EX-99.3 4 a2204690zex-99_3.htm EXHIBIT 99.3
QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document


Exhibit 99.3

         GRAPHIC



LOGO

DragonWave Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the three months ended May 31, 2011
Tables are expressed in USD $000's except share and per share amounts

        The following provides management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") of DragonWave Inc.'s consolidated results of operations and financial condition for the three months ended May 31, 2011. This MD&A is dated July 6, 2011 and should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated interim financial statements and corresponding notes and our Annual Information Form dated May 4, 2011 (the "AIF"), all of which are filed separately and are available at:

        www.sedar.com or http://www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/companysearch.html.

        The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and are reported in US dollars. The information contained herein is dated as of July 6, 2011 and is current to that date, unless otherwise stated. Our fiscal year commences March 1 of each year and ends on the last day of February of the following year.

        In this document, "we", "us", "our", "Company" and "DragonWave" all refer to DragonWave Inc. collectively with its subsidiaries. The content of this MD&A has been approved by our Board of Directors, on the recommendation of its Audit Committee.

        Unless otherwise indicated, all currency amounts referenced in this MD&A are denominated in US dollars.

Forward-Looking Statements

        This MD&A contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. All statements in this MD&A, other than statements that are reporting results or statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements which involve assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words "may", "will", "should", "continue", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "intend", "plan" or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding our strategic plans and objectives, growth strategy, customer diversification and expansion initiatives. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results or outcomes could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements are discussed in this MD&A under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties". Forward-looking statements are provided to assist external stakeholders in understanding management's expectations and plans relating to the future as of the date of this MD&A and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this MD&A and the Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent expressly required by law.

2



LOGO

DragonWave Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the three months ended May 31, 2011
Tables are expressed in USD $000's except share and per share amounts

Risks and Uncertainties

        Our financial performance, achievements and results may be impacted by risks and uncertainties related to our business. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the following:

    dependence on the development and growth of the market for high-capacity wireless communications services;

    reliance on a small number of customers for a large percentage of revenue;

    intense competition from several competitors;

    competition from indirect competitors;

    ability to successfully effect acquisitions of products or businesses and other risks associated with acquisitions;

    dependence on the ability to develop new products and enhance existing products;

    a history of losses;

    our ability to successfully manage growth;

    quarterly revenue and operating results which are difficult to predict and can fluctuate substantially;

    the impact of the general economic downturn on our customers;

    disruption resulting from economic and geopolitical uncertainty;

    currency fluctuations;

    exposure to credit risk for accounts receivable;

    pressure on our pricing models from existing and potential customers and as a result of competition;

    the allocation of radio spectrum and regulatory approvals for our products;

    our customers' ability to secure a license for applicable radio spectrum;

    changes in government regulation or industry standards that may limit the potential market for our products;

    risks associated with possible loss of our foreign private issuer status;

    risks and expenses associated with being a public company in the United States;

    dependence on establishing and maintaining relationships with channel partners;

    reliance on outsourced manufacturing and third party component suppliers;

    our ability to protect our own intellectual property and potential harm to our business if we infringe the intellectual property rights of others;

    risks associated with software licensed by us;

3



LOGO

DragonWave Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the three months ended May 31, 2011
Tables are expressed in USD $000's except share and per share amounts

    a lengthy and variable sales cycle;

    dependence on our ability to recruit and retain management and other qualified personnel;

    exposure to risks resulting from international sales and operations, including the requirement to comply with export control and economic sanctions laws; and

    product defects, product liability claims, or health and safety risks relating to wireless products.

        Readers are also referred to "Risk Factors" in the Company's AIF, which is available at www.sedar.com and http://www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/companysearch.html. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our expectations, intentions, estimates or forecasts, there may be other factors that could cause our results to differ from what we currently anticipate, estimate or intend.

4



LOGO

DragonWave Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the three months ended May 31, 2011
Tables are expressed in USD $000's except share and per share amounts

SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

 
  Three Months Ended  
 
  May 31,
2011
  May 31,
2010
  May 31,
2009
 

REVENUE

    11,049     48,726     12,999  
 

Cost of sales

    6,405     27,495     8,509  
               

Gross profit

    4,644     21,231     4,490  
               

    42.0%     43.6%     34.5%  

EXPENSES

                   
 

Research and development

    6,597     4,631     2,427  
 

Selling and marketing

    4,080     4,128     2,067  
 

General and administrative

    3,632     2,561     1,001  
 

Government assistance

    (350 )       (49 )
               

    13,959     11,320     5,446  
               

Income (loss) before amortization of intangible assets and other items

    (9,315 )   9,911     (956 )
 

Amortization of intangible assets

   
(587

)
 
(82

)
 
(42

)
 

Accretion expense

    (276 )        
 

Interest income

    84     32     22  
 

Investment gain

    39     (49 )    
 

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

    120     117     (1,374 )
               

Net Income (Loss) before income taxes

    (9,935 )   9,929     (2,350 )
 

Income tax expense

   
9
   
231
   
 
               

Net Income (Loss)

    (9,944 )   9,698     (2,350 )
 

Net Loss Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest

   
54
   
       
               

Net Income (Loss) applicable to Shareholders

    (9,890 )   9,698     (2,350 )
               

Basic income (loss) per share

   
(0.28

)
 
0.26
   
(0.08

)

Diluted income (loss) per share

    (0.28 )   0.26     (0.08 )

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

   
35,429,049
   
36,916,893
   
28,569,238
 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

    35,429,049     37,930,704     28,569,238  

5



LOGO

DragonWave Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the three months ended May 31, 2011
Tables are expressed in USD $000's except share and per share amounts

        Variances between the three years have been driven by a number of factors:

    1)
    The significant increase in shipments to our largest customer which began in the second quarter of fiscal 2010 and provided the impetus for the growth in our revenue and earnings between the second quarter of fiscal 2010 and the second quarter of fiscal 2011. The same customer's reduction in demand in the second half of fiscal 2011 has been a key driver of recent changes in our business results, including our revenue and profit profile.

    2)
    The move to manufacturing in Malaysia combined with the significantly higher production volumes relative to earlier years, afforded by the growth in sales, enabled us to improve our gross profit performance between the first quarter of fiscal 2010 and the first quarter of fiscal 2011.

    3)
    Our operating expenses have increased over the periods presented as a result of the following factors: (i) the purchase of Axerra Networks, Inc. ("Axerra") in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 which added $2.5 million to the operating cost based in the first quarter of fiscal 2012; (ii) the weakening of the USD, which caused the largely CAD based operating costs to be reflected as more expensive in USD; and (iii) our aggressive diversification and expansion efforts which are driving higher professional fees and travel than would normally exist.
 
  As at
May 31,
2011
  As at
February 28,
2011
  As at
February 28,
2010
 

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:

                   

Cash and cash equivalents

    63,641     77,819     105,276  

Restricted cash

    146     714      

Short Term Investments

    16,145     11,181     8,074  
               
 

Cash

    79,932     89,714     113,350  
               

Total Assets

    162,426     170,580     176,749  

Total Liabilities

    38,523     37,953     37,903  

Total Equity

    123,903     132,627     138,846  

6



LOGO

DragonWave Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the three months ended May 31, 2011
Tables are expressed in USD $000's except share and per share amounts

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

        The following table sets out selected financial information for each of our most recent eight fiscal quarters. In the opinion of management, this information has been prepared on the same basis as our audited consolidated financial statements, and all necessary adjustments have been included in the amounts stated below to present fairly the unaudited quarterly results when read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto.

    FY10     FY11     FY12  

 

 

Aug 31
2009


 

Nov 30
2009


 

Feb 28
2010


 

May 31
2010


 

Aug 31
2010


 

Nov 30
2010


 

Feb 28
2011


 

May 31
2011


 
               

Revenue

    32,423     51,594     60,973     48,726     27,171     27,008     15,105     11,049  

Gross Profit

    13,628     22,141     26,165     21,231     11,952     12,959     4,408     4,644  
 

Gross Profit %

    42%     43%     43%     44%     44%     48%     29%     42%  

Operating Expenses

   
8,099
   
10,334
   
12,229
   
11,410
   
10,808
   
12,456
   
12,732
   
13,959
 

Income (loss) before amortization of intangibles and other items

    5,529     11,807     13,936     9,821     1,144     503     (8,324 )   (9,315 )

Net income (loss) for the period

    5,745     11,647     12,802     9,690     1,225     (50 )   (8,890 )   (9,944 )

Net income (loss) per share

                                                 
 

Basic

    0.20     0.36     0.35     0.26     0.03     (0.00 )   (0.25 )   (0.28 )
 

Diluted

    0.19     0.34     0.34     0.26     0.03     (0.00 )   (0.25 )   (0.28 )

Weighted average number of shares outstanding

                                                 
 

Basic

    28,620,162     32,604,077     36,461,643     36,916,893     35,978,213     35,125,724     35,208,606     35,429,049  
 

Diluted

    29,675,696     34,085,934     37,914,614     37,930,704     36,690,926     36,170,040     35,208,606     35,429,049  

Total Assets

    63,103     150,288     176,749     172,840     158,338     178,553     170,580     162,426  

        Historically, our operating results have fluctuated on a quarterly basis and we expect that quarterly financial results will continue to fluctuate in the future. The results of operations for interim periods should not be relied upon as an indication of the results to be expected or achieved in any future period or any fiscal year as a whole. Fluctuations in results relate to the project nature of the network installations of our end-customers. In addition, results may vary as a result of the timing of staffing, infrastructure additions required to support growth, and material costs required to support design initiatives. Operating results may not follow past trends for other reasons, including strategic decisions by us such as acquisitions of complementary products or businesses.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

        DragonWave is a leading provider of high-capacity Ethernet microwave solutions that drive next-generation IP networks and pseudowire technology which allows carriers to address the increasing need to carry legacy TDM traffic over a packet based network. Our carrier-grade point-to-point Ethernet microwave systems transmit broadband voice, video and data, enabling service providers, government agencies, enterprises and other organizations to meet their increasing bandwidth requirements rapidly and affordably. The principal application of our microwave solutions is wireless network backhaul.

7



LOGO

DragonWave Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the three months ended May 31, 2011
Tables are expressed in USD $000's except share and per share amounts

        The key messages surrounding our results of operations for the first quarter of fiscal 2012 when comparing to the first quarter of the previous fiscal year are as follows:

    Revenue decreased by $37.7 million between the first quarter of fiscal 2012 and the first quarter of fiscal 2011 Factors contributing to the change include:

    A decrease in sales to a US-based service provider, which has historically been our largest customer in the amount of $38.8 million between the first quarter of fiscal 2011 and the first quarter of fiscal 2012.

    Political and social unrest in the Middle East which resulted in a reduction in shipments to most countries in the region.

    The acquisition of Axerra which benefited our consolidated revenue by $1.6 million.

    We continue to attract new customers for our microwave solutions globally. New customers acquired in the first quarter of FY2012 contributed $0.6 million.

    Gross margin for the first quarter of fiscal 2012 was 42.0%; 1.6% lower than the margin percentage in the same quarter in the previous fiscal year. The margin change resulted primarily from lower volumes, which resulted in higher overhead and related costs as a percentage of revenue.

    Operating expenses increased by $2.6 million between the first quarter of FY2012 and the three months ended May 31, 2010. Although a number of offsetting factors were in play, the increase is primarily due to the addition of $2.6 million in expenses associated with Axerra.

    The net and comprehensive loss of $9.9 million resulted from sales levels falling below the level needed for breakeven.

    Cash (including cash and cash equivalents, short term investments and restricted cash) decreased by $9.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. Our Cash balance was $79.9 million at May 31, 2011.

        On May 4, 2011, we announced a revenue outlook for the first quarter of the 2012 fiscal year of approximately $15 million. On June 3, 2011, we issued a news release to revise our revenue expectations for the quarter to $11 million, which is consistent with the actual results for the quarter. The reasons for the revision are set out in our June 3, 2011 news release.

        As the demand from our largest customer has decreased, we have been working diligently to find customers to replace and exceed the demand levels it provided. This pursuit has a number of trajectories: investing in relationships with carriers in a variety of markets around the world, actively engaging in discussions with potential business partners to expand our market and customer reach, and pressing forward with product innovations to win business through solutions that address the cost sensitivities of service providers. The management team is also extremely conscious of the need to continue to balance the costs of these important objectives with the need for responsible income and cash management.

    Customer and Product Diversification through Acquisition

        During the third quarter of fiscal 2011, we acquired Axerra, a leader in pseudowire technology. Since the acquisition, we have worked to ensure that Axerra's customers continue to be satisfied with the

8



LOGO

DragonWave Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the three months ended May 31, 2011
Tables are expressed in USD $000's except share and per share amounts

pseudowire solutions provided to them. In addition, because cross-selling opportunities for both pseudowire and backhaul products were a key motivator of the transaction, trials and training have started.

        The purchase agreement was structured such that we acquired all of the outstanding shares of Axerra. The total potential purchase price is up to $25.0 million which includes $9.5 million paid in cash on October 13, 2010, and a potential earn-out of $15.5 million based on sales performance over a 16 month period. Between the date of acquisition and May 31, 2011, Axerra recognized revenue of $9.7 million. They have, therefore exceeded the $9.5 million minimum threshold and earned $0.2 million toward the potential $15.5 million earn-out. The earn-out can be paid in either cash or shares, at DragonWave's option.

        We have been and continue to be active in assessing other acquisition opportunities to further our diversification strategy. Investment in this course of action puts upward pressure on professional fees, and travel costs.

    Customer Diversification through Strategic Partnerships

        We continue to believe that significant opportunities exist in the Indian market for wireless backhaul sales following the completion of India's 3G and BWA radio-access spectrum auctions. To address this market, we created a subsidiary that is minority-owned by one of India's leading telecommunication equipment manufacturers and turnkey service providers, Himachal Futuristic Communications Ltd. ("HFCL"). DragonWave owns 50.1% of the equity in the new company and the balance of the equity is owned by HFCL. This subsidiary was fully capitalized in March of 2011. Because of the nature of the agreements between us and HFCL, DragonWave is fully consolidating the results of the new company. Discussions with customers in the region have started, and key staff members for the new company have been hired. In addition, a major trial of our equipment is underway.

        Forming strategic alliances with original equipment manufacturers (OEM) is a cornerstone of our growth strategy. Trials of our equipment are ongoing in a variety of regions in the world and we continue to be optimistic about the sales potential through our OEM partners.

    Distributor Activity and New Customer Wins

        Our largest customer in the quarter was a North American distributor. Sales to distributors increased significantly in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 and reflect the marketability of our products to a wide variety of customers in North America.

9



LOGO

DragonWave Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the three months ended May 31, 2011
Tables are expressed in USD $000's except share and per share amounts


North American Distributors & Resellers

         GRAPHIC

        Our ability to attract new customers internationally remains strong. New customer wins and shipments to those customers in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 drove $0.6 million in sales in the period. This represented shipments to 19 new customers. Of the new customers, ten were located outside of North America. It is also significant that we have a strong customer retention history, so that customers who have built a network using our backhaul technology or pseudowire capability in the past look to us for future network builds as well. Based on bid activity and ongoing discussions we believe we will continue to be selected in regions where we have previously had a strong presence (such as North America) and in new markets, like Mexico and South America, where we have not had significant shipments to date. Recent press releases add further credence to the claim that our solutions have broad market interest. Fibertower, a US-based alternative backhaul provider, announced the plan to use our Horizon products in its network, and two North American rural service providers, Northeast Wireless and Keyon Communications, also announced their intention to utilize our technology in their networks.

    Continued Focus on Product Innovation

        The wireless backhaul market continues to be shaped by the need to design products which acknowledge the cost sensitivities of service providers internationally. New challenges for microwave backhaul operators namely, tower congestion and, in some regions, shortages in backhaul spectrum availability, are driving higher costs for these scarce resources. In addition to the significantly lower implementation cost that wireless backhaul affords, we continue to invest in solutions which reduce ongoing operating costs. Our design initiatives are focused on providing very high capacity per bit solutions, with a limited footprint in a design which can be inexpensively manufactured, and therefore competitively priced. We will continue to invest in technologies which address the business case realities of service providers globally.

    Our Income and Cash Management Focus

        We continue to monitor spending and investment levels closely. We are striving to maintain flexibility in the face of opportunities in the near term, while limiting to the extent possible the use of cash in this current environment.

10



LOGO

DragonWave Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the three months ended May 31, 2011
Tables are expressed in USD $000's except share and per share amounts

Share Repurchase

        On April 9, 2010, the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") accepted our notice of intention to repurchase up to 3,508,121 common shares (10 percent of our issued and outstanding common shares) through a normal course issuer bid ("NCIB"). The NCIB was effective April 13, 2010 and expired April 12, 2011. Daily purchases over the facilities of the NASDAQ were limited to 25% of the average daily trading volume of the common shares on NASDAQ other than pursuant to block purchase exemptions. Daily purchases over the facilities of the TSX were limited to 25% of the average daily trading volume of the common shares on TSX other than pursuant to block purchase exemptions. Except in the case of an exempt purchase, the prices that we paid for the common shares purchased was the market price of the shares at the time of acquisition.

        During the twelve months ended February 28, 2011, we acquired 1,865,549 common shares pursuant to the NCIB at prevailing market prices. These shares were purchased for cancellation at an aggregate cost of $10.7 million, of which $9.0 million was charged to share capital, based on the historical weighted per share value at the date of purchase, and the balance of $1.7 million was charged to deficit. We did not acquire any common shares under the NCIB during the three months ended May 31, 2011.

Revenue and Expenses

    Revenue

        We consider that we have one reportable segment, namely, broadband wireless backhaul equipment. The vast majority of our sales come from the shipment of equipment either through direct sales, through sales to distributors, or through OEMs.

        We evaluate the revenue performance of this segment over three main geographic regions. The table below breaks down the revenue earned by region for the three month period ending May 31, 2011 and compares these figures to the same period in the prior fiscal year.

 
  For the three months ended  
 
  May 31, 2011   May 31, 2010  
 
  $'s   %   $'s   %  

North America

    8,200     75%     42,916     88%  

Europe, Middle East, and Africa

    2,024     18%     5,448     11%  

Other

    825     7%     362     1%  
                   

Total Revenue

    11,049     100%     48,726     100%  
                   

    Cost of Sales and Expenses

        A large component of our cost of sales is the cost of product purchased from outsourced manufacturers. In addition to the cost of product payable to outsourced manufacturers, we incur expenses associated with final configuration, testing, logistics and warranty activities. Final test and assembly for the links sold by us is carried on both at our premises and that of our contract manufacturers'. We use

11



LOGO

DragonWave Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the three months ended May 31, 2011
Tables are expressed in USD $000's except share and per share amounts

primarily the services of three outsourced contract manufacturers with locations in North America, Israel and Malaysia.

        Research and development costs relate mainly to the compensation of our engineering group and the material consumption associated with prototyping activities.

        Selling and marketing expenses include the remuneration of sales staff, travel and trade show activities and customer support services.

        General and administrative expenses relate to the remuneration of related personnel, professional fees associated with tax, accounting and legal advice, and insurance costs.

        Occupancy and information systems costs are related to our leasing costs and communications networks and are accumulated and allocated, based on headcount, to all functional areas in our business. Our Ottawa based facilities are leased from a related party that is controlled by one of our directors and shareholders. Our management believes the terms of the lease reflect fair market terms and payment provisions.

Comparison of the three months ended May 31, 2011 and May 31, 2010

Revenue

Three Months Ended  
May 31, 2011   May 31, 2010  
$ 11,049   $ 48,726  

        Revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2012 decreased by $37.7 million compared with the three month period ended May 31, 2010. Axerra revenue in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 was $1.6 million.

12



LOGO

DragonWave Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the three months ended May 31, 2011
Tables are expressed in USD $000's except share and per share amounts

Changes to Revenue: Three months ended May 31, 2011 vs Three months ended May 31, 2010

National Carriers—North America

    (38.8 )

Regional Carriers and Distributors—EMEA

    (3.6 )

Regional Carriers and Distributors—North America

    2.6  

North American Multiple System Operator (MSO)

    1.3  

New Customers acquired in Q1

    0.6  

Regional Carriers and Distributors—ROW

    0.2  
       

Total

    (37.7 )
       

Gross Profit

Three Months
Ended
 
May 31
2011
  May 31
2010
 
$ 4,644   $ 21,231  
  42.0%     43.6%  

        Our gross profit percentage of 42.0% for the three month period ended May 31, 2011, was 1.6% lower than the gross profit percentage for the same period in the previous year.

        The primary driver for the reduction in gross profit percentage related to the reduction in volumes. Costs which are fixed or semi-variable in nature have not decreased at the same pace that revenue has declined, and this has reduced the gross profit percentage. We continue to reduce costs wherever possible to align the business with current volume levels.

        Axerra's gross margin for the three months ending May 31, 2011 was 43.5%.

Expenses

    Q4 Fiscal Year 2011 vs. Q1 Fiscal Year 2012

        Our operating expenses increased by $1.2 million between the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 and the first quarter of fiscal 2012. The chart below identifies the most significant factors driving the change in spending.

 
  Q1
FY2012
  Q4
FY2011
  Q1 vs. Q4  

Research and development

    6,597     5,572     1,025  

Selling and marketing

    4,080     3,964     116  

General and administrative

    3,632     3,340     292  

Government assistance

    (350 )   (144 )   (206 )
               

    13,959     12,732     1,227  
               

13



LOGO

DragonWave Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the three months ended May 31, 2011
Tables are expressed in USD $000's except share and per share amounts

Key Drivers:

 
   
 

Foreign Exchange—USD weakening between periods (note 1)

    489  

Income Tax Credit recognized within R&D in Q4 FY2011

    380  

DragonWave-HFCL expenses (new Indian subsidiary)

    136  

Expansion Efforts

    105  

Material Spending & Other

    117  
       

    1,227  
       

Note 1: Approximately 80% of our operating expenses including compensation related spending, rent, and professional fees are paid in non-USD currencies. For financial statement presentation purposes, these costs are translated into USD. As the USD weakens, the value of these expenses in USD terms increases. The Canadian dollar, which accounts for approximately 70% of all expenditures, strengthened significantly during this period compared to the USD. (Q1 FY2012 average rate used: 1.0395; Q4 FY2011 average rate used: .9917; Q1 FY2011 average rate used: .9669)

Expenses

    Q1 Fiscal Year 2012 vs. Q1 Fiscal Year 2011

Research and Development

Three Months
Ended
 
May 31
2011
  May 31
2010
 
$ 6,597   $ 4,631  

        Research and development ("R&D") expenses increased by $2.0 million for the three month period ended May 31, 2011 when compared with the same period in the prior fiscal year.

        A number of factors have contributed to the increased spending in R&D between the first quarter of fiscal 2012 and the first quarter of fiscal 2011. The most significant driver for the increase in spending between the two periods was the inclusion of Axerra's R&D costs in the first quarter of fiscal 2012, which accounted for $1.8 million of the growth in spending. The impact of the weakening USD on the translated CAD based expenses accounted for $0.3 million of the increase. As well, variable compensation decreased by ($0.2) million while material spending both for prototype builds and testing increased by $0.1 million.

Selling and Marketing

Three Months
Ended
 
May 31
2011
  May 31
2010
 
$ 4,080   $ 4,128  

14



LOGO

DragonWave Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the three months ended May 31, 2011
Tables are expressed in USD $000's except share and per share amounts

        Sales and marketing expenses decreased by $48 thousand in the three months ended May 31, 2011 relative to the same three month period in the previous fiscal year.

        Spending within the sales and marketing organization has changed significantly as a result of the decrease in revenue and the acquisition of Axerra. Variable and other compensation related costs decreased ($0.9) million between the three months ended May 31, 2012 and the same period in the previous year. Offsetting this decrease was the introduction of Axerra's sales and marketing organization which spent $0.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2012, and was not part of the expense base in the same period in the prior fiscal year. The impact of the weakening USD added $0.2 million to the expense base.

General and Administrative

Three Months
Ended
 
May 31
2011
  May 31
2010
 
$ 3,632   $ 2,561  

        General and administrative expenses increased by $ 1.1 million for the three months ended May 31, 2011 when compared to the same three month period in the previous fiscal year.

        The increase in spending can be attributed to a number of factors. The incorporation of Axerra's general and administrative expenses into the consolidated results added $0.5 million to spending in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. Higher professional fees associated with our aggressive expansion efforts increased spending by $0.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 relative to the same period in the previous fiscal year. Higher costs associated with certain operations functions, not directly associated with current product sales, also increased (FY2012 higher by $0.3 million). The weakening USD also impacted the results within this area, and the impact on the first quarter of fiscal 2012 is estimated to be $0.2 million. Finally lower variable compensation costs offset the spending increases noted above ($0.1 million lower in Q1 fiscal 2012 vs. Q1 fiscal 2011).

Government Assistance

Three Months
Ended
 
May 31
2011
  May 31
2010
 
$ (350 ) $ 0  

        The $0.4 million credit in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 reflects research and development funding received through the Office of the Chief Scientist ("OCS") in Israel. Under these agreements, we will be required to pay royalties at the rate of 3%—3.5% of sales of products developed with funds provided by the OCS, up to an amount equal to 100% of the OCS grants, bearing interest at the rate of LIBOR. The obligation to pay these royalties is contingent on actual sales of the products and in the absence of such

15



LOGO

DragonWave Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the three months ended May 31, 2011
Tables are expressed in USD $000's except share and per share amounts


sales, no payment is required. This funding did not exist prior to the acquisition of Axerra and therefore was not present in our financial statements for the three months ended May 31, 2010.

Amortization of Intangible Assets

Three Months
Ended
 
May 31
2011
  May 31
2010
 
$ (587 ) $ (82 )

        In fiscal 2012 the amount reflects both the amortization of the intangible assets acquired with the purchase of Axerra and the amortization of computer software. In the three months ended May 31, 2010, the amount reflects only the amortization of computer software.

Accretion (Expense)

Three Months
Ended
 
May 31
2011
  May 31
2010
 
$ (276 ) $ 0  

        As part of the acquisition of Axerra, we agreed to pay a potential earn-out of $15.5 million based on sales performance over a sixteen month period. The potential liability that this reflects was recorded on the balance sheet at the time of the acquisition at its fair value using a discount rate equal to the risk free rate of return adjusted for a risk premium. The present value of this potential future payment was calculated to be $14.3 million. The value of the liability on the balance sheet will increase each month in equal amounts (approximately $90 thousand per month) until the sixteen month earn-out period is finished and the amount equals $15.5 million.

Interest

Three Months
Ended
 
May 31
2011
  May 31
2010
 
$ 84   $ 32  

        Interest revenue reflects the earnings on the highly liquid low risk investments made by us during the period in question. Interest rates remain low, and returns on investment are therefore minimal.

16



LOGO

DragonWave Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the three months ended May 31, 2011
Tables are expressed in USD $000's except share and per share amounts

Investment Gain/(Loss)

Three Months
Ended
 
May 31
2011
  May 31
2010
 
$ 39   $ (49 )

        We make short term investments which carry a fixed yield and term to maturity. Because these investments are reflected on the balance sheet at their fair value, changes in market interest rates for similar instruments necessitate that the investment is either increased in value or decreased. Because interest rates have decreased since the time that the fixed yield investment held at May 31, 2011 was purchased an investment gain was recorded.

Foreign Exchange Gain (Loss)

Three Months
Ended
 
May 31
2011
  May 31
2010
 
$ 120   $ 117  

        The small foreign exchange gain recognized in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 resulted from the translation of monetary accounts denominated in currencies other than the USD at May 31, 2011 in an environment where the USD was becoming relatively less strong. More assets than liabilities are held in foreign currencies, which means as the USD weakens we generate a gain on the translation of the balance sheet into USD.

Income Taxes Expense (Recovery)

Three Months
Ended
 
May 31
2011
  May 31
2010
 
$ 9   $ 231  

        The effective tax rates for the first quarter of fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011 were (0.1) percent and 2.3 percent, respectively. The year-over-year decline in the tax rate was primarily due to the operating loss incurred in the first quarter of fiscal 2012.

17



LOGO

DragonWave Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the three months ended May 31, 2011
Tables are expressed in USD $000's except share and per share amounts

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        The table below outlines selected balance sheet accounts and key ratios:

 
  As at
May 31,
2011
  As at
February 28,
2011
 

Key Balance Sheet Amounts and Ratios:

             
 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

    63,641     77,819  
 

Restricted cash

    146     714  
 

Short Term Investments

    16,145     11,181  
 

Working Capital

    93,918     102,692  
 

Long Term Assets

    34,576     35,224  
 

Long Term Liabilities

    4,591     5,289  
 

Working Capital Ratio

    3.8 : 1     4.1 : 1  
 

Days Sales Outstanding in accounts receivable

    71 days     69 days  
 

Inventory Turnover

    0.4 times     1 times  

18



LOGO

DragonWave Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the three months ended May 31, 2011
Tables are expressed in USD $000's except share and per share amounts

Cash and cash equivalents, Restricted cash and Short term investments

        As at May 31, 2011, we had $79.9 million in Cash and cash equivalents, Restricted cash, and Short term investments ("Cash") representing a $9.8 million decrease from the Cash balance at February 28, 2011.

 
  Three months ended  
Changes in DragonWave's Cash Balance
  May 31, 2011   May 31, 2010  

The results of operations of the Company

    (9.9 )   9.7  

Non-cash income statement items

    2.2     1.2  
           

Cash results of operations of the Company

    (7.7 )   10.9  
           

Other Sources of Cash:

             

Initial contribution by non-controlling interest in DW-HFCL

    0.6      

Other miscellaneous items including option proceeds

    0.2     0.1  
           

    0.8     0.1  
           

Uses of Cash:

             

The repurchase of shares

        (1.1 )

The purchase of capital assets & software

    (0.8 )   (2.2 )

Growth in non-cash working capital

    (2.0 )   (5.3 )

Other

    (0.1 )      
           

    (2.9 )   (8.6 )
           

Net impact on Cash

    (9.8 )   2.4  
           

Beginning Cash balance

    89.7     113.4  

Ending Cash balance

    79.9     115.8  

    Sources & Uses of Cash:

        The proceeds from option exercises provide funds to us. Option exercise prices range from $1.34 to $13.74 and in the three months ended May 31, 2011 40,346 options were exercised.

        In the three months ended May 31, 2011, we invested $0.4 million in test and R&D equipment as well as computer hardware to facilitate our operations. Investments in test and R&D equipment are required to accommodate the unique specifications and requirements of the new releases and variants. We also invested an additional $0.3 million in computer software to assist in our operations.

        Contributing to the reduction in the our Cash balances was the growth in non-cash working capital (growth in the three months ending May 31, 2011—$2.0 million).

19



LOGO

DragonWave Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the three months ended May 31, 2011
Tables are expressed in USD $000's except share and per share amounts

Working Capital

Changes in working capital
  February 28, 2011
to
May 31, 2011
 

Beginning working capital balance

    102,692  

Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and short term investments

    (9,782 )

Trade receivables

    (1,981 )

Inventory

    3,810  

Other current assets

    462  

Future income tax asset

    (15 )

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

    (558 )

Income taxes payable

    0  

Deferred revenue

    (457 )

Contingent royalty

    (22 )

Contingent consideration

    (231 )
       

Net change in working capital

    (8,774 )
       

Ending working capital balance

    93,918  
       

    Trade Receivables:

        The trade receivables balance decreased by $2.0 million between February 28, 2011 and May 31, 2011 (February 28, 2011—$11.6 million; May 31, 2011—$9.6 million). The reduction in the balance was driven by the $4.1 million decrease in sales between the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 and the first quarter of fiscal 2012. The days sales outstanding in accounts receivable also changed, increasing from 69 days at February 28, 2011 to 71 days at May 31, 2011. Our allowance for doubtful accounts continues to be low, amounting to only 0.9% of the trade receivables balance at May 31, 2011 (0.8% at February 28, 2011). Axerra's trade receivable balance contributed $0.4 million to the ending balance of the consolidated entity at May 31, 2011.

    Inventory:

        The inventory balance increased by $3.8 million between February 28, 2011 and May 31, 2011. Our production inventory is made up of product variants which are continuing to generate significant global interest and approximately 64% of production inventory is in a finished goods state. Axerra's inventory levels contributed $2.4 million to the ending balance of inventory at May 31, 2011.

    Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities:

        The accounts payable and accrued liabilities balance increased from $15.9 million at February 28, 2011 to $16.5 million at May 31, 2011. Activity levels between the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 and the first quarter of fiscal 2012 were similar from a purchasing perspective, and therefore it is expected that the balance would not have changed significantly. Axerra's accounts payable and accrued liability balance was $5.2 million at May 31, 2011.

20



LOGO

DragonWave Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the three months ended May 31, 2011
Tables are expressed in USD $000's except share and per share amounts

Liquidity and Capital Resource Requirements

        Based on our recent performance, current revenue expectations, and funds raised through the financing activities of the previous year, our management believes cash resources will be available to satisfy working capital needs for at least the next 12 months.

Commitments as at May 31, 2011

        Future minimum operating lease payments as at May 31, 2011 per fiscal year are as follows:

2012

    1,693  

2013

    2,084  

2014

    1,943  

2015

    1,812  

Thereafter

    2,699  
       

  $ 10,231  
       

        In the normal course of its business activities, we are subject to claims and legal actions. We recognize a provision for estimated loss contingencies when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. In management's opinion, adequate provisions have been made for all current and future claims.

Royalty Commitments

        Under the research and development agreements of Axerra Networks Ltd., an indirect subsidiary of DragonWave, we received and accrued participation payments from the OCS in the amount of $0.4 million. We are required to pay royalties at the rate of 3%—3.5% of sales of products developed with funds provided by the OCS, up to an amount equal to 100% of the OCS grants, bearing interest at the rate of LIBOR. The obligation to pay these royalties is contingent on actual sales of the products and in the absence of such sales, no payment is required.

21



LOGO

DragonWave Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the three months ended May 31, 2011
Tables are expressed in USD $000's except share and per share amounts

Outstanding Share Data

        Our common shares are listed on the TSX under the symbol DWI and on the NASDAQ under the symbol DRWI.

 
  Number of Shares  

Balance at February 28, 2010

    36,934,917  

Exercise of stock options

    311,254  

Share repurchase

    (1,865,549 )

Other

    41,271  

Net Earnings (Loss)

     
       

Balance at February 28, 2011

    35,421,893  
       

Stock-based compensation

   
 

Exercise of stock options

    40,346  

Share repurchase

     

Other

    9,438  

Net Earnings

     
       

Balance at May 31, 2011

    35,471,677  
       

        The following is a summary of stock option activity:

 
  Three Months ended
May 31, 2011
  Year ended
February 28, 2011
 
 
  Options   Weighted
Average Price
(CAD)
  Options   Weighted
Average Price
(CAD)
 

Opening Balance

    2,114,906   $ 5.53     1,603,052   $ 4.06  

Granted

    552,500   $ 6.77     900,645   $ 7.28  

Exercised

    (40,346 ) $ 2.82     (311,254 ) $ 2.73  

Forfeited

    (8,577 ) $ 11.16     (77,537 ) $ 6.62  
                   

Closing Balance

    2,618,483   $ 5.82     2,114,906   $ 5.53  
                   

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

        We lease space for our headquarters in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Our R&D, services and support, and general and administrative groups operate from our headquarters. We also lease warehouse space in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Both leases expire in November 2011. We lease additional warehouse space on a month by month basis. Our rental costs including operating expenses total $102 thousand per month. In April, 2008 we signed a lease agreement in England. The lease expires in April, 2013 and rental costs including operating costs total $8 thousand per month. In December, 2010 we signed a lease agreement in Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States. Rental costs, including operating costs total $9 thousand per

22



LOGO

DragonWave Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the three months ended May 31, 2011
Tables are expressed in USD $000's except share and per share amounts


month. In December, 2010 we signed a lease agreement in Singapore. The lease expires in December, 2011 and rental costs including operating costs total $2 thousand per month.

        Our indirect subsidiary, Axerra Networks Ltd., leases space for its headquarters in Tel Aviv, Israel. Axerra's R&D, services and support, and general and administrative groups operate from its headquarters. This lease was renewed in December 2010 for a period of 60 months. Rental costs, including operating expenses, total $37 thousand per month.

        We use an outsourced manufacturing model whereby most of the component acquisition and assembly of our products is executed by third parties. Generally, we provide the supplier with a purchase order 90 days in advance of expected delivery. We are responsible for the financial impact of any changes to the product requirements within this period. We have purchase orders in place currently for raw materials and manufactured products in addition to capital expenses and services. All purchase orders reflect our current view of revenue and cash flow.

Financial Instruments

        Under US generally accepted accounting principles, financial instruments are classified into one of the following categories: held for trading, held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, receivables, or other liabilities.

Fair Value

        The following table summarizes the carrying values of our financial instruments:

 
  May 31,
2011
  February 28,
2011
 

Held-for-trading(1)

    79,932     89,714  

Receivables(2)

    10,748     12,197  

Other financial liabilities(3)

    15,171     14,608  

(1)
Includes cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and short term investments.

(2)
Includes trade receivables and other receivables which are financial in nature.

(3)
Includes accounts payable and accrued liabilities which are financial in nature.

        Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short term investments, trade receivables, other receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities are short term financial instruments whose fair value approximates the carrying amount given that they will mature shortly. As at the balance sheet date, there are no significant differences between the carrying value of these items and their estimated fair values.

Credit risk

        In addition to trade receivables and other receivables, we are exposed to credit risk on our cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and short term investments in the event that our counterparties do not meet their obligations. We do not use credit derivatives or similar instruments to mitigate this risk and, as

23



LOGO

DragonWave Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the three months ended May 31, 2011
Tables are expressed in USD $000's except share and per share amounts


such, the maximum exposure is the full carrying value or face value of the financial instrument. We minimize our credit risk on cash and cash equivalents and short term investments by transacting with only reputable financial institutions.

Foreign exchange risk

        The following table summarizes the currency distribution of our financial instruments in US dollars, as at May 31, 2011:

 
  May 31, 2011   February 28, 2011  
 
  US
Dollars
  CDN
Dollars
  Other
Currency
  US
Dollars
  CDN
Dollars
  Other
Currency
 

Held-for-trading

    87%     10%     3%     87%     11%     2%  

Receivables

    83%     6%     11%     94%     1%     5%  

Other financial liabilities

    67%     19%     14%     70%     18%     12%  

        Foreign exchange risk arises because of fluctuations in exchange rates. We do not currently use derivative financial instruments to mitigate this risk.

        If the US dollar had appreciated 1 percent against all foreign currencies at May 31, 2011, with all other variables held constant, the impact of this foreign currency change on the our foreign denominated financial instruments would have resulted in decrease in after-tax net income of $69 thousand for the three month period ended May 31, 2011 (three month period ended May 31, 2010—$85 thousand), with an equal and opposite effect if the US dollar had depreciated 1 percent against all foreign currencies at May 31, 2011.

        For the three months ended May 31, 2011, a foreign exchange gain of $0.1 million was recognized (three months ended May 31, 2010—$0.1 million).

Liquidity risk

        A risk exists that we will not be able to meet our financial obligations as they become due. Based on our recent performance, current revenue expectations and strong current ratio, management believes that liquidity risk is low.

Transactions with Related Parties

        We lease premises from a real estate company controlled by a member of the Board of Directors. During the three months ended May 31, 2011, we paid $0.4 million (three months ended May 31, 2010—$0.3 million), relating to the rent, operating costs, and leasehold improvements associated with this real estate, and the value owing for net purchases at May 31, 2011 was $2 thousand (February 28, 2011—$30 thousand). These amounts have been allocated amongst various expense accounts, except for leasehold improvements which have been allocated to property and equipment.

        All transactions are in the normal course of business and have been recorded at the exchange amount.

24



LOGO

DragonWave Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the three months ended May 31, 2011
Tables are expressed in USD $000's except share and per share amounts

Controls and Procedures

        An evaluation was carried out under the supervision of, and with the participation of, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer, or CEO, and Chief Financial Officer, or CFO, which are our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, respectively, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")). Based upon that evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as at May 31, 2011 to give reasonable assurance that the information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act and/or applicable Canadian securities legislation is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's as well as in accordance with applicable Canadian securities legislation rules and forms, and (ii) accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

        Our management is also responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) as well as National Instrument 52-109 of the Canadian Securities Administrators. These controls are designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of May 31, 2011.

    Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

        During the period covered by this report, no changes occurred in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Inventory

        We value inventory at the lower of cost and market. We calculate the cost of raw materials on a standard cost basis, which approximates average cost. Market is determined as net realizable value for finished goods, raw materials and work in progress. Indirect manufacturing costs and direct labour expenses are allocated systematically to the total production inventory.

25



LOGO

DragonWave Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the three months ended May 31, 2011
Tables are expressed in USD $000's except share and per share amounts

Revenue recognition

        We derive revenue from the sale of our broadband wireless backhaul equipment which includes embedded software and a license to use said software and extended product warranties. We consider software to be incidental to the product. Services range from installation and training to basic consulting. Of the three, basic consulting provides the biggest revenue stream, though as a percentage of our total revenue it generally amounts to only 3% of revenue.

        We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred and there are no significant remaining vendor obligations, collection of receivables is reasonably assured and the fee is fixed and determinable. Where final acceptance of the product is specified by the customer, revenue is deferred until acceptance criteria have been met. It is rare that final acceptance is specified in a contract with one of our customers.

        Additionally, our business agreements may contain multiple elements. Accordingly, we are required to determine the appropriate accounting, including whether the deliverables specified in a multiple element arrangement should be treated as separate units of accounting for revenue recognition purposes, the fair value of these separate units of accounting and when to recognize revenue for each element. For arrangements involving multiple elements, we allocate revenue to each component of the arrangement using the residual value method, based on vendor-specific objective evidence of the fair value of the undelivered elements. These elements may include one or more of the following: advanced replacement, extended warranties, training, and installation. These types of revenue make up less than 5% of our revenue in any period.

    Advanced replacement and Extended Warranty

        Advanced replacement and extended warranty contracts are services offered by us to our customers as an option to purchase either at the time the goods are shipped or at any time after shipment takes place. Many customers wait to purchase extended warranty coverage until their standard warranty period ends.

        Advanced replacement is a service we sell which provides to customers the benefit of having a replacement radio or modem shipped to them when a unit they own has been confirmed by us to be malfunctioning. When the customer receives the replacement radio or modem, they ship the malfunctioning unit back to us. We repair and keep the returned unit.

        Standard warranty for customers generally varies between twelve and thirty-six months. Our extended warranty programs enable customers to continue to have repairs and customer support guidance beyond the standard warranty period.

        We recognize the revenue for both advanced replacement and extended warranty services ratably over the term that the service will be offered.

        VSOE of the fair value is established for both advanced replacement and extended warranty programs by comparing the selling price for these services when sold separately (as they often are) to the selling price when sold at the same time as the delivered elements. The revenue for the delivered element is recognized using the relative selling price method.

26



LOGO

DragonWave Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the three months ended May 31, 2011
Tables are expressed in USD $000's except share and per share amounts

    Training

        We earn a minimal portion of our total revenue from the sale of training services primarily to installation companies. Only in rare circumstances do we provide or sub-contract installation services (see below), as the customers to whom we sell microwave equipment outsource the installation to specialized companies. As a result, installation training revenue is generally not sold as a bundled service because it is sold to a different customer base. Further, any training that is provided is not essential to the functionality of our product offerings, and are thus considered an insignificant deliverable to the overall arrangement and not considered a separate unit of accounting.

    Installation

        We do not offer installation services. Rarely, a customer may request that we arrange for the installation of the equipment through a third party service provider as a condition of the sale. In this case, a separate services agreement is created between DragonWave and the end-user of our equipment, and we sub-contract the installation to a qualified installer. Evidence that the revenue associated with the installation service represents the fair value of the offering is provided by the sub-contracted value of the installation.

    Sales to Distributors:

        We defer the recognition of sales to distributors for shipments for which no end user has been identified (i.e. inventory to be held in stock by the distributor) due to the right of the distributor to exchange and rotate its stocking levels in order to maximize its market efficiency or return the product and be charged an associated restocking fee.

        Delay between the shipment to distributor and revenue recognition depends upon the strategy of the distributor. Some sales never go through distributor inventory; rather they are shipped directly from DragonWave to the end user. Other sales opportunities identified by our distributors are fulfilled by using the distributor's inventory.

        Each order received from a distributor identifies whether the order is for the distributor's stock, or for an end customer. In order to ensure the accuracy of sales to end-users, we receive a confirmation of the stocking levels of our distributors on a quarterly basis. In addition, we perform cut-off procedures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the confirmations received.

        We evaluate arrangements that include services such as training and installation to determine whether those services are essential to the functionality of other elements of the arrangement. When services are considered essential, revenue allocable to the other elements is deferred until the services have been performed. When services are not considered essential, the revenue allocable to the services is recognized as the services are performed.

        We recognize revenue from engineering services or development agreements according to the specific terms and acceptance criteria as services are rendered.

27



LOGO

DragonWave Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the three months ended May 31, 2011
Tables are expressed in USD $000's except share and per share amounts

        We accrue estimated potential product liability as warranty costs when revenue on the sale of equipment is recognized. We calculate warranty costs on a percentage of revenue per month based on current actual warranty costs and return experience.

        We record shipping and handling costs borne by us in costs of sales. Shipping and handling costs charged to customers are recorded as revenue, if billed at the time of shipment. Costs charged to customers after delivery are recorded in cost of sales.

Research and development

        Our research costs are expensed as incurred. Our development costs other than property and equipment are expensed as incurred unless they meet generally accepted accounting criteria for deferral and amortization. Development costs incurred prior to establishment of technological feasibility do not meet these criteria, and are expensed as incurred. Government assistance and investment tax credits relating to ongoing R&D costs are recorded as a recovery of the related R&D expenses, where such assistance is reasonably assured.

Income taxes

        Income taxes are accounted for using the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, future tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the tax and accounting basis of assets and liabilities as well as for the benefit of losses available to be carried forward to future years for tax purposes that are more likely than not to be realized. Future tax assets and liabilities are measured using substantively enacted tax rates that apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Future tax assets are recognized only to the extent, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that the future tax assets will be realized in the future.

        We periodically review our provisions for income taxes and the valuation allowance to determine whether the overall tax estimates are reasonable. When we perform our quarterly assessments of the provision and valuation allowance, it may be determined that an adjustment is required. This adjustment may have a material impact on our financial position and results of operations.

Adoption of United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

        In February 2008, the Canadian Accounting Standards Board confirmed the transition from Canadian GAAP to International Financial Reporting Standards ["IFRS"] for all publicly accountable entities no later than fiscal years commencing on or after January 1, 2011. As a result, we undertook a detailed review of the implications of having to report under IFRS and also examined the alternative available to us, as a Foreign Private Issuer in the United States, of filing our primary financial statements in Canada using U.S. GAAP, as permitted by the Canadian Securities Administrators' National Instrument 51-102, "Continuous Disclosure Obligations".

        In carrying out this evaluation, we considered many factors, including, but not limited to (i) the changes in accounting policies that would be required and the resulting impact on our reported results and key performance indicators, (ii) the reporting standards expected to be used by many of our industry

28



LOGO

DragonWave Inc.
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the three months ended May 31, 2011
Tables are expressed in USD $000's except share and per share amounts


comparables, and (iii) the financial reporting needs of our market participants, including shareholders, lenders, rating agencies and market analysts.

        As a result of this analysis, we determined that we would adopt U.S. GAAP as our primary basis of financial reporting commencing March 1, 2011 on a retrospective basis. All comparative financial information contained in the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements has been revised to reflect our results as if they had been historically reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

        Our significant accounting policies are those described in Note 2 and 17 of our annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended February 28, 2011 except for "Stock-based compensation" and "Investment tax credits" for which the accounting policy is described in Note 24 and except for the changes in accounting policies adopted in the current fiscal year, as described in the consolidated financial statements, dated May 31, 2011.

        The adoption of U.S. GAAP did not have a material change on our accounting policies or financial results. An adjustment of $154 thousand was made to increase deficit as at February 28, 2011. For further details on the reporting differences consult note 24 to the annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended February 28, 2011.

29




QuickLinks

North American Distributors & Resellers