Pitney Bowes 2014 Annual Report Download - page 17

Download and view the complete annual report

Please find page 17 of the 2014 Pitney Bowes annual report below. You can navigate through the pages in the report by either clicking on the pages listed below, or by using the keyword search tool below to find specific information within the annual report.

Page out of 108

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
  • 22
  • 23
  • 24
  • 25
  • 26
  • 27
  • 28
  • 29
  • 30
  • 31
  • 32
  • 33
  • 34
  • 35
  • 36
  • 37
  • 38
  • 39
  • 40
  • 41
  • 42
  • 43
  • 44
  • 45
  • 46
  • 47
  • 48
  • 49
  • 50
  • 51
  • 52
  • 53
  • 54
  • 55
  • 56
  • 57
  • 58
  • 59
  • 60
  • 61
  • 62
  • 63
  • 64
  • 65
  • 66
  • 67
  • 68
  • 69
  • 70
  • 71
  • 72
  • 73
  • 74
  • 75
  • 76
  • 77
  • 78
  • 79
  • 80
  • 81
  • 82
  • 83
  • 84
  • 85
  • 86
  • 87
  • 88
  • 89
  • 90
  • 91
  • 92
  • 93
  • 94
  • 95
  • 96
  • 97
  • 98
  • 99
  • 100
  • 101
  • 102
  • 103
  • 104
  • 105
  • 106
  • 107
  • 108

7
Our research and development expenditures were $110 million, $110 million and $114 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In
2015, research and development activities will include investments in our DCS offerings. We will also invest in our mailing equipment
product line to enhance the effectiveness, functionality and value proposition of these products and solutions.
Material Suppliers
We depend on third-party suppliers for a variety of services, components, supplies and a large portion of our product manufacturing. In
certain instances, we rely on single-sourced or limited-sourced suppliers around the world because the relationship is advantageous due
to quality, price, or there are no alternative sources. We have not historically experienced shortages in services, components or products
and believe that our available sources for materials, components, services and supplies are adequate.
Regulatory Matters
We are subject to the regulations of postal authorities worldwide related to product specifications and business practices involving our
postage meters. We are further subject to the regulations of the State of Utah Department of Financial Institutions and the FDIC with
respect to the operations of the Bank and certain company affiliates that provide services to the Bank. We are also subject to the regulations
of transportation, customs and other trade authorities worldwide related to the cross-border shipment of equipment, materials and parcels.
In addition, we are subject to regulations worldwide concerning data privacy and security for our businesses that use, process and store
certain personal, confidential or proprietary data.
Employees and Employee Relations
At December 31, 2014, we have approximately 10,600 employees in North America and 4,600 employees internationally. We believe
that our current relations with employees are good. Management keeps employees informed of decisions and encourages and implements
employee suggestions whenever practicable.