified on the signature pages thereto, including the form of warrant (filed herewith)

8.1 List of Subsidiaries (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on June 29, 2006).

12.1 Certification required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (filed herewith)

12.2 Certification required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (filed herewith)

13.1 Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)

13.2 Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)

15.1 Consent of Brightman Almagor & Co. (filed herewith)