20-F 1 f20.htm FILED BY FILING SERVICES CANADA INC. 403 717-3898 Filed by FIling Services Canada Inc. 403 717-3898

OMB Number: 3235-0288


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

FORM 20-F

NORSAT INTERNATIONAL INC.
British Columbia, Canada









(Mark One)
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 31st, 2004  
 
OR
 
 o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _________________ to ________________

Commission file number: 0-12600




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
N/A
 
N/A
     


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

N/A
Title of Class

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.

Common Shares
Title of Class

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.  42,051,832 common shares.

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.
x Yes o No
Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
x Item 17 o Item 18
 
(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.
 
Yes o No o 



 



Table of Contents

1
Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
3
2
Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
3
3
Key Information
3
A.
Selected financial data
3
B.
Capitalization and indebtedness
4
C.
Reasons for the offer and use of proceeds
5
D.
Risk factors
5
4
Information on the Company
7
A.
History and development of the Company
7
B.
Business overview
9
C.
Organizational structure
12
D.
Property, plants and equipment
12
5
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
13
A.
Operating results
13
B.
Liquidity and capital resources
19
C.
Research and development, patents and licenses, etc.
20
D.
Trend information
21
E.
Off-balance sheet arrangements.
21
F.
Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations.
21
G.
Safe harbor
21
6
Directors, Senior Management and Employees
22
A.
Directors and Senior Management
22
B.
Compensation
23
C.
Board practices
25
D.
Employees
28
E.
Share ownership
29
7
Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
30
A.
Major shareholders
30
B.
Related party transactions
30
C.
Interests of experts and counsel
30
8
Financial Information
31
A.
Consolidated Financial Statements
31
B.
Significant Changes
62
9
The Offer and Listing
63
10
Additional Information
64
A.
Share capital
64
B.
Memorandum and Articles of Association
64
C.
Material Contracts
66
D.
Exchange controls
66
E.
Taxation
67
F.
Dividends and paying agents
70
G.
Statement by experts
70
H.
Documents on display
70
I.
Subsidiary Information
71
 

11
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
71
12
Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities
71
PART II
 
71
13
Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
71
14
Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds
71
15
Controls and Procedures
72
16
[Reserved]
72
A.
Audit Committee Financial Expert
72
B.
Code of Ethics
72
PART III
 
73
17
Financial Statements
73
18
Financial Statements
73
19
Exhibits
73

Note:

All dollar amounts presented in the Annual Report on Form 20-F are presented in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. Reference should be made to Item 3A for information on exchange rates between the Canadian dollar and the United States dollar.


 

 




 
PART I
 
 
1.
Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
 
Not applicable.
 
2.
Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
 
Not applicable.
 
3.
Key Information 
 
A.
Selected financial data 
 
Table 1 below summarizes selected consolidated financial data for the Company calculated in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (“Canadian GAAP”). Table 2 below summarizes certain corresponding information calculated in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). The information for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2004 and as at December 31, 2004 and 2003 have been extracted from the more detailed consolidated financial statements and related notes included herein and should be read in conjunction with such financial statements appearing under the heading “Item 8 - Financial Information” and with the information appearing under the heading “Item 5 - Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”. Reference is made to Note 22 of the consolidated financial statements of Norsat included herein for a discussion of the material differences between Canadian GAAP and U.S. GAAP, and their effect on the Company’s financial statements. Information for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 and as at December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 has been extracted from audited consolidated financial statements not disclosed elsewhere herein.

Table 1: Selected Financial Information according to Canadian GAAP

 
(In 000's except per share information)
Year Ended December 31
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
Sales
17,521
12,980
14,675
20,599
22,017
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
 429
(8,169)
(6,182)
(22,598)
(27,503)
Net earnings (loss)
1,153
(8,245)
(6,270)
(22,572)
(35,703)
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations - basic and diluted
0.01
(0.23)
(0.18)
(0.71)
(1.01)
Earnings (loss) per share - basic and diluted
0.03
(0.23)
(0.19)
(0.71)
(1.32)
Weighted average number of shares - basic
40,282
36,101
33,501
31,803
27,105
Weighted average number of shares - diluted
40,721
36,101
33,501
31,803
27,105
Dividends per share
-
-
-
-
-
As at December 31
         
Total assets
12,199
9,515
17,026
20,025
47,663
Net assets
8,096
5,175
8,971
11,376
28,828
Long-term debt (excluding current portion)
1,468
1,271
1,251
-
-
Capital Stock
40,901
39,153
34,715
33,974
74,192

3

Table 2: Selected Financial Information according to US GAAP

 
(In 000's except per share information)
Year Ended December 31
2004
2003
2002
2001
200
Sales
17,521
12,980
14,675
20,599
22,017
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
897
(7,349)
(5,811)
(19,873)
(34,474)
Net earnings (loss)
1,622
(7,425)
(5,899)
(19,848)
(42,675)
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations - basic and diluted
0.02
(0.21)
(0.17)
(0.62)
(1.27)
Earnings (loss) per share - basic and diluted
0.04
(0.21)
(0.17)
(0.62)
(1.57)
Weighted average number of shares - basic
40,282
36,101
33,501
31,803
27,105
Weighted average number of shares - diluted
40,721
36,101
33,501
31,803
27,105
Dividends per share
-
-
-
-
-
As at December 31
         
Total assets
12,632
9,991
17,276
19,909
42,942
Net assets
7,593
4,330
7,317
11,281
25,987
Long-term debt (excluding current portion)
2,404
2,593
3,155
-
-
Capital Stock
115,535
113,788
109,350
108,608
103,536


In this Form 20-F Annual Report unless otherwise specified, all monetary amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars. The following tables set out the exchange rates, based on the noon buying rates for the Bank of Canada, for the conversion of United States dollars into Canadian dollars in effect at the closing rate on March 17, 2005, the range of high and low exchange rates for such periods, and the average exchange rates (based on the average of the noon day exchange rates) on each day of the year in such periods.

The close of business on March 17, 2005: 1.2018.

 
Last Six Months Ended
 
2005
2004
 
Feb.
Jan.
Dec.
Nov.
Oct.
Sep.
High for period
1.2584
1.2470
1.2467
1.2274
1.2755
1.3140
Low for period
1.2241
1.1948
1.1796
1.1746
1.2158
1.2592
 
 
Year Ended December 31
 
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
Average for period
1.3015
1.4015
1.5704
1.5484
1.4852
 
4

B.
Capitalization and indebtedness 
 
Not applicable.
 
C.
Reasons for the offer and use of proceeds
 
Not applicable.
 
D.
Risk factors 
 
Investors should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below before making an investment decision. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or operating results could be materially harmed. This could cause the trading price of our common shares to decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Associated With Our Financial Results

Our inability to generate sufficient cash flows may result in us not being a going concern. Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis, which presumes the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities in the normal course of operations. The application of the going concern basis is dependent upon the Company having sufficient available cash resources and achieving profitable operations to generate sufficient cash flows to fund continued operations, or, in the absence of adequate cash flows from operations, obtaining additional financing. For the year ended December 31, 2004 the Company was profitable; however the Company has previously reported losses and negative cash flows from operations in four of the last five fiscal years

Our inability to accurately forecast our results from quarter to quarter may affect our cash resources and result in wide fluctuations in the market price of our stock. Our operating results have varied on a quarterly basis in the past and may fluctuate significantly in the future as a result of a variety of factors, many of which are described below. Due to these and other factors, most of which are outside of our control, our quarterly revenues and operating results are difficult to forecast. As a result, we may not be able to accurately predict our necessary cash expenditures during each quarter or obtain financing in a timely manner to cover any shortfalls. We also believe that period-to-period comparisons of our operating results may not be meaningful and one should not rely on any such comparisons as an indication of our future performance.

Risks Associated With Our Business And Operations

We cannot be sure we will be able to identify emerging technology and market trends, enhance our existing technologies or develop new technologies in order to effectively compete in the satellite communications industry. The satellite communications industry is characterized by rapid technological changes, short technology and product life cycles, pressure to provide improved solutions at increasingly lower prices and frequent introduction of new technologies and products. To succeed, we must be able to identify emerging trends and enhance our existing technologies and develop new technologies and products to meet market requirements. To drive sales, our satellite products must meet the needs of our customers and potential customers and must be competitively priced. Additionally, there must be sufficient interest in and demand for our products. If we do not develop these new technologies and products in a timely and cost effective manner, or if others develop new technologies before us, we will not achieve profitability in the satellite communications industry and we may not be able to participate in selling these new technologies or products.

We have customer and supplier concentration. A significant portion of our revenues has been recognized from a limited number of customers. For example, during 2004, the Satellite Systems segment generated approximately 87% of its sales from the United States government. We expect that a majority of our Satellite Systems revenues will continue to depend on sales of products to a small number of customers. We also expect that customers will vary from period-to-period. If we fail to successfully sell our products to one or more targeted customers in any particular period, or are unable to diversify our number of customers and segments, our revenues and profits will be adversely affected. The Company purchases substantially all of its microwave products from two suppliers. If either of these suppliers is unable or unwilling to supply to us and at prices that we deem fair, and we are unable to diversify our number and range of suppliers to mitigate this risk, our revenues and profits will be adversely affected.

5

We cannot be sure that we will be able to compete effectively with our current competitors. The satellite communications industry is intensely competitive. Our competitors have technologies, products and resources that may be more advantageous and they compete directly with us. Some of these competitors are large, established companies which have significantly greater resources than we have. Our ability to compete effectively will depend on our ability to increase sales and attract new customers in a timely and cost effective manner and market and sell these products at competitive prices. We are dependent on others for the supply and manufacture of components and products we sell. We have outsourced substantially all of the manufacturing of the microwave products we sell and, with the progression of the portable terminals from development to production, we rely on our suppliers to provide components for the production of terminal products. If either the manufacturers or suppliers cannot deliver products to us on time, and at competitive pricing, our revenues and profits will be adversely affected.

We have limited intellectual property protection. Our success and ability to compete are dependent, in part, upon proprietary technology. Due to the rapid technological changes in our markets and since our technology is, in part, proprietary, we rely primarily on trade secrets and we do not have adequate patent applications to protect our technology. We also enter into confidentiality, and non-compete agreements with our employees and limit the access to and distribution of our product design documentation and other proprietary information. We cannot be sure that these efforts will deter misappropriation or prevent an unauthorized third party from obtaining or using information, which we deem to be proprietary. Although we believe that our technology does not currently infringe upon patents held by others, we cannot be sure that such infringements do not exist or will not exist in the future, particularly as the number of products and competitors in our industry segment grows.

If we experience rapid growth and do not manage it effectively, this may impact our profitability. If our technologies and products achieve wide acceptance we may experience rapid growth. We may have to hire more employees, including additional management, improve our financial control systems, and expand and manage our technical, sales and support service operations. We would need increased revenues and additional funding to operate these increased activities. If we do not manage our growth effectively, profitability may be impacted.

We depend on our key employees and we cannot be sure that we will be able to keep these employees or hire and train replacements. Our success depends on the skills, experience and performance of our senior management and other key personnel. While we offer competitive compensation packages and stock options to attract talent, we do not carry key personnel insurance on these employees. Highly skilled technical employees and management in the satellite communications industry are in demand and the market for such persons is highly competitive. We cannot be sure that we will be able to retain these employees or hire replacements. If we do not successfully retain our key personnel or hire and train replacements we will be unable to develop the new products and technologies necessary to compete in our markets or to effectively manage our business.

We may be subject to product liability claims, which are not fully covered by insurance. The manufacturing, sale and marketing of our satellite products expose us to the risk of product liability claims. Given the complex nature of our products, they may contain undetected errors or performance problems, particularly when new products are introduced. Although our products undergo extensive testing prior to introduction to the market, it is typical in the satellite communications industry for such products to contain errors and performance problems, which are discovered after commercial introduction. If these defects and errors are discovered after shipment, they could result in a loss of sales revenues, delay in market acceptance, product returns, warranty claims and the loss of a potential market. In addition, components and other products manufactured and distributed by others, which are incorporated into our products, may also contain such defects and errors, which could substantially reduce the performance of our products. We are also at risk of exposure to potential product liability claims from distributors and end-users for damages resulting from defects in products that we distribute. Although product defects have not been a significant factor, we maintain product liability insurance. We cannot be sure that this insurance will be adequate to cover all claims brought against us or that this insurance will continue to be available to us on acceptable terms. If these claims are not fully covered by our product liability insurance, they could severely and negatively impact our business liability insurance coverage and our available cash resources. A product liability claim, even one without merit or for which we have substantial coverage, could result in significant legal defence costs, thereby increasing our expenses, lowering our earnings and, depending on revenues, potentially resulting in additional losses.
 
6

Since we sell our products around the world, we face financial risks associated with currency fluctuations and other risks relating to our international operations, which may adversely impact our business and results of operations. To be successful, we believe we must expand our international operations. Therefore, we expect to commit significant resources in order to expand our international sales and marketing activities, including the hiring of an international sales force and agents. If we do not maintain or increase international market demand for our products, our business will be negatively impacted. We are increasingly subject to a number of risks associated with international business activities, which may increase our costs, lengthen our sales cycle and require significant management attention. These risks include:

Increased expenses associated with marketing services in foreign countries;
General economic conditions in international markets;
Unexpected changes in regulatory requirements resulting in unanticipated costs and delays;
Tariffs, export controls and other trade barriers;
Longer accounts receivable payment cycles and difficulties in collecting accounts receivable; and
Potentially adverse tax consequences, including restrictions on the repatriation of earnings.

While we expect our international revenues and expenses to be denominated primarily in US dollars, a portion of our international revenues and expenses may be denominated in other foreign currencies in the future. Accordingly, as our reporting currency is the Canadian dollar, we could experience the risks of fluctuating currencies and could choose to engage in currency hedging activities, which may be unsuccessful and expensive.

Risks That May Affect The Value Of Norsat Shares

The exercise of our existing outstanding options, warrants, warrants to be issued, conversion of long-term debt and the number of shares available for future issuance may substantially dilute the value of our common shares. The Company has 75,000,000 shares of Common Stock authorized, of which 42,051,832 were outstanding at December 31, 2004 and an additional 7,366,799 shares have been reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding options or warrants or warrants to be issued or conversion of long-term debt as of such date. Although our Board of Directors has no present intention to do so, it has the authority, within parameters set by the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”), without action by the shareholders, to issue authorized and unissued shares of Common Stock. Any series of Preferred Stock, if and when established and issued, could also have rights superior to shares of our Common Stock, particularly in regard to voting, the payment of dividends and upon liquidation of Norsat.
 
4.
Information on the Company 
 
A.
History and development of the Company 
 
The Company was incorporated in Canada under the name “Norsat International Inc.” on October 15, 1982 pursuant to the Company Act (British Columbia). Effective September 27, 1989, the Company changed its name to NII Norsat International, Inc. At the Company’s Annual General Meeting held on June 9, 1999, shareholders passed a special resolution to change the Company’s name back to Norsat International Inc. Since July 2, 1999, the Company has operated under the name Norsat International Inc.

Head Office Contact Information
The Company’s head office is located at:

300-4401 Still Creek Drive
Burnaby, British Columbia
Canada V5C 6G9

Telephone: 604-292-9000
Fax: 604-292-9100
Email: investor@norsat.com
www.norsat.com
 
7

Important Events

Throughout the year, we focused our attention on growing revenues from both our OmniLink and microwave components businesses despite an increasingly price-conscious and competitive market. We also remain committed to our cost control and cash management activities.The following were important events during the year:

In 2004 we continued to improve the Norsat OmniLinkTM product line by increasing the reliability of the software controls and increasing the ruggedness of the baseband unit.

In April 2004 Norsat introduced the 40W SSPA Norsat NewsLinkTM at NAB 2004, a terminal capable of operating at a high power output and with higher quality transmission.

Norsat received proceeds from financing activities of $1.6 million. All of these proceeds were through the exercise of share purchase warrants.

Business Development

In 2004, we experienced increased demand for portable satellite systems especially from various public affairs units within the U.S. government. The public affairs units used the OmniLink extensively to transmit welfare messages from serving members to their families; and to transmit stories of interest to the armed forced community and to the electorate. We also sold these portable satellite systems to broadcasters in Hong Kong, Australia and UK and to a service provider in Japan.
 
In terms of lead generation for OmniLink portable satellite systems, we employed a mix of tradeshows, sales calls and customer presentations. We attended a number of tradeshows including SAT 2004 in Washington D.C., National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) in Las Vegas, International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) in Amsterdam and China Telecom in Shanghai. Lead generation activities for the microwave business was primarily driven by “word-of-mouth,” our web site and presence at NAB.

Research and Development

Research and development activities and projects were focused on those that produced near-term and tangible results.

Enhanced Quality of OmniLink
We continued to focus on improving the quality of our OmniLink products. Significant effort was expended on upgrading the packaging of the product family and in the third quarter, we released “ruggedized” and “shock-proofed” versions of the OmniLink products.

40W OmniLink Version
In the second quarter of 2004, we released a 40W version of the OmniLink product line that is an option which several broadcasters had indicated interest in.

Larger Antenna Systems with OmniLink Indoor Unit
Upon request of certain customers, we also designed and supplied satellite systems that employed antenna systems that were larger than those that are normally found within the OmniLink family and combined them with the OmniLink indoor unit.

Broadcasters’ End-to-End Package
Upon request of certain customers, we also designed, engineered and supplied complete broadcaster’s kits that enable the mixing of audio, data and video content.


8


Cash Management

Cash management activities received visibility at all levels of the company’s operations. Balances continued to be closely scrutinized and controls remained steadfast. In 2004 we increased our cash and cash equivalents balance from $2.6m to $5.0m. Cash from operations contributed $0.9m and the exercising of outstanding warrants contributed a further $1.6m, partially offset by capital purchases of $0.2m and $0.1m from the effects of changes in exchange rates on cash.

Human Resources

Employee Productivity
We focused on improving employee productivity. In 2004, we implemented an employee incentive program to assign personal goals in support of the overall corporate strategy and, further to align those goals with shareholder objectives. Particular attention was paid to ensuring that the personal and corporate goals were challenging, clearly defined and assessable by management.

Leadership
Amiee Chan, Vice-President, Operations, returned to Norsat in 2004. Dr. Chan has over 10 years of experience in the key areas of engineering, operations and product management. In the fourth quarter, we recruited Pervez Siddiqui as Director of Marketing to strengthen our marketing direction. Mr. Siddiqui has a strong international and strategic marketing background.

Capital Expenditure

A description of the Company’s principal Capital Expenditures over the last three years is as follows:

·
During 2004, 2003 and 2002 the Company made net purchases of property and equipment in the amounts of $185,332, $98,497 and $228,479, respectively, primarily relating to the purchase of test equipment.

Business overview 
 
Description of Business
 
Company Overview
 
Norsat International Inc. designs, manufactures and markets microwave and portable satellite products, engineered for high-speed data transmission. Founded in 1977, Norsat has a long-standing history of both innovation and reliability in satellite technology. Norsat was the first Company to successfully produce and install a personal satellite receiving system. Based in British Columbia, Canada, millions of Norsat satellite communications products have been sold around the world.
 
Innovation in Technology
 
For more than 25 years, Norsat has provided its customers with next-generation products and network systems. Norsat technology innovations include: first to market a C-band Low Noise Block Downconverter (LNB) in 1984 and a Ku-band PLL LNB in 1989; first to deliver a portable Ka-band satellite terminal in 1995; and first to market a commercial Ka-band Terminal for broadband applications in 2000.

Most recently, Norsat has applied its unique combination of experience and expertise in radio frequency (RF), video transmission and satellite data networking technologies to create the Norsat OmniLink™ family of portable satellite terminal products. Commercially released in late 2003, the Norsat OmniLink™ terminals are ultra-portable, designed for rugged use in remote locations and offer the same performance as products twice their size.
 
Product Line
 
Norsat provides products in two primary categories: portable satellite terminals and microwave products and accessories.
 
9

Norsat OmniLink™ Portable Satellite Terminals address the demanding needs of broadband video or data users located in remote regions where broadband data communications is unreliable or non-existent. Field-tested in Iraq, the Norsat NewsLink™ portable satellite terminal and the Norsat SecureLink™ portable data transmission satellite terminal both provide unique portability, performance and ease-of-use, even in harsh conditions.
 
The OmniLink family of satellite terminals is ideal for use by government and peace-keeping agencies, broadcasters, resource exploration companies, distance education institutions, financial institutions, and large corporations.

Norsat Microwave products and accessories cover a full range of high quality, innovative satellite receivers (LNBs), transmitters (BUCs), transceivers, solid state power amplifiers (SSPAs) and customized products to meet customers’ exact needs.
 
Customers
 
Norsat’s extensive customer list includes all levels of government, educational and financial institutions, resource companies, broadcasters and Fortune 1000 companies. Recent customers include the US Military, CBS News, Fox News, KTUU (an NBC affiliate station), iCable (Hong Kong), BSkyB (UK), and Boeing.

Norsat distributes its products and services to its worldwide customer base from offices in North America and Europe, and through a global network of partners and distributors. The experience of Norsat’s management, sales, marketing, and technical teams is one of the key success factors for the Company. To effectively serve its global customer base, Norsat employs a culturally diverse workforce including sales, marketing, and service staff.

Norsat concentrates on attracting the best and the brightest in scarce talent technology areas and in the sales and marketing of telecommunications products. Today, the Norsat team includes talent from around the world with knowledge that dates back to the late 1960's.

Two business segments
Norsat operates two strategic business units, Microwave Products and Satellite Systems - Portable Satellite Terminals. While both businesses provide core infrastructure elements for the transportation of high-speed data, the markets for each and the way each business builds, sells, and delivers its products are fundamentally different.

Microwave Products Business Unit
Norsat’s Microwave Products are typically used in commercial settings as components of a complete system or as replacement parts for existing systems. The product line includes a full range of radio frequency (RF) and associated components including Norsat’s traditional satellite receivers (LNBs) and accessories as well as satellite transmitters, transceivers, and custom satellite outdoor units.
 
Product Overview
 
Norsat provides customers with a single source of supply for C, Ku, and Ka-band receivers or Low Noise Block down converters (“LNBs”), which are required by every satellite antenna (or “dish”) regardless of size or location. The LNB is mounted at the focal point of the dish to convert incoming microwave signals into electrical signals that are routed to the remote receiver or indoor unit. Reliability is critical for these products as they are used in remote areas around the world.

Satellite transmitters or Block Up Converters (“BUCs”) and transceivers provide a complementary offering to Norsat’s traditional LNB business. Norsat provides Ku and Ka-band BUCs and transceiver products, which are required for two-way satellite networks. The satellite BUCs convert electrical signals into microwave signals that can be transmitted to an orbiting satellite. Norsat’s transceiver provides customers with an easy to install solution that consists of the BUC, LNB, filters and other hardware.

10


 
Market Profile
 
Norsat’s primary customers include resellers, system integrators, antenna manufacturers and service providers located in North America, Europe and Asia. These customers integrate Norsat’s components into a complete satellite solution for end user customers located all over the world. On the microwave components side of the business, we will be making a special push on the newly released solid state amplifier line and for military satellite components.


Satellite Systems Business Unit
 
Product Overview
 
The Norsat OmniLink™ family of portable satellite terminals combines Norsat’s expertise in radio frequency (RF), video transmission, and satellite data networking technologies. Performance, flexibility, portability, and ruggedness define the new line of portable products. The OmniLink™ products enable the broadband transmission of large amounts of data and images, quickly and easily, without access to a telecommunications network or infrastructure.

The Company provides two portable terminal solutions; a video version (Norsat NewsLinkTM) and a data version (Norsat SecureLinkTM). These products are two of the smallest and most lightweight Ku-band, two-way communication devices available. The Norsat portable satellite terminals can be carried in three suitcases and deployed and set up easily in the field in several minutes without tools. They allow for the transmission of broadcast quality MPEG-2 video via DVB-S over satellite. The terminals are ideally suited for the transmission of video, voice, and IP data to and from remote or hostile environments.

Choices for RF amplifiers, including a new 40W model, were integrated into the antenna backplane, allowing this ultra portable solution to achieve data transmission rates of up to 9 Mbps in areas were the satellite signal may not be as strong.

The NewsLink also incorporates unique and easy-to-use Microsoft Windows software with a new portable sunlight readable LCD screen and sealed keyboard that provides rich functionality such as a built-in dual-trace spectrum analyzer, carrier beacon detector, antenna alignment wizard, transmitter control, and alarming and diagnostic tools.

Market Profile

The current markets for the portable satellite terminals have been identified as the military and government markets and the news gathering market. In the latter category, the Company has identified several potential tiers of clients, from the major worldwide networks (such as CBS News), to regional networks, and then to affiliate stations operating in major metropolitan areas.

The product is ideally suited for “first on the scene” live coverage of major world events (such as wars and natural disasters) and, in time, for more routine news events (such as election coverage) where mobility and timeliness are big advantages for broadcasters.

For government and military applications, the Norsat Norsat NewsLink™ is being used to provide high quality video transmission from the war in Iraq, and the Norsat SecureLinkTM provides high bandwidth data network solutions from areas where telecommunication lines are damaged or non-existent.

In 2004, we captured a number of key accounts with broadcasters in the U.K., Hong Kong, Japan and Australia. Our Norsat NewsLink 3200 is increasingly being recognized as a solution that can help broadcasters get a breaking story on air very quickly. We are seeing growth in demand for portable satellite systems in the Middle East due to the development of an increasingly competitive news media and the gradual removal of the old licensing regimes that had previously impeded the use of satellite communications.

Going forward, Norsat plans to develop a product portfolio that includes smaller, much lighter portable terminals. These terminals may be used to enable the rapid deployment of military and other government personnel and may address the emerging need to provide broadband connectivity to users in military and broadcast markets who are “on-the-move.” In future, Norsat will look to developing solutions for broadcasters who may require satellite terminals mounted on vehicles to cover news stories, special and sports events on a local, regional and global basis. Norsat is striving to make our products increasingly more intuitive so that a broader base of users may operate the products.

11

Norsat is cognizant of the need to build a product portfolio that can address markets well outside of the government arena to enable us to address even larger markets. To that end we are exploring technologies which have present-day applications within the government sector and which in the future, could address commercial and possibly, consumer applications.
 
C.
Organizational structure 
 
D.
Property, plants and equipment 
 
Description of Property

Our Company's head office and principal place of business since June 1, 1999 has been located in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.

The Company has leased approximately 32,000 square feet of warehouse and office space. The warehouse and certain office space totalling approximately 8,200 square feet has been sub-leased to a tenant until September 31, 2006 for the monthly rent of $11,452.81. The remaining space houses the Company's corporate office and principal engineering and production department.

The lease is effective from June 1, 1999 until September 30, 2006. The minimum rent is as follows:

(a)
Year 1:  $41,000 per month;
Year 2: $42,000 per month;
Year 3: $43,000 per month;
Year 4:  $44,000 per month;
Year 5:  $45,000 per month;
Year 6: $46,000 per month; and
Balance of Term:  $50,000 per month.
 
12

In addition to the minimum rent, the Company is responsible to pay maintenance, utilities and taxes.

The Company has also leased 4,000 square feet of warehouse space in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. The majority of receiving and shipping is done from this location. Total rent is approximately $6,100 per month and the lease expires in 2004.

The location of the Company's head office and warehouse is well situated for access to labour and transportation, being readily accessible to the United States border and to the Vancouver International Airport and a short haul distance from the major sea ports of Vancouver and Seattle.

Norsat also operates out of leased premises in Great Britain.
 
5.
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
 
A.
Operating results 
 
The following information should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2004 consolidated financial statements and related notes included therein, which are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Canada (Canadian GAAP). These principles differ in certain respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (U.S. GAAP). The differences as they affect the financial statements of the Company are described in Note 22 to the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements. All amounts following are expressed in Canadian Dollars unless otherwise indicated.

Over the past 26 years, Norsat has developed a reputation for technical excellence and innovative design. It has successfully positioned itself as a leader in providing high quality microwave products to the satellite industry, with customers in over 87 countries around the world. More recently, the Company has expanded its expertise to include the development and production of complete satellite terminals, baseband software management systems and integration services, which allows the Company the ability to deliver higher value-added satellite systems. Since 2002, Norsat has focused its marketing and development efforts on producing high-speed portable satellite terminals geared to meet customers’ needs in several promising new areas with particular focus on Government, Broadcast & Commercial markets.

Today, the Company generates revenue from two business units, Microwave Products and Satellite Systems:

The Microwave business supplies satellite signal receivers, transmitters and other ground station products for the worldwide commercial market. Over the past several years, the Microwave business has been maturing. Markets for microwave products continue to be subject to increased competition and price erosion. The Company is committed to maintaining its strong position in this market, while continuing to generate positive cash flow. The Company maintains its competitiveness by focusing on our customers needs, providing new strategic product offerings such as transmitters, solid-state power amplifiers and low noise blockers to satisfy the continued emergence of two-way networks around the world.

The Satellite Systems business designs, manufactures and markets - the OmniLink family of products, portable satellite terminal products that provide rapidly deployable broadband satellite data and video connectivity in areas where traditional communications infrastructure is insufficient, damaged, or non-existent. For 2004 the Company had two core products available: a “video” version named the Norsat NewsLink™ and a “data” version named the Norsat SecureLink™ with various additional options and service packs. 2005 will see continued refinement of these products and development into even more compact and portable terminals and other strategic offerings.


13


Results of Operations 

Fiscal 2004 Compared to Fiscal 2003
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
Year Ended
 
 
 
(unaudited)
 
(audited)
 
Revenues ($000’s)
 
Mar-31
 
Jun-30
 
Sep-30
 
Dec-31
 
2004
 
2003
 
Microwave
 
$
2,655
 
$
2,238
 
$
2,030
 
$
2,570
 
$
9,493
 
$
9,542
 
Satellite Systems:
                                     
Portable Terminals
   
1,703
   
1,133
   
2,975
   
2,217
   
8,028
   
1,542
 
Other Systems
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
1,896
 
     
1,703
   
1,133
   
2,975
   
2,217
   
8,028
   
3,438
 
   
$
4,358
 
$
3,371
 
$
5,005
 
$
4,787
 
$
17,521
 
$
12,980
 
 
Revenues for 2004 were $17.5 million, up 35% from the $13.0 million earned in 2003.

The Microwave business maintained stable revenue levels through the year. Although unit volumes increased over 2003, continued pricing pressures, and the erosion of the US dollar resulted in revenues being flat year-over-year. The majority of our business is from repeat customers demanding high quality, reliable product that Norsat delivers. We also introduced several new lines of transmitters targeted on the emerging two-way satellite networks.

Looking into fiscal 2005, the Company is well positioned with very competitively priced products, and plans to introduce several new lines of solid-state power amplifiers and low noise blockers to satisfy the continued emergence of two-way networks around the world.

The Satellite Systems business revenues reflect the effect of a full year of our portable terminal business following its successful launch in the fourth quarter of 2003. The Company has benefited from a growing need for portable transmission equipment, including satellite newsgathering companies and the military. Over 40 terminals, with various options and service packs were sold in 2004. These portable terminals are being used for a number of applications including the transmission of time-sensitive field reports, quality video footage and closed two-way video-based communications. The 2003 results also include revenue from smaller custom system sales which were not present in 2004.

   
Three Months Ended
 
Year Ended
 
 
 
(unaudited)
 
(audited)
 
Gross Margin
 
Mar-31
 
Jun-30
 
Sep-30
 
Dec-31
 
2004
 
2003
 
Microwave
   
45
%
 
44
%
 
37
%
 
20
%
 
36
%
 
25
%
Satellite Systems
   
50
%
 
53
%
 
65
%
 
53
%
 
57
%
 
39
%
Combined
   
47
%
 
47
%
 
52
%
 
35
%
 
45
%
 
28
%
Gross margins in 2004 were 45% compared to 28% in the prior year.

The Microwave business margins improved significantly over the prior year due to initiatives in the latter part of 2003 to achieve significant reductions in the cost of product. However, margins declined in the later part of the year as a result of market pricing pressures, and the impact of a declining US dollar. Margins in 2003 reflect a conscious effort to reduce inventory levels through a number of higher volume lower margin contracts as well as the higher cost of product in the first part of 2003. For fiscal 2005, the Company is expecting margins to remain strong.

The Satellite Systems business achieved strong margins throughout the year reflecting that a majority of the Company’s revenues were direct sales to the end customer rather than through our reseller and channel partners. Margins in 2003 include a number of lower margin demonstration equipment sales to resellers and sales of terminals through our reseller and channel partners. For fiscal 2005, the Company is expecting margins to remain strong.

14


 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Year Ended
 
 
 
(unaudited)
 
(audited)
 
 
Operating Costs ($000’s)
 
Mar-31
 
Jun-30
 
Sep-30
 
Dec-31
 
2004
 
2003
 
S G & A
 
$
1,425
 
$
1,205
 
$
1,376
 
$
1,245
 
$
5,251
 
$
5,745
 
Product development
   
361
   
435
   
370
   
329
   
1,495
   
3,313
 
Amortization
   
150
   
154
   
154
   
163
   
621
   
1,102
 
Restructuring charge
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
1,233
 
   
$
1,936
 
$
1,794
 
$
1,900
 
$
1,737
 
$
7,367
 
$
11,393
 
 
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses decreased by 9% to $5.3 million from $5.7 million in 2003. We continue to focus on tight cost control and while we believe our costs are appropriate for the size of the company, we will continue to seek opportunities to address administrative costs wherever possible, however the increasing cost of regulatory compliance may hinder these efforts.

Selling and marketing efforts continue to be focused on our customers needs, and developing strong partnerships with resellers in key markets to help leverage further sales to these customers. These costs are expected to increase in 2005 to support revenue growth.

Product development activities decreased 55% to $1.5 million from $3.3 million in 2003. The significant reduction reflects the closure of the Company’s Winnipeg research and development center in 2003 and the commercial release of the Norsat NewsLink™ Model 3200 and the Norsat SecureLink™ Model 3210 in 2003. On-going development activities are focused on projects generating near-term revenue from our line of portable terminals.

Amortization declined 44% to $0.6 million compared to $1.1 million in the previous year, reflecting the Company’s efforts to minimize capital expenditures and the closure of our Winnipeg operations in 2003.

In 2004 the Company incurred no restructuring charges compared to $1.2 million, in 2003. The 2003 cost reflects the severance and related benefits for approximately 40 employees.

During the year the Company signed an amendment to its Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC) agreement with the federal government. The amendment provided for an increase in funding of approximately $620,000 and a revision to the royalty period to commence January 1, 2004 and expire on December 31, 2011. All $620,000 of the contributions were recognized in fiscal 2004 and the current program is complete.

   
Three Months Ended
             
Year Ended (audited)
     
   
(unaudited)
                     
   
Mar-31
 
Jun-30
 
Sep-30
 
Dec-31
 
2004
 
2003
 
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before other expenses and income taxes
 
$
113
 
$
(209
)
$
1,220
 
$
53
 
$
1,177
 
$
(7,038
)
 
As shown on the consolidated statement of operations, the net effect of the above factors were earnings from continuing operations before other expenses of $1.2 million compared to a loss of $7.0 million in 2003.

Other expenses for 2004 were $0.8 million compared to $1.1 million during 2003. This cost reduction was primarily due to lower foreign currency losses and the effects of the loss on disposal of equipment in 2003, resulting from the closure of our Winnipeg operations.

15

The combined effect of the above resulted in net earnings from continuing operations for 2004 of $0.4 million or $0.01 per share compared to a loss of $8.2 million or $0.23 in 2003

Discontinued operations realized a recovery of $0.7 million compared to a loss of $0.1 million during 2003. The recovery was a result of a settlement on a liability with a supplier during the first quarter.

For 2004 net earnings were $1.2 million or $0.03 per share - basic and diluted, compared to a net loss of $8.2 million or $0.23 per share - basic and diluted for 2003.

Fiscal 2003 Compared to Fiscal 2002


   
Three Months Ended
 
Year Ended
 
 
 
(unaudited)
 
(audited)
 
Revenues ($000’s)
 
Mar-31
 
Jun-30
 
Sep-30
 
Dec-31
 
2003
 
2002
 
Microwave
 
$
2,789
 
$
2,159
 
$
2,238
 
$
2,356
 
$
9,542
 
$
10,794
 
Satellite Systems:
                                     
Portable Terminals
   
-
   
300
   
198
   
1,044
   
1,542
   
-
 
Other Systems
   
577
   
54
   
1,265
   
-
   
1,896
   
3,881
 
     
577
   
354
   
1,463
   
1,044
   
3,438
   
3,881
 
   
$
3,366
 
$
2,513
 
$
3,701
 
$
3,400
 
$
12,980
 
$
14,675
 

Revenues for 2003 were $12.9 million, down 12% from the $14.7 million earned in 2002. Microwave sales experienced significant pricing pressures during the first half of the year resulting from increased price competition, a declining US dollar and a focused effort to reduce inventory levels. Although the Company did experience pricing pressures, it was able to maintain stable revenue levels through the year by increasing market share and consequently increasing volume. In addition, the Company was able to drastically reduce its higher cost inventory, and subsequently reduce the cost of its products by as much as 70%. Looking into fiscal 2004, the Company is well positioned with very competitively priced products, and plans to introduce several new lines of transmitters focused on the emerging two-way satellite networks.

The Satellite Systems segment continued to generate revenue from smaller custom system sales throughout the first three quarters of fiscal 2003. During the fourth quarter, the Company launched the commercial release of its portable terminals and immediately realized revenues in excess of $1 million. The 2002 comparative Satellite Systems revenues included a $1.5 million Open Networks system sale and a $2.3 million dollar custom project. Looking into fiscal 2004, the Company has successfully launched its line of portable satellite terminals. The Company is now selling two types of satellite terminals, a “video” version named the Norsat NewsLink™ and a “data” version named the Norsat SecureLink™. With channel partners now in place in major markets around the world, the Company is well positioned to globally offer portable satellite terminals into the broadcast, military, homeland security, disaster relief, medical, and resource markets. The portable terminals provide a competitive advantage where communications infrastructure does not exist.

   
Three Months Ended
 
Year Ended
 
 
 
(unaudited)
 
(audited)
 
Gross Margin
 
Mar-31
 
Jun-30
 
Sep-30
 
Dec-31
 
2003
 
2002
 
Microwave
   
16
%
 
24
%
 
28
%
 
32
%
 
25
%
 
38
%
Satellite Systems
   
52
%
 
-2
%
 
42
%
 
42
%
 
39
%
 
51
%
     
22
%
 
20
%
 
34
%
 
35
%
 
28
%
 
41
%
 
Gross margins in 2003 were 28% compared to 41% in the prior year. Microwave margins suffered early in the year as a result of market pricing pressures, focused efforts to reduce inventory levels and the impact of a falling US dollar. The Company was able to counter these negative events through significant reductions in the cost of product. These efforts are now being realized with Microwave margins steadily increasing from 16% in Q1 to 24% in Q2, 28% in Q3 and finally 32% in Q4. For Fiscal 2004, the Company is expecting margins to continue to improve as the Company’s sales of the lower-cost product continue.

16

Satellite Systems margins fluctuated during the first half of the year, as the Company was partnering with broadcasters during the war in Iraq to obtain direct customer feedback. The launch of the portable terminals in the fourth quarter resulted in stronger margins, however, they were offset by a number of lower margin demonstration equipment sales to resellers. Looking into 2004, with the successful launch of the portable terminals, the Company expects the margins to continue to improve.

   
Three Months Ended
 
Year Ended
 
   
(unaudited)
 
(audited)
 
Operating Costs ($000’s)
 
Mar-31
 
Jun-30
 
Sep-30
 
Dec-31
 
2003
 
2002
 
S G & A
   
1,719
   
1,677
   
1,286
   
1,063
   
5,745
   
5,830
 
Product Development
   
1,249
   
1,049
   
651
   
367
   
3,313
   
5,103
 
   
$
2,968
 
$
2,723
 
$
1,937
 
$
1,430
 
$
9,058
 
$
10,933
 
 
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses remained relatively unchanged decreasing by 1% to $5.7 million from $5.8 million in 2002. However, on a quarterly basis expenses were substantially less in the third and fourth quarters, primarily due to a continued reduction in administrative costs and tight cost control. Selling and marketing efforts were focused on developing strong partnerships with resellers in key markets around the world to help leverage further sales.

Product development activities decreased 35% to $3.3 million from $5.1 million in 2002. The reduction was a result of the Company having completed the commercial release of the Norsat NewsLink™ Model 3200 and the Norsat SecureLink™ Model 3210 during the end of the third quarter.
In addition, as a result of the agreement with Novra Technologies Inc. to assume development and support costs associated with DVB Open Networks technology, the Company was able to close its Winnipeg research and development center. This agreement allowed the Company to further reduce its operating costs, while maintaining the ability to pursue opportunistic revenues in the future. Fourth quarter and on-going development activities are focused on projects generating near-term revenue from the line of portable terminals.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company reduced its quarterly operating costs by more than one-half of what it was spending in the early part of the year.

The funding segment of the agreement between the Company and Technology Partnerships Canada (“TPC”) has been completed and, as a result, contributions for 2003 were $667,000 compared to $2.8 million for 2002.

During the year, the Company incurred additional restructuring charges of $1.2 million, a 26% reduction from the $1.7 million recorded in 2002. Amortization declined 38% to $1.1 million compared to $1.8 million in the previous year, which reflected the Company’s efforts to minimize capital expenditures and the closure of the Winnipeg office.

   
Three Months Ended
 
Year Ended
   
(unaudited)
 
(audited)
 
   
Mar-31
 
Jun-30
 
Sep-30
 
Dec-31
 
2003
 
2002
 
Loss from continuing operations before other expenses and income taxes
   
($2,432
)
 
($2,466
)
 
($1,724
)
 
($416
)
 
($7,038
)
 
($5,446
)
 
As shown on the consolidated statement of operations, the net effect of the above factors was a loss from continuing operations before other expenses and income taxes of $7.0 million compared to $5.4 million in 2002.

Other expenses for 2003 were $1.1 million, up from the $730,000 in the previous year. This change was primarily due to foreign currency losses and losses on disposal of equipment during the year, resulting from the closure of the Winnipeg office.

17

The net loss for 2003 was $8.2 million, or $0.23 per share, compared to $6.3 million, or $0.19 per share in fiscal 2002.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada, and makes estimates and assumptions that affect its reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and the related disclosures of contingent liabilities. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that it believes are reasonable in the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Management has discussed the development and selection of the Company’s critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, and the Audit Committee has reviewed the following disclosures.

The following critical accounting policies reflect the Company’s more significant estimates and assumptions used in preparing its consolidated financial statements:
 
Ø  
The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses that may arise if any of its customers are unable to make required payments. Management specifically analyzes the age of outstanding customer balances, historical bad debt experience, customer credit-worthiness and changes in customer payment terms when making estimates of the ability to collect the Company’s accounts receivable balance. If the Company determines that the financial condition of any of its customers deteriorates, increases in the allowance may be made. At December 31, 2004 the Company has recorded an allowance for doubtful accounts in the amount of $28,000 (2003 - $64,000) as a reduction to accounts receivable.
 
Ø  
The Company values its finished goods and work-in-process inventories at the lower of weighted average cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value reflects the current estimated net selling price or value in use of the item in inventory in a non-forced sale. The Company assesses the need for inventory write-downs based on its assessment of estimated net realizable value using assumptions about future demand and market conditions. When the results of these assumptions differ from the Company’s projections, an additional inventory write-down may be required. In addition, changes in the underlying factors used in the company’s projections may necessitate additional write-downs in the future. Market factors are generally outside of the Company’s control. At December 31, 2004 the Company has recorded an estimate for obsolescence in the amount of $1,168,000 (2003 - $820,000) as a reduction to inventory.
 
Ø  
The Company assesses the impairment of goodwill on an annual basis and identifiable intangibles, long-lived assets and goodwill whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors the Company considers important, which could trigger an impairment review, include significant underperformance relative to plan, a change in the Company’s business strategy, or significant negative industry or economic trends. When the Company believes that the carrying value of intangibles, long-lived assets or goodwill may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above indicators of potential impairment, the Company determines what impairment, if any, exists based on projected net undiscounted and discounted cash flows expected to be generated from these assets. Effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted CICA section 3062 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. Under this section, goodwill is no longer amortized, but is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Additionally, the Company designated December 31 as the date for annual impairment reviews. At December 31, 2004, no impairment write-down of goodwill was required (2003 - nil).
 
Ø  
The Company generates a portion of its revenue from multiple element sales arrangements. Revenue is allocated under these arrangements by the residual value method whereby the fair value of undelivered elements is determined by reference to objective evidence from comparable arrangements with the balance of the fees assigned to the delivered elements. Revenue is recognized for each element when there are no remaining performance obligations required and is based on their relative fair value at the inception of the sales arrangement. To date, the Company has obtained objective evidence of fair value of the undelivered elements in sales arrangements to support the use of the residual method of allocating revenue. If in the future fair value cannot be determined, either due to changes in contract elements or other factors, it will necessary to defer revenue until objective evidence of fair value exists or when the final elements are delivered.

18


Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)
(Expressed in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
Mar 31
 
Jun 30
 
Sep 30
 
Dec 31
 
2004
                         
Sales
 
$
4,358
 
$
3,371
 
$
5,005
 
$
4,787
 
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
 
$
12
   
($355
)
$
1,006
   
($233
)
Net earnings (loss)
 
$
732
   
($355
)
$
1,008
   
($232
)
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations
- basic
 
$
0.00
   
($0.01
)
$
0.03
   
($0.01
)
- diluted
 
$
0.00
   
($0.01
)
$
0.02
   
($0.01
)
Earnings (loss) per share - basic
 
$
0.02
   
($0.01
)
$
0.03
   
($0.01
)
 - diluted
 
$
0.02
   
($0.01
)
$
0.02
   
($0.01
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding
- basic
   
39,715
   
39,880
   
40,037
   
41,512
 
- diluted
   
41,495
   
39,880
   
40,638
   
41,512
 
                           
2003
                         
Sales
 
$
3,367
 
$
2,512
 
$
3,701
 
$
3,400
 
Loss from continuing operations
 
$
2,706
 
$
2,685
 
$
2,130
 
$
648
 
Net loss
 
$
2,706
 
$
2,685
 
$
2,130
 
$
724
 
Loss per share from continuing operations, basic and diluted
 
$
0.08
 
$
0.07
 
$
0.06
 
$
0.02
 
Net loss per share, basic and diluted
 
$
0.08
 
$
0.07
 
$
0.06
 
$
0.02
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted
   
34,177
   
36,023
   
36,177
   
37,983
 
 
B.
Liquidity and capital resources 
 
The Company's cash and short-term investments balance at December 31, 2004 was $5.1 million, compared to $2.8 million at December 31, 2003, an increase of $2.3 million. This change resulted primarily from cash from operations of $0.9 million and the exercising of outstanding warrants contributed a further $1.6m, partially offset by capital purchases of $0.2 million and $0.1 million from the effects of changes in exchange rates on cash.

The Company’s cash requirements through the end of 2005 are primarily to fund operations, product development, capital expenditures and debt service costs. The Company currently has no significant capital asset expenditure commitments that are required to be made in 2005.

The cash required to support these requirements will come from operations, the balance of cash on hand, working capital and, if necessary, additional external financing. As described in note 3 to the financial statements, the Company entered into a credit facility with a major Canadian financial institution in the amount of $700,000. The facility bears interest at prime plus 1.75% per annum. The security under this facility consists of a first security interest over all of the Company’s assets. As at December 31, 2004 no amounts have been drawn under this facility. However, this credit facility may be cancelled at anytime by the lender and it is not assured that additional financing will be available on a timely basis or on terms that are acceptable to the Company. Failure to raise additional funds may result in the Company restructuring its operations.
 
19

As at December 31, 2004, there are 42,051,832 common shares of the Company issued and outstanding. In addition, there are 3,146,811 share purchase warrants and 2,273,350 stock options outstanding that entitle the holder to purchase one common share of the company at various prices per share. 1,829,300 of the stock options are exercisable at this time. Also, the Company’s long-term debt is convertible at the option of the holder into 1,176,471 common shares of the Company.
 
As at March 17, 2005, no additional shares had been issued and a total of 2,064,684 options and 3,146,811share purchase warrants that entitle their holder to purchase one common share of the Company at various prices were outstanding.

The Company has entered into certain contracts that commit the Company's resources. Reference is made to Item 8: Financial Information and specifically A. Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 15. Commitments. Since year-end to March 17, 2005, there have been no significant changes. Also Reference is made to Item 11: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, where expected cash flows related to the Company's long-term debt are presented.

If exercised the Company's issued and vested stock options and warrants represent a potential source of funding. Reference is made to Item 8: Financial Information and specifically A. Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 10. Share capital and contributed surplus, and B. Significant Changes.

 
C.
Research and development, patents and licenses, etc. 
 
During 2002, Norsat began to focus its development resources on the portable satellite terminal product line, refining the original pico-Terminal for military markets (now renamed Norsat OmniLink™) and introducing a terminal designed specifically for the satellite newsgathering business. Substantially all $5.1 million spent in 2002 on product development, focused on the Norsat OmniLink™ product line development and enhancements.

During 2003, the Company incurred an additional $3.3 million of research and development cost which culminated in the release of a second-generation version of its Norsat NewsLinkTM, featuring a number of significant product enhancements improving on the ease of use, portability, functionality and performance of the product.

During 2004 Norsat revisited its value chain and focused efforts where they could provide the greatest value. This focus resulted in $1.5 million being invested into product refinements such as improved monitor control functionality and additional ruggedization of the OmniLink products. Norsat leveraged off the strengths of existing partners and invested its resources in areas of core competency in order to get to market quickly.

These strategic product development activities resulted in the following research and development expenditures:

2004
$1,494,756
2003
$3,313,171
2002
$5,102,929
 
 

20


 
D.
Trend information 
 
The overall market for broadband satellite communications has gone through a significant transformation due, in no small part, to the growth in the government sector. While the U.S. comprises more than 70% of the worldwide government market, there is healthy demand for wireless broadband equipment in many other countries throughout Europe and Asia. This surge in demand is attributable to measures being taken by governments and corporations to counter the threat of terrorism and to the increasingly multilateral composition of combat and peacekeeping missions around the world.

Another favorable trend enabling these opportunities is the growing acceptance of COTS (“Commercial-Off-The-Shelf”) equipment among militaries. Both of Norsat‘s business units are benefiting from this change in policy.

Customers are increasingly price sensitive for microwave components. The Company continues to face aggressive new competitors and is attempting to find ways to further reduce product costs without sacrificing quality. Certain competitors have decided to merge and others have decided to focus on certain niches. We expect consolidation to continue among our competitors.

There is an emerging need to provide broadband connectivity to users in military and broadcast markets who are “on-the-move.” For example, broadcasters are seeking satellite terminals mounted on vehicles so that they can cover news stories, special and sports events on a local, regional and global basis.

The market for portable satellite is increasingly more competitive. We continue to face competition from the traditional providers of portable satellite systems including: Swe-Dish, VisLink PLC’s Advent business unit, ND SatCom, GCS, AVL, GigaSat and SisLink. At times, we face competition from systems integrators who construct systems on a custom basis for military and broadcast customers. We also face some competition from government integrators (such as Thales, Finmecchanica, Raytheon and L3). We are also expecting competition from INMARSAT terminal providers who are due to release a very lightweight BGAN terminal that is expected to provide throughput of up to 432 kbps later in 2005. Traditional satellite system providers who are exploring the portable systems arena and who may eventually choose to enter our business (ViaSat, Hughes and Gilat) are also expected to be competitors.
 
E.
Off-balance sheet arrangements.
 
The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements that have not been reported in the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2004.
 
F.
Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations.
 
As of December 31, 2004, the impact that our contractual obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow in future periods is as follows:


($000’s)
 
Total
 
Less than 1 year
 
1-3 years
 
4-5 years
 
After 5 years
 
Operating Lease Obligations
 
$
1,787
 
$
984
 
$
779
 
$
24
   
-
 
Inventory Purchase Obligations
 
$
3,752
 
$
3,752
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Long Term- Debt Obligations
 
$
2,404
   
-
 
$
2,404
   
-
   
-
 
   
$
7,943
 
$
4,736
 
$
3,183
 
$
24
   
-
 

 
G.
Safe harbor
 
Statements in this report relating to matters that are not historical fact are forward-looking statements based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, changes in technology, reliance on third party manufacturing, managing rapid growth, global sales risks, limited intellectual property protection and other risks and uncertainties described in Norsat’s public filings with securities regulatory authorities.

21

 
6.
Directors, Senior Management and Employees
 
A.
Directors and Senior Management 
 
Directors

The following section sets forth the information on our directors:

Kenneth Crump
Chairman of the Board
Mr. Crump became a director of Norsat in June 2002. Mr. Crump is retired. Previously he served as Chief Operating Officer of NCompass Labs from November of 1999 to May of 2001. From 1990 to 1999, he held a number of Senior Executive positions in operations and corporate finance at B.C. Telecom including Senior Vice-President, Corporate Services, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer from 1995 to 1999; Prior to that, Mr. Crump served in a number of senior management positions at Microtel Ltd, including Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer from 1986 to 1989.

Mr. Crump received his MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario, in 1974 and a Bachelor of Science (Engineering) degree from Queen’s University in 1970.

Brian Nixon
Director
Mr. Nixon was appointed to the board in February 2004 and Chairman of the Audit Committee in March 2004. He also currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of BC Research Inc. From 1992 to 1999, he held senior executive positions with Infosat Communications Inc., first as Vice-President of Finance and then as President and Chief Executive Officer. Following Infosat's acquisition by BCE Media Inc. in 1999, Mr. Nixon was appointed Senior Vice-President - Business Solutions, BCE Media and Chairman of the Board of Vistar Communications Inc. Mr. Nixon is a Certified Management Accountant and holds a MBA from the University of Calgary.

Ugo A. Doninelli
Director
Mr. Doninelli became a director of Norsat in May 1988. He is the General Manager and CEO of Prismafin S.A., an international investment organization with offices in Chiasso and Zurich, Switzerland. He exercises direction over the 1,985,575 Norsat common shares held by Prismafin S.A. He also serves as a Director for Nexmedia Technologies Inc., a multimedia software developer.

Gaetano Manti
Former Director
Mr. Manti became Chairman of the Board in June 2002. In May 2004, he resigned as Chairman but continued to serve as Director until December 2004, when he resigned inorder to devote more time to his other ventures. Mr. Manti has served as the president of Il Mio Castello since October 1989 and as an international marketing consultant to Italy’s Cartier group, the New York Times magazine division and AMF, a multinational group.

John MacDonald
Former Director
Dr. MacDonald rejoined the board in June 2002 and resigned in May 2004. Previously he served as Director of the Company from August of 1998 to June of 2001. Dr. MacDonald currently serves as Chairman and CEO of Day4 Energy Inc. Prior to that, Dr. MacDonald was Chairman of MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd., of which he is also a co-founder. He serves as a member of the Advisory Council to the Canadian Space Agency and is a member of the Defence Science Advisory Board for the Department of National Defence.
 
22

Senior Management

Cameron Hunter
President and Chief Executive Officer, Acting Chief Financial Officer, Acting Corporate Secretary, and Director
Mr. Hunter joined Norsat in January of 2003 as the Vice-President of the Microwave Business Unit and in August 2003 became the President, CEO and a Director of the Company. Prior to Norsat, he held several positions with SkyStream Networks in Hong Kong, including Senior Director of International Sales and Senior Director of Global Solutions Partners.

Mr. Hunter has a Bachelor's Degree in Political Studies from Queen's University and a post-graduate diploma from the Asia Pacific Management Co-operative at Capilano College.

On March 1, 2005, Mr. Hunter became the Acting Chief Financial Officer and Acting Corporate Secretary.

Troy Bullock
Former Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Secretary, and Director
Mr. Bullock joined Norsat in July 2000 as Director of Finance and became Chief Financial Officer of the company in March 2002. He became a Director of Norsat in June 2002. He spent over 9 years with KPMG LLP and most recently was a Senior Manager in their Information, Communications, and Entertainment Practice. Mr. Bullock was responsible for all finance and accounting aspects of the Company.

Mr. Bullock graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Business Administration, and is a Chartered Accountant.

On February 28, 2005, Mr. Bullock resigned from the Company to pursue other opportunities. We are actively recruiting a replacement at this time.

Dr. Amiee Chan, Vice-President of Operations
Dr. Chan rejoined the company in April 2004 as VP of Operations. She was Product Manager at CREO from October 2002 to March 2004 and Director of Research and Development at Norsat International from April 1998 to May 2002.

Dr. Chan received her Executive MBA from Simon Fraser University in 2003. In 2000 she received her Doctorate of Philosophy degree in Electrical Engineering and in 1992 her Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, both from the University of British Columbia.

Mr Mortimer, Vice-President of Marketing
Mr. Mortimer joined the company in May 2004 as VP of Marketing. He has 20 years of experience in technology industries, 10 of which were spent in senior roles with telecommunications and wireless technology companies. Mr. Mortimer was most recently Vice President of Marketing at Digital Dispatch Systems, Inc. and prior to that, held various senior positions in Product Management and Business Development at Glenayre Technologies, Inc.

Mr. Mortimer received a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) from Carleton University in 1984 and a MBA from the University of British Columbia in 1995.

 
B.
Compensation 
 
Compensation of Directors

The following table sets forth, all annual and long-term compensation earned from the Company and its subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2004 by each director:
 
23


Name
 
Total Compensation
 
Directors Fees
 
Benefits
 
Kenneth Crump
   
42,500
   
42,500
   
-
 
Gaetano Manti1
   
25,359
   
25,359
   
-
 
Ugo A. Doninelli
   
27,500
   
27,500
   
-
 
John MacDonald2
   
6,000
   
6,000
   
-
 
Brian Nixon3
   
27,875
   
27,875
   
-
 
Cameron Hunter4
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Troy Bullock5
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
 
NOTES:

(1)  
Resigned as director on December 10, 2004
(2)  
Resigned as director on May 19, 2004
(3)  
Became a director on February 13, 2004
(4)  
Mr. Hunter and Mr. Bullock, being our CEO and CFO respectively, during 2004, did not receive any additional compensation for acting as Directors.
(5)  
Resigned as director on February 28, 2005

On March 22, 2004, Brian Nixon was granted 50,000 options, each exercisable for one common share of the Company at $0.82 and expire in 5 years. No other stock options were granted to the directors in 2004.

Compensation of Senior Management

The following table sets forth, all annual and long term compensation earned from the Company and its subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2004 by each member of senior management:


Name
 
Total Compensation
 
Salary
 
Bonus
 
Benefits
 
Other
 
Cameron Hunter
   
448,800
   
200,000
   
219,025
   
29,775
   
-
 
Troy Bullock1
   
254,585
   
150,000
   
85,650
   
18,935
   
-
 
Amiee Chan2
   
137,522
   
91,907
   
34,400
   
11,215
   
-
 
Dale Mortimer3
   
27,068
   
20,045
   
-
   
2,023
   
5,000
 
NOTES:

(1)  
Resigned as Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary on February 28, 2005
(2)  
Hired on April 5, 2004 and her annual compensation figures reflect pro-rated amounts.
(3)  
Hired on May 31, 2004 and then left the Company on July 17, 2004. His annual compensation figures reflect pro-rated amounts and also includes vacation pay paid out.

The bonus amounts were paid pursuant to the Company’s Employee Compensation Plan. The plan remunerates employees based on successful completion of both personal and corporate objectives and each employee is tiered to a level to match their responsibilities within the Company.

On April 5, 2004, Amiee Chan was granted 75,000 options, each exercisable for one common share of the Company at $0.83 and will expire in 5 years. On June 1, 2004, Dale Mortimer was granted 100,000 options, each exerciseable for one common share of the Company at $0.82 and will expire in 5 years. No other stock options were granted to senior management in 2004.

Reference is also made to item C immediately below - specifically “Change in Responsibilities and Employment Contracts”.
 
24

C.
Board practices 
 
Mandate of the Board

The Board of Directors is responsible for the stewardship of the Company and endorses a system of corporate governance designed to effectively manage and supervise the management of the business and the affairs of the Company. The Board also provides considerable guidance to Management in pursuit of the Company’s objectives.

The Board acknowledges that good corporate governance is important to the effective performance of the Company and plays a key role in protecting the interests of shareholders.

The Board continues to review the existing or proposed amendments to governance guidelines and practices in order to implement the most effective corporate governance policies and practices for the Company. The Board plans to adopt changes to their governance guidelines and practices as necessary to comply with the United States Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and any new rules issued by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, the Ontario Securities Commission, the Toronto Stock Exchange, and other applicable securities regulatory authorities.

Decisions Requiring Board Approval

In general, the Company’s management operates the business on a day-to-day basis. The Board approves the annual budget and strategic plans and reviews the performance of senior management against those standards. In addition, the Board approves all major acquisitions, dispositions, financings, both debt and equity, and changes in the structure of the Company. The Board also determines the responsibility and compensation of the Chief Executive Officer based on the recommendations of the Compensation Committee. The Board appoints the officers of the Company. The Directors also determine the directors’ compensation and consider the declaration of dividends.

Composition of the Board

The Board is currently composed of four (4) directors, three (3) of whom are considered “unrelated” to the Company by TSX guidelines - which state an “unrelated” director is a director who is independent of management and is free from any interest and any business or other relationship which could, or could reasonably be perceived to, materially interfere with the director’s ability to act with a view to the best interests of the Company, other than interests and relationships arising from shareholdings.

Recruiting of New Directors

If vacancies occur on the Board, the Board as a group considers replacements and reviews the qualifications of prospective members and determines their relevance, taking into consideration the current Board composition and the skills required to round out the capabilities of the Board and makes recommendation to the board for approval.

The Board meets at least quarterly to carry out its duties and members of the board who are not management meet on an informal basis during the year to discuss the Company’s progress and management.

Measures for Receiving Shareholder Feedback

Management has been asked to make the Board aware on an ongoing basis of any significant shareholder concerns communicated to management. The Company assigns an employee to respond to shareholder inquiries and to direct appropriate matters to senior management. Senior management will meet with shareholders to discuss their concerns where appropriate.


25


The Board’s Expectation of Management

The Board expects management to operate the Company in accordance with good, prudent business practices. Management is expected to report to the Board on financial and operating matters and to make the Board aware of all important issues and major business developments. The Board also expects management to find new business opportunities for business acquisitions and expansion and to make the appropriate reports to the Board regarding those opportunities.

Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance

The 2004 premiums for directors’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage, in the amount of $10,000,000, amounted to $293,000.

Director’s Service Contracts

The term of office for each of the present directors expires at the Annual General Meeting. The current directors have served as such as follows: Mr. Crump, since June 2002; Mr. Doninelli since May 1988; Mr. Hunter since August 2003; and Mr. Nixon since February 2004. Messrs. Manti, MacDonald, and Bullock originally became directors in June 2002, but resigned their directorships on December 10, 2004, May 19, 2004 and February 28, 2005, respectively.

The Company does not provide benefits for its non-executive directors.

Board Committees

The Board currently has two standing committees: the Audit Committee and the Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee.
 
Audit Committee
 
The Company’s Audit Committee is comprised of three (3) directors: Messrs. Nixon (Chair), Doninelli, and Crump (each of whom is independent and an “unrelated” director). Each member of the Audit Committee considers himself financially literate and capable of reading and understanding financial statements, and Mr. Nixon has an accounting designation and related financial expertise. The board has adopted a formal written charter for the Audit Committee under which the committee is responsible for, among other things, reviewing the Company’s annual and quarterly financial statements, financial reporting procedures, internal controls and performance and independence of the Company’s external auditors. The Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the auditors including pre-approving all non-audit services provided by the audit firm.

During fiscal 2004, the Audit Committee met four (4) times to carry out its responsibilities. The committee schedules its meetings with a view to ensuring that it devotes appropriate attention to all of its tasks.

As part of its oversight of the Company’s financial statements, the committee reviewed and discussed with both management and the Company’s external auditors the annual financial statements, and with management the quarterly financial statements, prior to their issuance. Management advised the Audit Committee in each case that all financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and reviewed significant accounting issues with the committee.

The Audit Committee also discussed with KPMG LLP matters relating to its independence, including a review of audit and non-audit fees and the disclosures made to the Committee pursuant to Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees).

The following table sets forth fees paid by the Company to KPMG LLP for all services in 2004 and 2003.

   
Audit Fees
 
Audit Related Fees
 
Tax Fees
 
Other Fees
 
2004
 
$
85,000
 
$
11,575
 
$
19,450
 
$
0
 
2003
 
$
86,000
 
$
19,650
 
$
59,950
 
$
0
 

26

Audit Fees
Audit fees are for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements.

Audit Related Fees
Audit related fees are primarily for services related to technical accounting issues and review of other statutory filings.

Tax Fees
Tax fees are primarily for the preparation of our Canadian and U.S. tax returns and assistance with tax planning.

Taking all of these reviews and discussions into account, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Board approve the inclusion of the Company’s audited financial statements in the Company’s annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.
 
Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee
The Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is comprised of three directors: From January 1, 2004 to December 10, 2004 the directors were: Messrs. Manti (Chair), Crump and Doninelli. With Mr. Manti’s resignation from the Board on December 10, 2004, Mr Crump became Chair and Mr. Nixon joined the committee. All of the members of the committee are independent of management. None of the members of the Committee has any indebtedness to the Company, nor do they have any material interest in any actual or proposed transaction in the last financial year that has materially affected or would materially affect the Company.

The Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board with respect to Norsat’s Executive Compensation Plan and Stock Option Plan. The Committee recommends to the Board the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer, reviews and approves management’s recommendations for compensation and bonuses for senior management and grants of stock options. The Committee is also responsible for reviewing executive management succession and development plans. The Committee reports to the Board and the Board gives final approval on compensation matters.
 
Compensation Objectives
In January 2004 the Company introduced a new “results oriented” compensation plan creating a significant variable component to compensation that is linked to key operating metrics. The Company’s compensation plan is comprised of a combination of base salary and benefits, an annual incentive compensation and long term equity participation through its Stock Option Plan. To ensure competitiveness, the Company participates in annual compensation surveys, conducted by independent consultants, of salaries, benefits and other incentive programs in the high technology industry in Canada.
 
Base Salary and Benefits
Base salaries for the executives are targeted, on average at the 75th percentile of the comparator group (see above) and other relevant external market data as well as the individual’s skill performance, and experience. The Company’s benefit package is designed to be competitive with its peer group in the industry in terms of revenues and number of employees.
 
Performance Bonus
In recent history the Company has not provided a formal Performance Bonus Plan due to the lack of profitability performance. In January 2004, an annual incentive compensation plan was introduced to all employees based on the objectives previously discussed. Payments under this plan are determined based on the Company’s performance and success in achieving specific operating targets together with the performance of the employee relative to key individual performance objectives. The significant considerations in determining bonuses for the executive officers include revenue and income objectives as well as personal achievements that contribute to the company’s success. Seventy percent of the executive’s bonus is determined by corporate results and thirty percent is based on individual performance.
 
Equity Participation
The Board believes that all employees should have a stake in Norsat’s future and that their interests should be aligned with the interests of the shareholders. To this end, the Board determines the overall amount of the stock option grant and the Committee reviews and recommends to the Board the allocation of such grant to directors, officers and employees, primarily based on whose decisions and actions can have the greatest impact on the Company’s performance.

27

Options are issued at the market price of the stock at the date of the grant. The options have up to a ten (10) year term and vest between 1 and 4 years.
 
Compensation of the Chief Executive Officer
The compensation of the Chief Executive Officer is reviewed annually by the Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. For fiscal 2004, Mr. Hunter as the Chief Executive Officer, received an annual salary of $200,000 a bonus of $219,025 and related benefits totaling $29,775.

Change in Responsibilities and Employment Contracts

The Company has entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Cameron Hunter dated August 16, 2003 pursuant to which he acts as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, effective August 16, 2003. The agreement is for an indefinite period. Mr. Hunter receives an annual base salary of $200,000 plus benefits totalling approximately $30,000, and is entitled to participate in the Company’s bonus program. If Mr. Hunter’s employment is terminated without cause, he will receive ten (10) months of his annual compensation, plus one month for each year of service, in lieu of notice of termination of employment. Upon termination of his employment, Mr. Hunter’s incentive stock options will continue to vest and he will be entitled to exercise them for a period of two years from the date of his termination.

The Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Troy Bullock dated October 23, 2001, as amended on March 18, 2002, pursuant to which he acted as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, effective March 14, 2002. Mr. Bullock left the company on February 28, 2005. Mr. Bullock’s incentive stock options continue to vest and he will be entitled to exercise them for a period of two years from the date of his leaving. No termination benefits were paid or accrued.

The Company has entered into an employment agreement with Dr. Amiee Chan dated April 5, 2004 pursuant to which she acts as the Company’s Vice President of Operations, effective April 5, 2004. The agreement is for an indefinite period. Dr. Chan receives an annual base salary of $125,000 plus benefits totalling approximately $15,000, and is entitled to participate in the Company’s bonus program. If Dr. Chan’s employment is terminated without cause, she will receive six (6) months of her annual compensation, plus one month for each year of service, in lieu of notice of termination of employment. Upon termination of her employment, Dr. Chan’s incentive stock options will continue to vest and she will be entitled to exercise them for a period of two years from the date of her termination.

The Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Dale Mortimer dated May 12, 2004 pursuant to which he acted as the Company’s Vice President of Marketing, effective May 31, 2004. Mr. Mortimer received an annual base salary of $150,000 plus benefits totalling approximately $18,000, and was entitled to participate in the Company’s bonus program. Mr. Mortimer left the company on July 15, 2004 and he was paid $5,000.
 
D.
Employees 
 
The following table shows the number of employees by geographical location at the end of each year ending December 31:

   
Canada
 
United States
 
Other
 
Total
 
2004
   
39
   
1
   
3
   
43
 
2003
   
40
   
1
   
1
   
42
 
2002
   
77
   
2
   
6
   
85
 

We believe that our work force is highly skilled, capable and motivated and that our relations with our employees are good.

28

 
E.
Share ownership 
 
The following table sets forth stock owned or controlled by Directors and Officers of the Company as at December 31, 2004:

Name, Position and
Country of Residence
Number of common shares owned
Number of common share warrants owned
Kenneth Crump
(Chairman and Director)
Canada
 
Nil
 
Nil
Gaetano Manti
(former Director)
Italy
1,200,000
Nil
Ugo A. Doninelli(2)
(Director)
Switzerland
 
1,985,575 (4)
 
Nil
John MacDonald
(former Director)
Canada
Nil
Nil
Brian Nixon
(Director)
Canada
 
Nil
 
Nil
Cameron Hunter
(President, CEO, Acting CFO, Corporate Secretary and Director)
Canada
 
364,000
 
Nil
Troy Bullock
(former CFO, Corporate Secretary, and Director)
Canada
 
200,000
 
Nil
Amiee Chan
(VP Operations)
Canada
 
10.000
 
Nil

(1)  
The information as to common shares beneficially owned or over which a director or nominee exercises control or direction, not being within the knowledge of the Company, has been furnished by the respective directors or nominees individually. See "Voting Shares and Principal Holders Thereof".
(2)  
Mr. Doninelli, by virtue of his position as General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Prismafin S.A., exercises direction over 1,985,575 common shares of the Company held by Prismafin S.A.

The following table sets forth stock options to purchase one common share of the Company granted during the year ended December 31, 2004, and awarded to each of the Directors and Named Executive Officers:

29

Name
 
Number of common shares Under Options Granted
 
% of Total Options Granted in 2004
 
Average
Exercise Price ($/common share)
 
Market Value of common shares Underlying Options on the Date of Grant ($/common share)
 
Expiration Date
 
Brian Nixon
   
50,000
   
15
 
$
0.82
 
$
0.82
   
March 22, 2009
 
Amiee Chan
   
75,000
   
23
 
$
0.83
 
$
0.83
   
April 5, 2009
 
Dale Mortimer
   
100,000
   
31
 
$
0.82
 
$
0.82
   
June 1, 2009
 

The following table sets forth details of all exercises of stock options during the year ended December 31, 2004 by the Directors and Named Executive Officers of the Company and the fiscal year-end value of unexercised options on an aggregated basis:

Name
Securities
Acquired on
Exercise
(#)(1)
Aggregate
Value
Realized
($)(2)
Unexercised Options at Fiscal Year-End
(#) 
Exercisable/Unexercisable
Value of Unexercised
In-the-Money Options at Fiscal Year-End
($)(3)
Exercisable/ Unexercisable
Kenneth Crump
None
Nil
100,000 / 75,000
5,000 / Nil
Gaetano Manti
None
Nil
Nil / Nil
Nil / Nil
Ugo A. Doninelli
None
Nil
175,000 / 25,000
2,500 / Nil
John MacDonald
None
Nil
Nil / Nil
Nil / Nil
Brian Nixon
None
Nil
Nil / 50,000
Nil / Nil
Cameron Hunter
None
Nil
208,333 / 291,667
12,500 / Nil
Troy Bullock
None
Nil
250,000 / 75,000
7,500 / Nil
Amiee Chan
None
Nil
Nil / 75,000
Nil / Nil

NOTES:

(1)  
Number of common shares of the Company acquired on the exercise of stock options.
(2)  
Calculated using the closing price of common shares of the Company on the Toronto Stock Exchange on the date(s) of exercise, less the exercise price of the stock option(s).
(3)  
Value of unexercised in-the-money options calculated using the closing price of common shares of the Company on the Toronto Stock Exchange on December 31, 2004, less the exercise price of in-the-money stock options.
 
7.
Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
 
A.
Major shareholders 
 
The Company's authorized capital consists of 75,000,000 common shares without par value, of which 42,051,832 common shares are issued and outstanding as at March 17, 2005.

To the knowledge of the directors and senior officers of the Company, there are no persons or companies who beneficially own, directly or indirectly, or exercise control or direction over shares carrying 5% or more of the voting rights attached to all outstanding common shares of the Company.
 
B.
Related party transactions 
 
Reference is made under “Item 8 Financial Information”, specifically note 17.
 
C.
Interests of experts and counsel
 
Not applicable.
 

 

30



 
8.
Financial Information
 
A.
Consolidated Financial Statements
 
STATEMENT OF MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY
 
The management of Norsat International Inc. is responsible for the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the preparation and presentation of all information in the Annual Report. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada and are considered by management to present fairly the financial position and operating results of the Company.
 
The Company maintains various systems of internal control to provide reasonable assurance that transactions are appropriately authorized and recorded, that assets are safeguarded, and that financial records are properly maintained to provide accurate and reliable financial statements.
 
The Company’s audit committee is composed of three non-management directors who are appointed by the Board of Directors annually. The committee meets periodically with the Company’s management and independent auditors to review financial reporting matters and internal controls and to review the consolidated financial statements and the independent auditors’ report. The audit committee reported its findings to the Board of Directors who have approved the consolidated financial statements.
 
The Company’s independent auditors, KPMG LLP, have audited the consolidated financial statements and their report follows.
 

 

 

 
“Cameron Hunter”
 
“Troy Bullock”“Troy Bullock
 
Cameron Hunter
 
Troy Bullock
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
Chief Financial Officer
 

 
February 11, 2005

31

AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS
 
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Norsat International Inc. as at December 31, 2004 and 2003 and the consolidated statements of operations and deficit and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004. 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 Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
 
In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2004 and 2003 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004 in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.
 

“KPMG LLP”
 
Chartered Accountants

Vancouver, Canada
February 11, 2005
 

 
COMMENTS BY AUDITOR FOR US READERS ON CANADA - US REPORTING DIFFERENCE
 
In the United States, reporting standards for auditors require the addition of an explanatory paragraph (following the opinion paragraph) when there is a change in accounting principles that has a material effect on the comparability of the company’s financial statements, such as the change in accounting for employee stock-based compensation described in note 2(b) to the financial statements. Our report to the shareholders dated February 11, 2005, is expressed in accordance with Canadian reporting standards which do not require a reference to such a change in accounting principles in the auditors’ report when these are adequately disclosed in the financial statements.
 

“KPMG LLP”
 
Chartered Accountants

Vancouver, Canada
February 11, 2005


32

NORSAT INTERNATIONAL INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

December 31, 2004 and 2003

   
2004
 
2003
 
           
Assets
             
               
Current assets:
             
Cash and cash equivalents (note 3)
 
$
4,978,210
 
$
2,581,141
 
Short-term investments - restricted (note 2(h))
   
72,000
   
250,000
 
Accounts receivable (note 4)
   
1,966,298
   
1,836,726
 
Inventory (note 5)
   
3,433,155
   
2,656,649
 
Prepaid expenses and other
   
228,178
   
176,269
 
Current assets from discontinued operations (note 13)
   
-
   
41,581
 
     
10,677,841
   
7,542,366
 
               
Property and equipment (note 6)
   
1,049,267
   
1,482,744
 
               
Goodwill (note 7)
   
440,095
   
440,095
 
               
Deferred finance costs
   
31,727
   
49,431
 
               
   
$
12,198,930
 
$
9,514,636
 
               
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
             
               
Current liabilities:
             
Accounts payable
 
$
729,661
 
$
381,646
 
Accrued liabilities
   
1,780,970
   
1,753,400
 
Liabilities from discontinued operations (note 13)
   
51,648
   
933,403
 
Deferred revenue
   
73,271
   
-
 
     
2,635,550
   
3,068,449
 
               
Long-term debt (note 9)
   
1,467,594
   
1,271,198
 
               
Shareholders' equity:
             
Share capital (note 10)
   
40,901,057
   
39,153,498
 
Contributed surplus (note 10)
   
1,220,009
   
1,200,109
 
Equity component of long-term debt (note 9)
   
1,909,127
   
1,909,127
 
Deficit
   
(35,934,407
)
 
(37,087,745
)
     
8,095,786
   
5,174,989
 
               
   
$
12,198,930
 
$
9,514,636
 
Commitments (note 15)


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Approved on behalf of the Board:

“Kenneth Crump”
 
“Cameron Hunter”
 
 
Director
 
Director
Kenneth Crump
 
Cameron Hunter
 

33


NORSAT INTERNATIONAL INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Deficit
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

Years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
               
Sales
 
$
17,520,675
 
$
12,980,269
 
$
14,674,806
 
Cost of sales
   
9,595,855
   
9,292,628
   
8,592,626
 
     
7,924,820
   
3,687,641
   
6,082,180
 
Expenses:
                   
Selling, general and administrative
   
5,251,451
   
5,744,876
   
5,830,112
 
Product development
   
1,494,756
   
3,313,171
   
5,102,929
 
Technology Partnerships Canada funding (note 8)
   
(620,000
)
 
(667,467
)
 
(2,829,821
)
Amortization
   
621,220
   
1,101,998
   
1,766,507
 
Restructuring charge (note 11)
   
-
   
1,232,680
   
1,658,858
 
     
6,747,427
   
10,725,258
   
11,528,585
 
                     
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before other expenses and income taxes
   
1,177,393
   
(7,037,617
)
 
(5,446,405
)
                     
Other expenses (note 19)
   
753,515
   
1,077,871
   
729,672
 
                     
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
   
423,878
   
(8,115,488
)
 
(6,176,077
)
                     
Income tax expense (recovery) (note 12)
   
(5,344
)
 
53,241
   
5,500
 
                     
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
   
429,222
   
(8,168,729
)
 
(6,181,577
)
                     
Recovery (loss) from discontinued operations (note 13)
   
724,116
   
(76,295
)
 
(88,684
)
                     
Net earnings (loss)
   
1,153,338
   
(8,245,024
)
 
(6,270,261
)
                     
Deficit, beginning of year
 
$
(37,087,745
)
$
(28,842,721
)
$
(22,572,460
)
                     
Deficit, end of year
 
$
(35,934,407
)
$
(37,087,745
)
$
(28,842,721
)
                     
Earnings (loss) per share – basic and diluted (note 2(i)):
                   
Continuing operations
 
$
0.01
 
$
(0.23
)
$
(0.18
)
Discontinued operations
 
$
0.02
   
-
   
-
 
Net earnings (loss)
 
$
0.03
 
$
(0.23
)
$
(0.19
)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

34


NORSAT INTERNATIONAL INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

Years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
               
Cash provided by (used in):
                   
Operations:
                   
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
 
$
429,222
 
$
(8,168,729
)
$
(6,181,577
)
Items not involving cash:
                   
Amortization
   
621,220
   
1,101,998
   
1,766,507
 
Issuance of common shares for services (note 10(c))
   
-
   
-
   
259,845
 
Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment
   
(2,411
)
 
281,450
   
197,753
 
Restructuring - write-down of assets
   
-
   
-
   
131,586
 
Interest accreted on long-term debt and deferred finance cost amortization (note 19)
   
330,046
   
299,785
   
322,325
 
Loss on settlement of promissory note (note 9)
   
-
   
-
   
43,609
 
Foreign exchange (gain) loss
   
(22,213
)
 
141,268
   
-
 
Stock-based compensation
   
135,890
   
11,367
   
-
 
Changes in non-cash operating working capital (note 18)
   
(509,131
)
 
2,153,422
   
77,124
 
Cash provided (used in) continuing operations
   
982,623
   
(4,179,439
)
 
(3,382,828
)
Recovery (loss) from discontinued operations
   
724,116
   
(76,295
)
 
(88,684
)
Items not involving cash:
                   
Other
   
-
   
-
   
25,324
 
Changes in non-cash working capital and other
   
(840,174
)
 
158,685
   
93,968
 
Cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations
   
(116,058
)
 
82,390
   
30,608
 
     
866,565
   
(4,097,049
)
 
(3,352,220
)
                     
Investments:
                   
Net purchase of property and equipment
   
(185,332
)
 
(98,497
)
 
(228,479
)
Redemption (purchase) of short-term investments
   
178,000
   
(178,035
)
 
(71,965
)
     
(7,332
)
 
(276,532
)
 
(300,444
)
                     
Financing:
                   
Proceeds on exercise of warrants
   
1,631,569
   
17,416
   
-
 
Issue of common shares and units
   
-
   
4,420,715
   
970,386
 
Issue of long-term debt
   
-
   
-
   
2,953,188
 
Issue of promissory note
   
-
   
-
   
461,604
 
     
1,631,569
   
4,438,131
   
4,385,178
 
                     
Effect of change in exchange rates on cash
   
(93,733
)
 
(391,220
)
 
14,619
 
                     
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
2,397,069
   
(326,670
)
 
747,133
 
                     
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
   
2,581,141
   
2,907,811
   
2,160,678
 
                     
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
 
$
4,978,210
 
$
2,581,141
 
$
2,907,811
 

Supplemental cash flow disclosure (note 18)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



35



 
1.  
Nature of business and continuing operations:
 
The Company is incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada and its principal business activities include the marketing, design and sales of microwave products and portable satellite products that provide rapidly deployable broadband satellite data and video continuity in areas where traditional communication infrastructure is insufficient, damaged or non-existent.

 
2.  
Significant accounting policies:
 
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Canada, which materially conform with those established in the United States, except as explained in note 22.
 
(a)  
Principles of consolidation:
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Norsat America Inc., Norsat International (United Kingdom) Limited, and Norsat Atlanta Inc. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
 
(b)  
Stock-based compensation:
 
Effective January 1, 2002 the Company adopted the fair value based method of accounting prescribed by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (“CICA”) section 3870, “Stock-Based Compensation and Other Stock-Based Payments”, for stock-based payments to non-employees. The Company elected to apply the intrinsic value method of accounting for stock-based compensation awards granted to employees. Under the intrinsic value method, compensation expense is recognized equal to the excess of the market price of the underlying stock at the grant date over the exercise price. No compensation cost has been recognized in 2002, as the exercise price was equal to the market price on the grant date.
 
In 2003, CICA section 3870 was amended to require the fair value method to be applied to all employee stock-based compensation awards for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2004. During the fourth quarter of 2003, the Company elected to early adopt the fair value method to their employee awards, effective January 1, 2003. Under the prospective method of adoption selected by the Company, the fair value method is applied to all employee awards granted on or after January 1, 2003. During 2004 and 2003, the Company granted stock options to employees having a weighted average fair values of $0.42 and $0.24 per option, respectively. The fair values were determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the following weighted average assumptions: option life of three years (2003 - three years), no dividends (2003 - no dividends), expected annual volatility of 78% (2003 - 89%), and risk free interest rate of 3.3% (2003 - 3.0%). The total compensation expensed in 2004 was $135,890 (2003 - $11,367) and is included in selling, general and administrative expense.

36


 
2.
Significant accounting policies (continued):
 
(b)
Stock-based compensation (continued):
 
If compensation cost for the Company's employee awards issued during the year ended December 31, 2002 had been determined based on the fair value method at the applicable grant dates, the Company’s pro forma net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2004 would have decreased by $48,875 to $1,104,463 and net earnings per common share would remain unchanged. Comparatively the Company’s pro forma net loss for the year ended December 31, 2003 would have increased by $531,000 (2002 - $245,000) to $8,776,024 (2002 - $6,515,261) and loss per common share would have increased to $0.24 (2002 - $0.19).
 
The weighted average fair value of options granted during 2002 was $0.90. The fair value of options was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model assuming an average option life of three years, no dividends, expected annual volatility of 93%, and risk-free interest rates of 3%.
 
The Company’s stock-based compensation plan is described in note 10(d).
 
(c)  
Cash and cash equivalents:
 
Cash equivalents include short-term deposits, which are all liquid securities with terms to maturity of three months or less when acquired.
 
(d)  
Inventory:
 
Parts and supplies inventory is stated at the lower of weighted average cost and replacement cost. Finished goods and work-in-process inventory include materials, labour and manufacturing overhead and are stated at the lower of weighted average cost and net realizable value. Inventory is recorded net of any obsolescence provisions.
 
(e)  
Revenue recognition:
 
The Company generates revenue from the sale of microwave products and portable terminal hardware and services.
 
Hardware sales are recognized when goods are shipped and the title passes, there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, collection is probable and the fee is fixed or determinable. Provisions are established for product returns and warranty costs at the time revenue is recognized. If there is a requirement for customer acceptance of any products shipped, revenue is only recognized after customer acceptance has been received. For multiple element sales arrangements, revenue is allocated by the residual value method whereby the fair value of undelivered elements is determined by reference to objective evidence at the inception of the arrangement from comparable arrangements with the balance of the fees assigned to the delivered elements. Revenue is recognized for each element when all of the criteria for revenue recognition have been met. When fair value cannot be determined, revenue is deferred until objective evidence exists or recognized as the final elements are delivered. Elements included in multiple element arrangements may consist of some hardware, training and installation services, and post contract support services.

37


 
2.
Significant accounting policies (continued):
 
(e)
Revenue recognition (continued):
 
For long-term contracts, revenue is recognized on a percentage-of-completion basis based upon achievement of specifically identifiable milestones as set out in the contractual arrangement.
 
Revenue that has been paid but does not yet qualify for recognition under the Company’s policies is reflected as deferred revenue. As at December 31, 2004, the Company has $73,271 (2003 - nil) of deferred revenue.
 
(f)  
Property and equipment:
 
Property and equipment are stated at cost less applicable tax credits and government assistance. Amortization of property and equipment is recorded on a straight-line basis at the following annual rates which approximate the useful life of the assets:

Asset
 
Period
 
       
Equipment and software
   
2 to 10 years
 
Furniture and fixtures
   
10 years
 
Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the term of the lease or their estimated useful life.
 
Property and equipment are assessed for future recoverability on an annual basis or when events or circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired by estimating future undiscounted cash flows. When the net carrying amount of a capital asset exceeds its estimated net recoverable amount, the asset is written down with a charge to income.
 
(g)  
Goodwill and other intangible assets:
 
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price paid over the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is no longer amortized, but is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.
 
Purchased in-process research and development (“purchased IPR&D”) represents the estimated fair value of the acquired research and development technology in a business combination that was not technologically proven as of the acquisition date and had no alternative future use. Purchased IPR&D is amortized on a straight-line basis over five years.
 
(h)  
Short-term investments:
 
Included in short-term investments are securities with terms to maturity of in excess of three months when acquired. The investments are restricted and secure issued letters of guarantee.

38

2.
Significant accounting policies (continued):
 
(i)  
Net earnings (loss) per share:
 
Basic net earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.
 
Diluted net earnings (loss) per share is computed using the treasury stock method, which assumes that all dilutive options and warrants were exercised at the beginning of the period and the proceeds to be received were applied to repurchase common shares at the average market price for the period. Stock options and warrants are dilutive when the average market price of the common shares during the period exceeds the exercise price of the options and warrants and when the Company generates income from continuing operations.
 
The table below is a reconciliation of the denominator used in the calculation of the weighted average number of basic and diluted earnings per common share outstanding from continuing operations. There is no impact on the numerator.

   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
               
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding - basic
   
40,282,436
   
36,100,784
   
33,501,132
 
                     
Assumed exercise of stock options
   
21,903
   
-
   
-
 
Assumed exercise of warrants
   
416,275
   
-
   
-
 
                     
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding - diluted
   
40,720,614
   
36,100,784
   
33,501,132
 

The calculation of assumed exercise of stock options includes the effect of the average unrecognized future compensation cost of dilutive options. Where its effect was anti-dilutive, assumed exercise of those particular stock options were not included. The calculation of assumed exercise of stock options and warrants exclude all anti-dilutive options and warrants. These are options and warrants that would not be recognized because their exercise price is higher than the average market price of the Company’s common share for each of the periods shown in the table.
 
The calculations also do not include assumed conversion of the convertible long-term debt as its effect would be anti-dilutive.
 
The 2003 and 2002 balances do not include any assumed conversions as net losses were reported for these periods and therefore their effect would be anti-dilutive.

39

2.
Significant accounting policies (continued):
 
(j)  
Use of estimates:
 
The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and notes thereto. Significant areas requiring the use of management estimates relate to the determination of the net recoverable value of assets, including inventory obsolescence provisions, allowance for doubtful accounts, asset impairment, the valuation of future income tax assets, useful lives for depreciation and amortization, and provisions for warranties and contingencies. Actual amounts may ultimately differ from these estimates.
 
(k)  
Research and development costs:
 
Research costs are expensed as incurred. Development costs are deferred if the product or process and its market or usefulness is clearly defined, the product or process has reached technical feasibility, adequate resources exist or are expected to exist to complete the project and management intends to market or use the product or process. If these criteria are not met, the development costs are expensed as incurred. For fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002, all development costs have been expensed.
 
Government funding of eligible research and development expenditures are credited when earned against product development expenses or the cost of property and equipment, to which the funding related.
 
(l)  
Deferred finance costs:
 
Deferred finance costs represent the unamortized cost of obtaining debt financing. Amortization is provided on a straight-line basis over the term of the related debt and is included in interest expense for the year.
 
(m)  
Income taxes:
 
The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, the Company recognizes and measures, as assets and liabilities, income taxes currently payable or recoverable as well as future taxes which will arise from the realization of assets or settlement of liabilities at carrying amounts which differ from their tax bases. Future tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted or substantially enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which such temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is recognized to the extent the recoverability of future income tax assets is not considered to be more likely than not. Future tax assets and liabilities are presented net by current and non-current classifications except to the extent that they cannot be offset due to different tax jurisdictions.

40


 
2.
Significant accounting policies (continued):
 
(n)  
Foreign currency translation:
 
The reporting and functional currency of the Company is the Canadian dollar.
 
Foreign currency transactions entered into directly by the Company, as well as the accounts of the integrated foreign subsidiary operations, are translated using the temporal method. Under this method, monetary assets and liabilities are translated at year-end exchange rates and other balance sheet items are translated at historical exchange rates. Income statement items are translated at the rate in effect at the time of the transaction.

 
3.  
Credit facility:
 
The Company has a credit facility with a major Canadian financial institution. The facility includes a line of credit in the amount of $700,000 available through cash or letters of credit or letters of guarantee. The facility bears interest at prime plus 1.75% per annum. The security under this facility consists of a first security interest over all of the Company’s assets. The credit facility may be cancelled by the lender at any time. As at December 31, 2004 no amounts have been drawn under this facility.

 
4.  
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
 
Accounts receivable are disclosed net of allowance for doubtful accounts. Changes in the allowance for each of the periods presented are as follows:

   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
               
Balance, beginning of year
 
$
63,704
 
$
263,663
 
$
478,161
 
Net credit to operations
   
(35,375
)
 
(199,959
)
 
(214,498
)
                     
Balance, end of year
 
$
28,329
 
$
63,704
 
$
263,663
 
5.  
Inventory:

   
2004
 
2003
 
           
Parts and supplies
 
$
1,093,876
 
$
528,764
 
Work-in-process
   
78,026
   
344,876
 
Finished goods
   
2,261,253
   
1,783,009
 
               
   
$
3,433,155
 
$
2,656,649
 
Inventory is disclosed net of an estimate for obsolescence in the amount of $1,168,000 (2003 - $820,000).
 
41

6.  
Property and equipment:

2004
 
Cost
 
Accumulated amortization
 
Net book value
 
               
Equipment and software
 
$
8,273,534
 
$
7,665,354
 
$
608,180
 
Furniture and fixtures
   
1,010,747
   
801,265
   
209,482
 
Leasehold improvements
   
682,041
   
450,436
   
231,605
 
                     
   
$
9,966,322
 
$
8,917,055
 
$
1,049,267
 

2003
 
Cost
 
Accumulated amortization
 
Net book value
 
               
Equipment and software
 
$
8,127,248
 
$
7,230,571
 
$
896,677
 
Furniture and fixtures
   
1,009,303
   
742,582
   
266,721
 
Leasehold improvements
   
682,041
   
362,695
   
319,346
 
                     
   
$
9,818,592
 
$
8,335,848
 
$
1,482,744
 

7.  
Goodwill:
 
Goodwill outstanding at December 31, 2004 of $440,095 (2003 - $440,095) relates to the Company’s microwave products operating segment.

 
8.  
Technology Partnerships Canada funding:
 
On October 17, 2000, the Company entered into an agreement with Technology Partnerships Canada (“TPC”) whereby TPC would provide funding of 33 1/3% of eligible spending related to the research and development of a communications Satellite Interactive Terminal (“SIT”) technology development project to a maximum cumulative funding amount of $9,379,700.
 
In return for funding, the Company was obligated to issue TPC $1,000,000 in value of share purchase warrants prior to March 31, 2004. The warrants were to have a life of five years and were to be priced at the market price on the date of issue with the number of warrants issued to be determined using the Black-Scholes pricing model. The Company recorded the fair value of the required obligation to issue warrants as a $1,000,000 deferred royalty payment in other assets and as an addition to contributed surplus. The deferred royalty was amortized pro-rata as funding was receivable under the contract.
 
Beginning January 1, 2003, the Company was to accrue royalty obligations in the amount of 1.88% of revenue on legacy products up to a maximum of $4,689,850, and a royalty of 1.28% of new SIT technology products. The royalty period begins on January 1, 2003 and will end on the earliest of the following dates:
 
 
·
the date before December 31, 2006, for which cumulative royalties accrued reach $15 million
 
 
·
on December 31, 2006, or the date after, if by that date the cumulative royalties accrued equal or exceed $13,171,300
 
·
otherwise on December 31, 2009.

42


 
8.
Technology Partnerships Canada funding (continued):
 
In the event and at the time that the warrants are issued as required above, the SIT royalty will be reduced from 1.28% to 1.03%. As the warrants were issued on April 28, 2004 the royalty was reduced effective the same date.
 
On April 28, 2004, the Company issued 1,206,811 share purchase warrants to TPC under the terms described above with an exercise price of $1.09 per share. The Black-Scholes valuation model was applied using assumptions of an average option life of five years, no dividends, expected annual volatility of 100%, and risk-free interest rates of 3.8%.
 
On September 28, 2004 the Company amended this agreement with TPC. Under the amended agreement the cumulative funding amount was increased to $9,999,700 representing additional funding of $620,000. In addition, the royalty payment period was amended to commence on January 1, 2004 and end on the earliest of the following dates:
 
 
·
the date before December 31, 2007, for which cumulative royalties accrued reach $15 million;
 
 
·
on December 31, 2007, or the date after, if by that date the cumulative royalties accrued equal or exceed $13,171,300; and
 
·
otherwise on December 31, 2011.
 
As at December 31, 2004, the Company has expensed and accrued for royalty payments in the amount of $218,224. This amount is included in accrued liabilities. The royalties are recorded and expensed as the related sales occur. As a result of the amendment, the 2003 accrued royalty payable of $220,390 was recovered to income.
 
During 2004 the Company recognized TPC funding in the amount of $620,000 (2003 - 667,467; 2002 - $2,829,821) representing the final funding under the Company’s amended agreement. Cumulative funding as at December 31, 2004 was $9,999,700 (2003 - $9,379,700; 2002 - $8,712,233) of which $102,527 is included in accounts receivable.
 
9.  
Promissory note and long-term debt:
 
(a)  
Promissory note:
 
On January 28, 2002, the Company issued an unsecured promissory note (US$300,000) for net cash proceeds of $461,604, repayable on January 29, 2003, that bears interest at 8% per annum. The interest was payable by issuing 13,333 common shares of the Company at maturity. The promissory note also included 35,334 share purchase warrants. The warrants expire after five years, and entitle the holder to purchase one common share of the Company for US$2.01. A financing fee was paid consisting of US$7,500 cash, 4,167 common shares of the Company and 17,667 share purchase warrants with similar terms.

43


 
9.
Promissory note and long-term debt (continued):
 
 
(a)
Promissory note (continued):
 
The proceeds of the financing allocated to the interest component and also the fair value of the detachable share purchase warrants was recorded as an equity component of the note financing, reducing the amount assigned to the debt component. The debt component is accreted to its fair value over the term to maturity as a non-cash interest expense charge. During 2002, an agreement was reached under which the promissory note including all interest obligations, was settled by the Company issuing 324,000 common shares which had a fair value of $498,960, resulting in a loss on debt settlement of $43,609. During 2003, the existing agreements for the share purchase warrants were amended to reduce the exercise price and shorten the expiry date (note 10(e)).
 
(b)  
Long-term debt:

   
2004
 
2003
 
           
Face value of long-term debt
 
$
2,404,000
 
$
2,593,000
 
Less: unamortized discount from conversion option
   
936,406
   
1,321,802
 
               
Carrying value December 31, 2003
 
$
1,467,594
 
$
1,271,198
 
On March 28, 2002, the Company completed a financing agreement (US$2,000,000) for net cash proceeds of $2,953,188. The financing consisted of 8% per annum unsecured convertible notes maturing March 31, 2007. The notes are convertible into common shares of the Company at a price of US$1.70 per share at the holder’s option at any time. At March 28, 2002, the market price of the Company’s common shares was US$1.64 per share. The Company is allowed to force the conversion of the notes into common shares of the Company if the shares trade above US$3.40 for two consecutive days over the term to maturity of the notes. The cost of the financing totaled $307,966 and included 50,000 share purchase warrants with a fair value of $72,751 calculated using a Black-Scholes valuation model. The share purchase warrants expire after three years, and entitle the holder to purchase one common share of the company for US$1.70. At December 31, 2004 the share purchase warrants remain unexercised (note 10(e)). The Company’s effective interest rate under this financing is approximately 24%.
 
Financing costs of $93,509 were recorded as deferred finance costs on the balance sheet, with the balance of $214,457 recorded as a charge against the equity component of long-term debt. The proceeds of the financing allocated to the estimated fair value of the conversion option of $2,123,584 have been recorded as the equity component of long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheet at $1,909,127, being net of financing costs of $214,457. The carrying amount of the debt has been reduced on issuance by the value assigned to the conversion option and is being accreted to its face value over the term to maturity through charges to non-cash interest expense.
 
44

10.  
Share capital and contributed surplus:
 
The Company is authorized to issue 75,000,000 (2003 - 75,000,000; 2002 - 50,000,000) common shares without par value.

Share capital
 
Number of shares
 
Amount
 
           
Balance at December 31, 2001
   
33,080,990
 
$
32,974,213
 
For cash:
             
Issued for services (note 10(a))
   
110,340
   
259,845
 
Upon issue for private placement (note 10(b))
   
657,667
   
970,386
 
Issued for the settlement of promissory note and financing costs (note 9)
   
328,167
   
510,923
 
               
Balance at December 31, 2002
   
34,177,164
   
34,715,367
 
For cash:
             
Upon issue for private placements (note 10(c))
   
4,792,000
   
4,420,715
 
Upon exercise of share purchase warrants (note 10(e))
   
31,667
   
17,416
 
               
Balance at December 31, 2003
   
39,000,831
   
39,153,498
 
               
For cash:
             
Upon exercise of share purchase warrants (note 10(e))
   
3,051,001
   
1,631,569
 
               
For non-cash:
             
Reclassification of contributed surplus upon exercise of warrants
   
-
   
115,990
 
               
Balance at December 31, 2004
   
42,051,832
 
$
40,901,057
 

Contributed surplus
 
Amount
 
       
Balance, December 31, 2001
 
$
1,000,000
 
Issue of warrants for financing proceeds and services (note 9)
   
188,742
 
         
Balance, December 31, 2002
   
1,188,742
 
Stock-based compensation (note 2(b))
   
11,367
 
         
Balance, December 31, 2003
   
1,200,109
 
Stock-based compensation (note 2(b))
   
135,890
 
Less: reclassification to share capital upon exercise of warrants
   
(115,990
)
         
Balance, December 31, 2004
 
$
1,220,009
 
45


 
10.
Share capital and contributed surplus (continued):
 
(a)  
During 2002, a total of 110,340 common shares were issued to employees at market value for services rendered to the Company.
 
(b)  
On August 8, 2002, the Company entered into private placement agreements totaling 657,667 units at $1.50 per unit, for proceeds of $970,386, net of share issue costs of $16,114. Each unit consisted of one common share of the Company and one share purchase warrant. The warrants expire after three years, and entitle the holder to purchase one additional common share of the Company for $1.50. During 2003, the existing agreements for 97,667 of these warrants were amended to reduce the exercise price and shorten the expiry date (note 10(e)).
 
(c)  
On April 8, 2003, the Company entered into private placement agreements totaling 2,000,000 units at US$1.00 per unit, for cash proceeds of US$1,981,033 (CDN$2,919,290) net of share issue costs of US$18,967 (CDN$27,881). Each unit consists of one common share of the Company and one share purchase warrant. The warrants expire after three years, and entitle the holder to purchase one additional common share of the Company for US$1.00. During 2003, the existing agreements for 670,000 of these warrants were amended to reduce the exercise price and shorten the expiry date (note 10(e)).
 
On October 31, 2003, the Company entered into private placement agreements totaling 2,792,000 units at $0.55 per unit, for cash proceeds of $1,501,425 net of share issue costs of $34,175. The financing included participation by certain senior management of the Company of 332,000 units. Each unit consists of one common share of the Company and one share purchase warrant. The warrants expire after one year and entitle the holder to purchase one additional common share of the Company for $0.55 (US$0.42). During 2004 2,262,000 warrants were exercised for cash proceeds of $1,197,618 and the balance of 530,000 expired unexercised (note 10(e)).
 
(d)  
Stock option plan:
 
The Company has reserved 6,306,505 common shares under its 1999 (amended) incentive share option plan of which 1,406,845 common shares have previously been issued. The plan provides for the granting of stock options at the fair market value of the Company’s shares at the grant date, with terms to a maximum of ten years and vesting provisions to be determined by the board of directors.

46


10.
Share capital and contributed surplus (continued):
 
(d)
Stock option plan (continued):
 
For each of the periods presented, the following stock options were outstanding:

2004
2003
2002
   
 Number of shares
Exercise price per share
Expiry date
         
-
-
40,000
1.50
2003
-
-
10,000
1.70
2003
-
-
100,000
3.00
2003
75,000
75,000
75,000
15.00
2005
669,500
896,500
-
0.55
2008
5,000
5,000
-
0.57
2008
41,000
-
-
0.60
2009
81,000
-
-
0.82
2009
75,000
-
-
0.83
2009
20,000
-
-
1.25
2009
115,000
229,750
320,875
2.50
2011
115,000
229,750
312,125
3.40
2011
115,000
229,750
309,875
4.50
2011
115,000
170,000
259,875
6.15
2011
569,150
1,062,350
1,233,650
1.50
2012
-
-
625
2.53
2012
-
-
625
3.42
2012
-
-
625
4.61
2012
-
-
625
6.22
2012
5,000
5,000
-
1.19
2013
3,500
3,500
-
1.28
2013
-
10,000
-
1.25
2013
100,000
100,000
-
1.45
2013
169,200
169,200
-
1.50
2013
         
2,273,350
3,185,800
2,663,900
   
A summary of changes to issued stock options is as follows:

   
Number of shares
 
Weighted-average exercise price
 
           
Balance, December 31, 2001
   
2,450,500
 
$
4.97
 
Granted
   
1,312,450
   
1.60
 
Expired/cancelled
   
(1,099,050
)
 
5.52
 
               
Balance, December 31, 2002
   
2,663,900
   
3.09
 
Granted
   
1,189,200
   
0.77
 
Expired/cancelled
   
(667,300
)
 
3.10
 
               
Balance, December 31, 2003
   
3,185,800
   
2.22
 
Granted
   
327,000
   
0.82
 
Expired/cancelled
   
(1,239,450
)
 
2.02
 
               
Balance, December 31, 2004
   
2,273,350
 
$
2.13
 

47


 
10.
Share capital and contributed surplus (continued):
 
(d)
Stock option plan (continued):
 
Options exercisable at December 31, 2004 totaled 1,829,300 (2003 - 1,543,017; 2002 - 796,375) and have a weighted average exercise price of $2.36 (2003 - $2.83; 2002 - $3.41).
 
(e)  
Share purchase warrants:
 
During 2003, the Company made an offer to all existing warrant holders, with the exception of senior management and board members, and came to an agreement with 820,668 common share purchase warrant holders to amend their existing warrant agreements to reduce the exercise price to US$0.42 (CDN$0.55) and shorten the expiry date to January 15, 2004. None of these warrants had been issued pursuant to employment arrangements. During 2004, 789,001 (2003 - 31,667), of these amended warrants were exercised for cash proceeds of $433,951 (2003 - $17,416).
 
For each of the periods presented, the following warrants for the purchase of one common share per warrant at the following prices per common share and expiry dates were outstanding:

2004
2003
2002
   
 Number of warrants
Exercise price per share
Expiry date
         
-
3,581,001
-
US$0.42
2004
50,000
50,000
50,000
US$1.70
2005
560,000
560,000
657,667
$1.50
2005
1,330,000
1,330,000
-
US$1.00
2006
-
-
17,667
US$2.01
2007
-
-
35,334
US$2.01
2007
1,206,811
-
-
$1.09
2009
 
 
 
 
 
3,146,811
5,521,001
760,668
   
A summary of changes to number of issued warrants is as follows:

Balance, December 31, 2001 and 2002
   
760,688
 
Issued
   
4,792,000
 
Exercised
   
(31,667
)
         
Balance, December 31, 2003
   
5,521,001
 
Issued
   
1,206,811
 
Exercised
   
(3,051,001
)
Expired
   
(530,000
)
         
Balance, December 31, 2004
   
3,146,811
 
 
48

11.
Restructuring charge:

   
Workforce reduction
 
Premises
 
Total
 
               
Liability balance, December 31, 2001
   
741,000
   
307,183
   
1,048,183
 
Incurred and expensed
   
1,108,658
   
550,200
   
1,658,858
 
Costs paid or settled and adjustments
   
(1,399,737
)
 
(458,083
)
 
(1,857,820
)
                     
Liability balance, December 31, 2002
   
449,921
   
399,300
   
849,221
 
Incurred and expensed
   
1,232,680
   
-
   
1,232,680
 
Costs paid or settled and adjustments
   
(1,409,855
)
 
(108,920
)
 
(1,518,775
)
                     
Liability balance, December 31, 2003
   
272,746
   
290,380
   
563,126
 
Costs paid or settled and adjustments
   
(158,798
)
 
(91,990
)
 
(250,788
)
                     
Liability balance, December 31, 2004
   
113,948
   
198,390
   
312,338
 
During 2002, management made decisions to restructure its operations including reducing its workforce. The workforce reduction charge primarily relates to severance and related benefits for termination of approximately 40 employees. The Company also incurred lease costs, net of estimated subleasing recoveries.
 
During 2003, management continued to reduce its cost of operations by terminating a further 30 employees. The workforce reduction charge relates to severance and related benefits.
 
During 2004, no restructuring actions were undertaken.
 
At December 31, 2004, $312,338 (2003 - $563,126) of these costs are included in accrued liabilities.

 
12.  
Income taxes:
 
(a)  
Future income tax asset:
 
The tax effect of the temporary differences that give rise to future tax assets are presented below:

   
2004
 
2003
 
           
Future tax assets:
             
Tax loss carry forwards
 
$
10,457,580
 
$
10,708,595
 
Scientific Research and Development Pool
   
2,884,977
   
3,075,840
 
Tax value of property and equipment in excess of book value
   
2,941,689
   
2,719,002
 
Write-down of subsidiary and investment
   
1,967,170
   
1,966,066
 
Temporary differences in working capital
   
1,097,740
   
1,203,084
 
Total gross future tax assets
   
19,349,156
   
19,672,587
 
               
Valuation allowance
   
(19,349,156
)
 
(19,672,587
)
               
Total future tax assets
  $
-
  $
-
 
 
49

12.
Income taxes (continued):
 
(a)
Future income tax asset (continued):
Management believes that it is not more likely than not that it will create sufficient taxable income to realize its future tax assets. As a result, a full valuation allowance has been recognized.
 
(b)  
Loss carry forwards and investment tax credits:
 
At December 31, 2004, the Company has approximately $29,359,000 of non-capital loss carry forwards available until 2010 to reduce future years' income for income tax purposes. Also, the Company has investment tax credits available to reduce taxes payable of $988,000. The amounts expire as follows:

Year of expiry
 
Non-capital loss carry forwards
 
Investment tax credits
 
           
2005
  $
-
 
$
8,000
 
2006
   
2,988,000
   
19,000
 
2007
   
9,872,000
   
18,000
 
2008
   
5,238,000
   
-
 
2009
   
3,845,000
   
138,000
 
2010
   
7,416,000
   
-
 
2011
   
-
   
192,000
 
2012
   
-
   
313,000
 
2013
   
-
   
300,000
 
               
   
$
29,359,000
 
$
988,000
 
The Company also has available $11,290,000 (2003 - $ 11,290,000) net capital losses to be applied against future capital gains. The tax effect of these carry forwards has not been recorded in the financial statements. In addition, the Company has accumulated scientific research and development expenses that are available for indefinite carry forward as discretionary deductions of approximately $8,099,000 (2003 - $8,640,000; 2002 - $7,115,000).
 
Not included in the above tables are non-capital losses of US $4,128,000 as at December 31, 2004 related to discontinued operations. The Company utilized approximately US $650,000 in 2004 to offset taxes otherwise owing on income earned from discontinued operations. Management believes that it is more likely than not that it will not create sufficient taxable income to realize these future tax assets. A full valuation allowance has been recognized.

50


 
12. Income taxes (continued):
 
(c)  
Income tax expense:
 
The income tax expense differs from the expected expense if Canadian statutory rates were applied to the loss from continuing operations before income taxes. The principal factors causing these differences are shown below:

   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
               
Income tax expense (recovery) at expected rate of 35.6% (2003 - 37.6% and 2002 - 39.6%)
 
$
151,000
 
$
(3,051,400
)
$
(2,445,700
)
Non-allowable (non-taxable) expenses or income
   
7,400
   
11,100
   
191,300
 
Temporary differences, including amortization, research and development costs and other
   
191,700
   
453,500
   
(96,700
)
Unrecognized (Utilization of) loss carry forwards
   
(381,600
)
 
2,624,900
   
2,356,600
 
Rate difference between Canadian rate and rates applicable to subsidiaries
   
26,200
   
-
   
-
 
Other
   
(44
)
 
15,141
   
-
 
                     
Income tax expense
 
$
(5,344
)
$
53,241
 
$
5,500
 
13.  
Discontinued operations:
 
On August 23, 2000, the Company adopted a formal plan to discontinue the business operations of its Norsat America Inc. distribution business. The Company incurred a loss of $76,295 and $88,684 in 2003 and 2002, respectively, resulting primarily from changes in estimates or the settlement of liabilities or recovery of assets at amounts different from original estimates.
 
For 2004, the Company recorded a recovery from discontinued operations totaling $724,116, which arose substantially from a settlement of a liability with a supplier.
 
At December 31, 2004, the Company had a receivable of nil (2003 - $41,581) representing primarily a contract receivable from closure of the Aurora distribution business in 1998. The Company had a liability of $51,648 (2003 - $933,403) representing primarily liabilities from the closure of the Norsat America Inc. distribution business.

51

14.  
Segmented and other information:
 
The Company’s two business segments are: Microwave and Satellite Systems.
 
The Microwave segment supplies satellite signal receivers, transmitters and other ground station products. During 2002, the Open Networks segment expanded from delivering open standard Digital Video Broadcasting (“DVB”) Data Hub Systems to also include portable satellite terminals. The segment was renamed to Satellite Systems.
 
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The key operating decision maker evaluates performance based on the following:

2004
 
Microwave
 
Satellite Systems
 
Consolidated
 
               
Sales to external customers
 
$
9,492,846
 
$
8,027,829
 
$
17,520,675
 
Gross profit
 
$
3,378,782
 
$
4,546,038
 
$
7,924,820
 
Total assets related to continuing operations
 
$
5,268,524
 
$
6,930,406
 
$
12,198,930
 
Property and equipment
 
$
207,030
 
$
842,237
 
$
1,049,267
 
Goodwill
 
$
440,095
   
-
 
$
440,095
 

2003
 
Microwave
 
Satellite Systems
 
Consolidated
 
               
Sales to external customers
 
$
9,541,803
 
$
3,438,466
 
$
12,980,269
 
Gross profit
 
$
2,342,639
 
$
1,345,002
 
$
3,687,641
 
Total assets related to continuing operations
 
$
4,737,202
 
$
4,735,853
 
$
9,473,055
 
Property and equipment
 
$
392,750
 
$
1,089,994
 
$
1,482,744
 
Goodwill
 
$
440,095
   
-
 
$
440,095
 

2002
 
Microwave
 
Satellite Systems
 
Consolidated
 
               
Sales to external customers
 
$
10,793,669
 
$
3,881,137
 
$
14,674,806
 
Gross profit
 
$
4,096,227
 
$
1,985,953
 
$
6,082,180
 
Total assets related to continuing operations
 
$
9,531,006
 
$
6,959,227
 
$
16,490,233
 
Property and equipment
 
$
298,274
 
$
2,398,216
 
$
2,696,490
 
Goodwill
 
$
440,095
   
-
 
$
440,095
 
52

14.
Segmented and other information (continued):
 
The Company generated revenues from external customers located in the following geographic locations:

   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
               
Canada
 
$
647,954
 
$
1,172,224
 
$
643,070
 
United States
   
13,132,986
   
6,150,610
   
7,766,395
 
Europe and other
   
3,739,735
   
5,657,435
   
6,265,341
 
                     
   
$
17,520,675
 
$
12,980,269
 
$
14,674,806
 
Substantially all property and equipment and goodwill are located in Canada.
 
15.  
Commitments:
 
Future minimum payments at December 31, 2004 under various purchasing commitments and operating lease agreements for each of the next five fiscal years are approximately as follows:

2005
 
$
4,736,815
 
2006
   
748,887
 
2007
   
29,681
 
2008
   
22,200
 
2009
   
1,850
 
Rent expense for the Company was approximately $893,000 (2003 - $945,000; 2002 - $1,116,000).
 
In the normal course of operations the Company is subject to actual or alleged claims and enters into purchase commitments. The Company has accrued for estimated losses, if any, when determinable, including losses on disputed purchase commitments with suppliers. Substantially, all commitments for 2005 and 2006 relate to purchase commitments.
 
In addition the Company has issued and outstanding standby letters of credit and warranty bonds, net of Export Development of Canada performance security guarantees, totaling approximately $13,000. These amounts are secured by a guaranteed investment certificate placed at the same issuing financial institution.
 
53

16.
Financial instruments:
 
(a)  
Fair value:
 
The Company's financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, receivable on disposition of business, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The carrying value of these instruments approximates their fair value due to their immediate or short-term to maturity or their ability for liquidation at comparable amounts.
 
The Company’s long-term debt is also a financial instrument. The carrying value of this instrument approximates its fair value. Fair value was determined based on estimated future cash flows discounted using the current market rate for debt under similar circumstances with similar terms and remaining maturities.
 
Interest on the Company’s long-term debt is based on a fixed rate. This exposes the Company to market value risk. The Company has not entered into any derivative agreements to mitigate this risk.
 
(b)  
Concentration of credit risk:
 
The Company revenues are dependent on customers in the satellite communication industry. As these sales are geographically dispersed and among a large number of customers, concentration of credit risk is considered to be limited.
 
(c)  
Exchange risk:
 
The Company is exposed to currency exchange risk as a result of its “sales” and “cost of sales” being predominately denominated in United States dollars. To manage its exchange risk, the Company has entered into financing in United States dollars. The Company has not entered into any derivative agreements to further mitigate this risk.

 
17.
Related party transactions:
 
As described in note 10(c), on October 31, 2003 the Company entered into private placement agreements totalling 2,792,000 units at $0.55 per unit. The financing included participation by certain senior management and directors of the Company for 332,000 units.
 
54

18.  
Supplemental cash flow and other disclosures:

   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
               
Changes in non-cash operating working capital:
                   
Accounts receivable
 
$
(129,572
)
$
2,477,693
 
$
446,645
 
Inventory
   
-776,506
   
2,832,164
   
480,829
 
Prepaid and other expenses
   
-51,909
   
243,658
   
-18,707
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
   
375,585
   
-3,066,251
   
-594,867
 
Deferred revenue
   
73,271
   
-333,842
   
-236,776
 
                     
   
$
(509,131
)
$
2,153,422
 
$
77,124
 
                     
Supplementary information:
                   
Interest paid
 
$
206,400
 
$
227,200
 
$
126,400
 
Income taxes paid
   
15,124
   
14,205
   
5,500
 
Non-cash transactions:
                   
Value assigned to common shares and warrants issued, net of cash acquired:
                   
Issue of common shares for settlement of debt
   
-
   
-
   
498,960
 
Issue of common shares and warrants for financing services
   
-
   
-
   
200,705
 
Reclassification of exercised warrants from contributed surplus to share capital
   
115,990
   
-
   
-
 

19.  
Other expenses:

   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
               
Net interest and bank charges
 
$ 314,890
 
$ 264,813
 
$ 182,179
 
Interest - non-cash
   
330,046
   
299,785
   
322,325
 
Foreign currency loss (gain)
   
110,990
   
231,823
   
(16,194
)
Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment
   
(2,411
)
 
281,450
   
197,753
 
Loss on settlement of promissory note (note 9(a))
   
-
   
-
   
43,609
 
                     
   
$
753,515
 
$
1,077,871
 
$
729,672
 
20.  
Economic dependence:
 
The Company purchases substantially all of its microwave products from two suppliers.
 
During 2004, the Satellite Systems segment generated approximately 87% of its sales from the United States government.

 
21.  
Comparative figures:
 
Certain comparative figures have also been reclassified to conform with the financial statement presentation adopted in 2004.
 
55

22.  
Reconciliation to United States accounting principles:
 
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Canada (“Canadian GAAP”) which differ in certain respects from those principles and practices that the Company would have followed had its consolidated financial statements been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“US GAAP”).

   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
               
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations under Canadian GAAP
 
$
429,222
 
$
(8,168,729
)
$
(6,181,577
)
Write-down of property and equipment (b)
   
-
   
270,091
   
182,608
 
Promissory note and long-term debt (f)
   
342,505
   
538,424
   
188,298
 
Employee stock-based compensation (e)
   
125,693
   
11,367
   
-
 
                     
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations according to US GAAP
   
897,420
   
(7,348,847
)
 
(5,810,671
)
                     
Recovery (loss) from discontinued operations as shown in the consolidated financial statements according to US GAAP
   
724,116
   
(76,295
)
 
(88,684
)
                     
Net earnings (loss) according to US GAAP
   
1,621,536
   
(7,425,142
)
 
(5,899,355
)
Other comprehensive loss (c):
                   
Decrease in cumulative translation adjustment
   
-
   
-
   
(25,324
)
                     
Total comprehensive earnings (loss) according to US GAAP
 
$
1,621,536
 
$
(7,425,142
)
$
(5,924,679
)
                     
Basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations according to US GAAP
 
$
0.02
 
$
(0.21
)
$
(0.17
)
                     
Basic and diluted net earnings per share from discontinued operations according to US GAAP
 
$
0.02
   
-
   
-
 
                     
Basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share according to US GAAP
 
$
0.04
 
$
(0.21
)
$
(0.17
)
56


 
22. Reconciliation to United States accounting principles (continued):
 
The amounts in the consolidated balance sheets that differ significantly from those reported under Canadian GAAP are as follows:

   
 31-Dec-04
 
 31-Dec-03
 
   
Canadian
 
US
 
Canadian
 
US
 
 
 
GAAP
 
GAAP
 
GAAP
 
GAAP
 
                   
Property and equipment (b)
 
$
1,049,267
 
$
1,049,267
 
$
1,482,744
 
$
1,482,744
 
Goodwill (a)
   
440,095
   
777,095
   
440,095
   
777,095
 
Deferred finance costs (f)
   
31,727
   
128,233
   
49,431
   
188,828
 
Long-term debt (f)
   
1,467,594
   
2,404,000
   
1,271,198
   
2,593,000
 
Share capital (f), (g) and (h)
   
40,901,057
   
115,535,312
   
39,153,498
   
113,787,753
 
Contributed surplus (e)
   
1,220,009
   
1,082,949
   
1,200,109
   
1,188,742
 
Equity component of long-term debt (f)
   
1,909,127
   
-
   
1,909,127
   
-
 
Deficit (a) - (h)
   
(35,934,407
)
 
(109,025,374
)
 
(37,087,745
)
 
(110,646,911
)
The following are the material measurement variations in accounting principles, practices and methods used in preparing these financial statements from those generally accepted in the United States (US):
 
(a)  
IMT Communications Inc. acquisition:
 
The valuation of the shares relating to the acquisition of IMT Communications Inc. in 1998 was adjusted by a 25% discount in recognition of the shares held in escrow under Canadian GAAP. For US GAAP purposes, the share value is recorded at market value. This results in an increase in goodwill of $540,000 all of which relate to the microwave products operating segment. Cumulative amortization relating to this additional goodwill was $203,000 at December 31, 2001. For fiscal 2002 to 2004, no reconciling differences to the statement of operations arise as under both Canadian and US GAAP, goodwill is no longer amortized but is instead now subject to an annual impairment test. The additional goodwill, net of amortization, under US GAAP would be $337,000.
 
(b)  
SpectraWorks acquisition:
 
For Canadian GAAP purposes, the valuation of the shares relating to the acquisition of SpectraWorks Inc. on April 4, 2000 was adjusted by a 10% discount relating to a one year hold period on escrowed shares and a general market discount. For US GAAP purposes, the share value would not reflect these discounts. This results in an increase in goodwill recorded at acquisition of $3,630,040 which, in 2000, would have been written off.
 
For US GAAP purposes, the acquired in-process research and development pursuant to the SpectraWorks Inc. acquisition would have been expensed on acquisition. Under Canadian GAAP acquired in-process research and development is amortized over a period of five years. As a result, under US GAAP additional amortization would be recognized.

57


 
22.
Reconciliation to United States accounting principles (continued):
 
(b)
SpectraWorks acquisition (continued):
 
During 2001, the Company recorded an impairment charge under Canadian GAAP relating to goodwill and other intangible assets acquired pursuant to the SpectraWorks Inc. acquisition. The impairment charge under US GAAP in 2001 would also include an additional write-down of property and equipment of $452,699. Amortization and impairment charge relating to goodwill and other intangible assets related to the SpectaWorks Inc. acquisition would be lower under US GAAP by $3,287,250 due to the expense of in-process research and development costs on acquisition and additional impairment charge related to goodwill under US GAAP prior to 2001.
 
For 2003 and 2002, as a result of the additional US GAAP write-down of property and equipment of $452,699 in 2001, amortization and write-down under US GAAP would be reduced by $270,071 and $182,608, respectively.
 
(c)  
Short-term investments and foreign currency transaction:
 
Under US GAAP, the Company is required to disclose components of comprehensive income in its financial statements. No similar requirement exists under Canadian GAAP. For the years presented, included in other comprehensive income would be unrealized foreign exchange gains or losses included in equity related to the translation of the Company’s self-sustaining foreign operation.
 
(d)  
Income taxes:
 
Under Canadian GAAP, future tax assets and liabilities are recorded at substantially enacted tax rates. Under US GAAP, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded at enacted tax rates. Recording Canadian future tax assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates would not change recorded net assets or shareholders’ equity under US GAAP.
 
(e)  
Stock-based compensation:
 
The Company has granted stock options to certain directors and employees for services provided to the Company. The Company, for US GAAP purposes, has elected under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (“SFAS No. 123”), “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” to continue to measure compensation cost by the intrinsic value method set out in APB Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations. As fixed options are granted at exercise prices based on the market value of the Company’s share at the date of grant, no adjustment for compensation expense is required. Awards granted where vesting is contingent on the Company’s share price are treated as variable awards. The measurement date is the date the contingency is met. Compensation expense is recognized when it is probable that the performance criteria will be met and is re-measured at each reporting date until the measurement date, with the amount equal to be the excess of the then fair value of the underlying common stock over the exercise price with changes in value recognized in the determination of income.

58


 
22. Reconciliation to United States accounting principles (continued):
 
(e) Stock-based compensation (continued):
 
As described in note 2(b), the Company adopted the CICA section 3870, "Stock-Based Compensation and Other Stock-Based Payments" and elected to apply the intrinsic value method for other employee awards and effective January 1, 2003, elected to apply the fair value method. Compensation cost attributable to stock options issued by the Company to employees before January 1, 2003 under US GAAP will have nil compensation cost.
 
As required under SFAS 123, supplementary pro-forma information is provided below as if the fair value method was applied. The pro-forma stock compensation expense has been determined by reference to an option-pricing model using the following weighted average assumptions:

   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
               
Volatility percentage
   
78
%
 
89
%
 
93
%
Risk-free interest rate
   
3.30
%
 
3.00
%
 
3.70
%
Dividend yield
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Expected life of options
   
3.0 years
   
3.0 years
   
3.0 years
 
The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the year was $0.42 (2003 - $0.24; 2002 - $0.90).
 
Pro-forma information with respect to impact of the fair value of stock options at the date of grant on reported loss for the periods presented is as follows:

   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
               
Net earnings (loss), US GAAP
 
$
1,621,536
 
$
(7,425,142
)
$
(5,899,355
)
Additional stock compensation recovery (expense)
   
(327,916
)
 
(942,428
)
 
(642,307
)
               
Pro-forma net loss, US GAAP
 
$
1,293,620
 
$
(8,367,570
)
$
(6,541,662
)
               
Pro-forma basic and fully diluted net earnings (loss) per share, US GAAP
 
$
0.03
 
$
(0.23
)
$
(0.20
)
59

22.
Reconciliation to United States accounting principles (continued):
 
(f)  
Promissory note and long-term debt:
 
Under Canadian GAAP, the proceeds of the financing allocated to the estimated fair value of the conversion feature of the debt is recorded as an equity component of the debt (note 9(b)). Under US GAAP, a value is assigned to the conversion feature only if the conversion rate is less than the market price of the common stock at the date of issuance. Accordingly, no value would be assigned under US GAAP to the conversion feature on the promissory note issued in 2002. In addition, under Canadian GAAP a portion of the deferred finance costs has been allocated to equity and not amortized, while under US GAAP all costs would be identified as deferred finance costs and amortized over the term of the debt. Furthermore, under Canadian GAAP, interest on long-term debt required to be paid through the issuance of common shares is recorded at fair value as an equity component and accreted as a charge to retained earnings. For US GAAP purposes, all interest is expensed as incurred.
 
Applying US GAAP, long-term debt at December 31, 2004 would be recorded at its face value of $2,404,000 (US $2,000,000) and no value would be assigned to an equity component of long-term debt. In addition, accretion on the calculated debt discount on the promissory note and the long-term debt under Canadian GAAP aggregating $312,342 (2003 - $269,708) for the year ended December 31, 2004 would not have been recorded, reducing interest expense by an equivalent amount. Finally, additional interest expense of $42,891 (2003 - $43,535) would be recorded in 2004 on amortization of amounts reclassified to deferred finance costs, and a foreign exchange gain on the long-term debt of $73,054 (2003 - $312,251) would have been realized. For 2002, the loss on conversion of the promissory note would have been increased by $67,140.
 
(g)  
Elimination of deficit:
 
In prior years, the Company reduced its paid-up capital by $66,332,136 to eliminate the deficit from preceding years. In order to effect these reductions, it was not necessary to revalue the assets of the Company. As a consequence, all conditions necessary under the US GAAP quasi-reorganization rules were not met and the recapitalization of the deficit is not recorded.
 
(h)  
Release of escrow shares:
 
Under US GAAP, the fiscal year 1999 release of shares from escrow representing compensation relating to the achievement by management of securing specific contracts results in the settlement of a contingency and therefore the shares should be valued at the date the contingency was resolved. This results in a charge to earnings and credit to share capital of $4,132,079.
 
(i)  
Income statement presentation:
 
The consolidated statements of operations include a subtotal before the loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment. No similar subtotal would be presented under US GAAP.

60

22.
Reconciliation to United States accounting principles (continued):
 
(j)  
Future pronouncements:
 
In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity” (“SFAS No. 150”). SFAS 150 requires that certain financial instruments issued in the form of shares that are mandatorily redeemable as well as certain other financial instruments be classified as liabilities in the financial statements. SFAS No. 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003.
 
FASB issued a revision of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS No. 123(R)”). SFAS No. 123(R) requires a public entity to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant date fair value of the award. The compensation cost is to be recognized over the service period which is determined by the vesting period. This statement is effective as of the beginning of the first interim or annual reporting period that begins after June 15, 2005.
 
The adoption of SFAS 150 did not have a material affect on the Company’s financial results. The Company has not determined the effect of adopting SFAS 123(R).
 
In addition, the FASB and Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) have issued a variety of interpretations including the following interpretations with wide applicability:
 
·  
Financial Interpretation No. 46 (“FIN 46”), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities”, which addresses the consolidation of variable interest entities (formerly referred to as “Special-Purpose Entities”). The Interpretation is generally effect for interim or annual periods beginning after December 15, 2003.
 
·  
In November 2002, the EITF reached a consensus on Issue 00-21, “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables” (“EITF 00-21”). This consensus addresses issues related to separating and allocating value to the individual elements of a single customer arrangement involving obligations regarding multiple products, services, or rights which may be fulfilled at different points in time or over different periods of time. EITF 00-21 guidance is applicable for arrangements entered into in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003.
 
To date, the adoption of FIN 46 and EITF 00-21 has not impacted the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
61

Other Information

Export Sales
The majority of our component sales are made outside of Canada, primarily in the United States, Europe and Asia. Our portable terminal sales are made primarily in the US and Europe.

Legal Proceedings
The Company has commenced legal proceedings to recover a loan balance from Mr. Johnson who left the employ of Norsat America Inc. in December 2000. The loan, in the amount of CDN$450,000 been provided for.

Dividend Policy
Holders of our common shares are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared from time to time by our board of directors. There can be no assurance that any dividend will be declared, or if declared, what the amounts of dividend will be or whether such dividends, once declared, will continue for any future period.
 
B.
Significant Changes
 
No significant changes have occurred since year-end to March 17, 2005.

62

9.The Offer and Listing
 
Our common shares trade on the TSX under the symbol NII and on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol NSATF.

The high and low sales prices (in Canadian dollars) for the Company’s common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq Exchange and the OTC Bulletin Board for a) the five most recent full financial years. b) the two most recent financial years by quarter and any subsequent full quarter, c) the most recent six months are listed below:

 
 
 
TSX
 
NASDAQ
 
OTC BB
 
   
(CDN. Dollars)
 
(U.S. Dollars)
 
(U.S. Dollars)
 
   
High
Low
 
High
Low
 
High
Low
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
a)
2004
 
1.26
0.56
 
N/A
N/A
 
0.95
0.40
 
2003
 
1.59
0.50
 
1.05
0.61
 
0.70
0.38
 
2002
 
4.00
1.27
 
2.45
0.71
 
N/A
N/A
 
2001
 
5.50
1.20
 
3.69
0.61
 
N/A
N/A
 
2000
 
46.00
3.80
 
32.00
2.50
 
N/A
N/A
 
                 
 
b)
2004
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fourth quarter
0.85
0.57
       
0.68
0.46
 
Third quarter
0.81
0.59
       
0.63
0.46
 
Second quarter
1.10
0.74
       
0.83
0.55
 
First Quarter
1.26
0.56
       
0.95
0.40
 
 
2003
               
 
 
Fourth quarter
0.95
0.53
 
0.76
0.61
 
0.70 
0.38
 
Third quarter
1.40
0.88
 
1.01
0.74
   
 
 
Second quarter
1.59
1.01
 
0.77
1.05
     
 
First Quarter
1.54
1.06
 
1.05
0.75
   
 
 
                 
 
c)
February
2005
0.70
0.57
       
0.56
0.46
 
January
2005
0.69
0.59
       
0.56
0.47
 
December
2004
0.66
0.57
       
0.56
0.46
 
November
2004
0.74
0.59
       
0.58
0.50
 
October
2004
0.85
0.65
 
   
 
0.68
0.53
 
September
2004
0.81
0.70
 
   
 
0.63
0.53
                     

63

10.
Additional Information
 
A.
Share capital 
 
Reference is made to Item 8: Financial Information and specifically A. Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 10. Share Capital.
 
B.
Memorandum and Articles of Association 
 
Incorporation

The Company was incorporated on October 15, 1982 under the Company Act (the “Act”) of the Province of British Columbia under the name Norsat International Inc. Effective September 27, 1989, the name of the Company was changed to NII Norsat International Inc., and on July 2, 1999 was further amended to its present name, Norsat International Inc. Our incorporation number is 255727. Our memorandum of incorporation (the “Memorandum”) and our articles (the “Articles”) were included as exhibits in Item 3.1 and 3.2 with our Annual Report filed in June 2000.

Powers and Functions of the Directors

Our Articles state that it is the duty of any of our directors who are directly or indirectly interested in a contract or proposed contract with us to declare the nature of their interest in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Our Articles also state that a director shall not vote in respect of the approval of any contract or transaction with our Company in which he is interested and if he shall do so his vote shall not be counted, but shall be counted in the quorum present at the meeting at which the vote is taken.

Directors Power to Vote on Compensation for Themselves

Subject to the Act, our Articles provide that the directors may determine to be paid out of our funds or capital as remuneration for their service. The directors may also determine the proportions and manner that the remuneration will be divided among them.

Directors Borrowing Powers

Our Articles provide that the directors, on our behalf, may:

a)  
borrow money in any manner or amounts, on any security from any source and upon any terms and conditions;
b)  
issue bonds, debentures and other debt obligations as security for any liability or obligation of the Company or any other persons; and
c)  
mortgage, charge, whether by way of specific or floating charge, or give other security on the whole or any part of the assets of the Company

Retirement of Directors Under an Age Limit Requirement

Our Articles do not require directors to retire pursuant to an age limit.

Number of Shares Required for a Director’s Qualification

Our Articles do not provide for a requirement of shares for a director’s qualification.

64

Share Capital

The authorized share capital of our Company consists of 75,000,000 Common Shares.

Common Shares

The Holders of our Common Shares are entitled to dividends if, as and when declared by the Board of Directors, to one vote per Common Share and, upon dissolution of the Company, to receive the remaining property and the assets of the Company available for distribution.

Dividend Record

Our Company has not paid any dividends during the past eight years. The Company has no fixed dividend policy. Payment of dividends in the future will depend upon, among other factors, the Company’s earnings, capital requirements and financial condition. The Company does not anticipate that dividends will be paid in the foreseeable future.

Alteration of Share Rights

A special resolution is required to effect a change in the rights of shareholders. A special resolution is a resolution passed by a three-quarters majority of the vote cast by shareholders of the Company who being entitled to do so, vote in person or by proxy at a meeting of the shareholders of the Company, or a resolution in writing signed by every shareholder of the Company who would have been entitled to vote at a meeting of the shareholders of the Company.

Meetings of Shareholders: Annual Meetings

The annual general meeting of our shareholders is held at such time and on such day in each year as the directors of the Company may, from time to time, determine for the purpose of receiving the reports and statements required by the Act to be presented to the annual meeting, electing directors, appointing auditors and for the transaction of such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting. Annual general meetings are required to be held once in every calendar year at a time, not being more than 13 months after the holding of the last preceeding annual general meeting.

General or Extraordinary Meetings

The directors of the Company may, at any time, call a general or extraordinary meeting of the shareholders of the Company, for the transaction of any business, which may properly be brought before such a meeting of shareholders.

Place of Meetings

Meetings of shareholders of the Company are to be held at such place within Canada as the directors of the Company, from time to time, determine.

Notice of Meetings

Notice of the time and place of each meeting of shareholders of the Company is required to be sent to our shareholders not less than 21 days before the date of the meeting.

A shareholder of the Company and any other person entitled to attend a meeting of shareholders of the Company may, in any manner and at any time, waive notice of or otherwise consent to a meeting of shareholders of the Company.
 
65

Quorum

No business will be transacted at any general meeting unless the requisite quorum is present at the commencement of the business. Subject to the Act, if we have two or more shareholders, a quorum for the transaction of business at a general meeting shall be two persons present in person, or by proxy, and holding or representing by proxy, not less than five percent (5%) of the shares entitled to vote at the general meeting.

Foreign Ownership Limitations

Neither the Act nor the constating documents of the Company impose limitations on the rights, including the right of non-resident or foreign shareholders, to hold or exercise voting rights attached to the Common Shares.

Change of Control

No provisions of the Company’s Articles exist that would have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company or that would operate with respect to any proposed merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring of the Company.

Share Ownership Reporting Obligations

No provision of the Company’s Articles imposes any requirements on shareholders requiring share ownership to be disclosed. The securities laws of the Company’s home jurisdiction require disclosure of shareholdings by: (a) persons who are directors or senior officers of the Company; and (b) a person who has direct or indirect beneficial ownership of, control or direction over, or a combination of direct or indirect beneficial ownership of and control over securities of the Company carrying more than 10% of the voting rights attached to all of the Company’s outstanding voting securities.

Securities legislation in Canada requires that shareholder ownership must be disclosed once a person owns beneficially or has control or direction over greater than 10% of the issued shares of the Company. This threshold is higher than the 5% threshold under U.S. securities legislation at which shareholders must report their share ownership.
 
C.
Material Contracts 
 
Reference is made under Exhibit 4.1 “Employment Contract between Norsat International and Cameron Hunter”.
 
D.
Exchange controls 
 
There are no governmental laws, decrees or regulations in Canada relating to restrictions on the export or import of capital, or affecting the remittance of interest, dividends or other payments to non-resident holders of the Registrant’s common shares. Any remittances of dividends to United States residents are, however, subject to a 15% withholding tax (10% if the shareholder is a corporation owning at least 10% of the outstanding common shares of the Registrant) pursuant to Article X of the reciprocal tax treaty between Canada and the United States.

Except as provided in the Investment Canada Act (the “Act”), there are no limitations under the laws of Canada, the Province of British Columbia or in the charter or any other constituent documents of the Registrant on the right of foreigners to hold or vote the common shares of the Registrant.
 
66

To the best of the Company's knowledge, there are no governmental laws, decrees, or regulations in Canada (i) relating to restrictions on import/export of capital or (ii) affecting the remittance of interest, dividends, or other payments to non-resident holders of the Common Shares. Any such remittance to United States residents, however, is generally subject to a 15% withholding tax pursuant to the Canada - United States Income tax Convention.
 
E.
Taxation 
 
United States Federal Income Tax Consequences

The following summary describes certain of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders (as defined below) arising from the purchase, ownership and disposition of Common Shares. This summary is based on the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), final, temporary and proposed U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, all as in effect as of the date hereof, and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect.

This summary does not deal with all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to particular U.S. Holders in light of their particular circumstances, or to U.S. Holders subject to special rules, including, without limitation, certain retirement plans, insurance companies, U.S. Holders of securities held as part of a "straddle," "synthetic security," "hedge," "conversion transaction" or other integrated investment, persons that enter into "constructive sales" involving Common Shares or substantially identical property with other investments, U.S. Holders whose functional currency is not the United States dollar, certain expatriates or former long-term residents of the United States, financial institutions, broker-dealers, tax-exempt organizations and U.S. Holders who own (directly, indirectly or through attribution) 10% or more of the Company's outstanding voting stock. The following discussion does not address the effect of any applicable state, local or foreign tax laws. This summary does not consider the tax treatment of persons who own Common Shares through a partnership or other pass-through entity, and deals only with Common Shares held as "capital assets" as defined in Section 1221 of the Code.

This discussion is addressed only to "U.S. Holders." A U.S. Holder is a holder of Common Shares that is a U.S. citizen, an individual resident in the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a domestic corporation, an estate the income of which is includible in its gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes without regard to its source, or a trust if either: (i) a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all the substantial decisions of the trust or (ii) the trust was in existence on August 20, 1996 and, in general, would have been treated as a U.S. Holder under rules applicable prior to such time, provided the trust elects to continue such treatment thereafter.

U.S. holders of common shares are advised to consult with their own Tax advisors with respect to the U.S federal, state and local tax consequences, as well as the tax consequences in other jurisdictions, of the Purchase, ownership and sale of common shares applicable in their particular Tax situations.

Sale or Exchange of Common Shares

A U.S. Holder's sale or exchange of Common Shares generally will result in the recognition of capital gain or loss by such U.S. Holder in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized and the U.S. Holder's tax basis in the Common Shares sold. If a U.S. Holder's holding period on the date of the sale or exchange is more than one year, such gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss. The Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 (the "1998 Act") includes substantial changes to the federal income taxation of capital gains by non-corporate U.S. Holders. Under the 1998 Act, long-term capital gains realized on the sale of Common Shares by non-corporate U.S. Holders will be subject to a maximum 20% federal income tax rate if the Common Shares sold have been held for more than one year at the time of the sale or exchange. U.S. Holders who are corporations would be subject to a maximum federal income tax rate of 35% regardless of their holding period. If the U.S. Holder's holding period on the date of the sale or exchange was one year or less, such gain or loss will be short-term capital gain (generally subject to the same effective federal income tax rates as ordinary income) or loss. See "Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations-Taxation of Capital Gains on Sale of Common Shares" for a discussion of taxation by Canada of capital gains realized on the sale or exchange of Common Shares. In general, any capital gain recognized by a U.S. Holder upon the sale or exchange of Common Shares will be treated as U.S. source income for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. Capital losses realized upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of Common Shares generally are deductible only against capital gains and not against ordinary income, except that in the case of non-corporate taxpayers, a capital loss is deductible only to the extent of capital gains plus ordinary income of up to $3,000 ($1,500 if married and filing separately).

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A U.S. Holder's tax basis in his, her or its Common Shares generally will be the purchase price paid therefore by such U.S. Holder. The holding period of each Common Share owned by a U.S. Holder will commence on the day following the date of the U.S. Holder's purchase of such Common Share and will include the day on which such U.S. Holder sells the Common Share.

Treatment of Dividend Distributions

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the gross amount of any distribution made with respect to, or in some cases a partial purchase or redemption of, Common Shares (including the amount of any Canadian taxes withheld therefrom) will be included in a U.S. Holder's income as ordinary dividend income to the extent that the dividends are paid out of current or accumulated earnings and profits of the Company, as determined based on U.S. tax principles. Such dividends will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to U.S. corporations under Section 243 of the Code. Dividend distributions in excess of the Company's current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated first as a non-taxable return of the U.S. Holder's tax basis in his, her or its Common Shares to the extent thereof and then as a gain from the sale of Common Shares. Dividends paid in Canadian dollars will be includible in income in a U.S. dollar amount based on the exchange rate at the time of their receipt. Any gain or loss resulting from currency fluctuations during the period from the date a dividend is paid to the date such payment is converted into U.S. dollars generally will be treated as ordinary income or loss.

Dividends paid to a U.S. Holder with respect to Common Shares will be treated as foreign source dividend income for U.S. foreign tax credit limitation purposes. Subject to certain conditions and limitations, any Canadian withholding tax imposed on such dividends generally will be eligible for credit against such U.S. Holder's U.S. federal income tax liability or, at the U.S. Holder's election, may be claimed as a deduction against income in determining such tax liability. The limitations on claiming a foreign tax credit include computation rules under which foreign tax credits allowable with respect to specific classes of income cannot exceed the U.S. federal income taxes otherwise payable with respect to each such class of income. Dividends with respect to the Common Shares generally will be classified as "passive income" for purposes of computing the foreign tax credit limitation. Foreign income taxes exceeding the credit limitation for the year of payment or accrual may be carried back for two taxable years and forward for five taxable years in order to reduce U.S. federal income taxes, subject to the credit limitation applicable in each of such years. Other restrictions on the foreign tax credit include a prohibition on the use of the credit to reduce liability for the U.S. individual and corporation alternative minimum taxes by more than 90%.

In addition, a U.S. Holder generally will not be entitled to claim a credit for Canadian tax withheld unless the U.S. Holder has held the Common Shares for at least 16 days within the 30 day period beginning 15 days before the applicable ex-dividend date. The calculation of allowable foreign tax credits and, in the case of a U.S. Holder that elects to deduct foreign taxes, the availability of deductions for foreign taxes paid involve the application of rules that depend on a U.S. Holder's particular circumstances. Accordingly, U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding their eligibility for foreign tax credits or deductions.

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Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Any dividends paid on the Common Shares to U.S. Holders may be subject to U.S. information reporting requirements and the 30% U.S. backup withholding tax. In addition, the proceeds of a U.S. Holder's sale of Common Shares may be subject to information reporting and the 30% U.S. backup withholding tax. Backup withholding will not apply if the holder (i) is a corporation or other exempt recipient or (ii) the holder provides a U.S. taxpayer identification number, certifies as to no loss of exemption from backup withholding and otherwise complies with any applicable backup withholding requirements. Any amounts withheld under the U.S. backup withholding tax rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against the U.S. Holder's U.S. federal income tax, provided the required information is furnished to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations

The following discussion summarizes the material Canadian Federal income tax considerations relevant to an investment in the Common Shares by a holder who, for income tax purposes, is resident in the United States and not in Canada, holds the Common Shares as capital property, deals at arm's length with the Company, does not use or hold the Common Shares in carrying on a business through a permanent establishment or in connection with a fixed base in Canada and, in the case of an individual investor, is also a United States citizen. The tax consequences of an investment in the Common Shares by an investor who is not as described above may be expected to differ from the tax consequences discussed herein.

This discussion is based upon the provisions of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act"), regulations under the Tax Act, specific proposals to amend the Tax Act publicly announced prior to the date hereof, the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980), as amended (the "Convention"), and administrative practices published by Canada Custom and Revenue Agency, all of which are subject to change. Any such change, which may or may not be retroactive, could alter the tax consequences to a holder as otherwise described herein. The discussion does not take in account the tax laws of the various provinces or territories of Canada.

Taxation of Distributions from the Company

Dividends paid or credited on the Common Shares to U.S. residents will be subject to a Canadian withholding tax. Under the Convention, the rate of withholding tax generally applicable is 15% of the gross amount of the dividends, including stock dividends and payments deemed to be dividends upon the repurchase of Common Shares by the Company, as described below. The rate of withholding tax is reduced if the beneficial owner of the dividend is a company, which owns at least 10% of the voting stock of the Company at the time the dividend, is paid. In this case, the rate is 5% of the gross amount of the dividends.

If Common Shares are purchased by the Company a holder will be deemed to have received a dividend to the extent that the amount paid on the repurchase exceeds the paid-up capital, as defined in the Tax Act, of the Common Shares acquired. The portion, if any, of the acquisition proceeds that are deemed to be a dividend will be subject to Canadian withholding tax on dividends, as described above. Further, the holder will be deemed to have disposed of the Common Shares for the amount paid by the Company for the Common Shares less the amount deemed to have been received as a dividend. If this results in a capital gain to a holder, the tax consequences will be as described below.

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Taxation of Capital Gains on Sale of Common Shares

Under the Tax Act, a holder will not be subject to Canadian tax on any capital gain realized on an actual or deemed disposition of a common share, including a deemed disposition at death, provided that he did not hold the Common Share as capital property used in carrying on a business in Canada, or that neither he nor persons with whom he did not deal at arm's length alone or together owned 25% or more of the issued shares of any class of the Company at any time in the five years immediately preceding the disposition.

A holder who otherwise would be liable for Canadian tax in respect of a capital gain realized on an actual or deemed disposition of a Common Share will be relieved under the Convention from such liability unless:

a.   
the Common Share formed part of the business property of a permanent establishment in Canada that the Holder had within the twelve-month period preceding the disposition; or

b.   
the holder
i.  
is an individual and was resident in Canada for 120 months during any 20-year period preceding the disposition,
ii.  
was resident in Canada at any time during the 10 years immediately preceding the disposition; and owned the Common Share when he ceased to be a resident of Canada
 
F.
Dividends and paying agents 
 
Not applicable.
 
G.
Statement by experts 
 
Not applicable.
 
H.
Documents on display 
 
Copies of the most recent annual report, financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2004 and subsequent interim financial statements of the Company may be obtained, upon request, from the Secretary of the Company. The Company may require the payment of a reasonable fee in respect of a request therefore made by a person who is not a securityholder of the Company.

We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and file reports and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any of our reports and other information at, and obtain copies upon payment of prescribed fees from, the Public Reference Room maintained by the SEC at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549 and at certain of the SEC’s regional offices at 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, NY 10048 and Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60661. In addition, the SEC maintains a Web site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.

We are required to file reports and other information with the securities commission in all provinces of Canada. You are invited to read and copy any reports, statements or other information, other than confidential filings, that we file with the provincial securities commissions. These filings are also electronically available from the Canadian System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) (http://www.sedar.com), the Canadian equivalent of the SEC’s electronic document gathering and retrieval system. We ‘‘incorporate by reference’’ information that we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this report and more recent information automatically updates and supersedes more dated information contained or incorporated by reference in this report. Our SEC file number is 0-12600. As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules under the Securities Exchange act of 1934, as amended, prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements to shareholders. We have included in this report certain information disclosed in our Proxy Statement prepared under Canadian securities rules. We will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, on the written or oral request of such person, a copy of any or all documents referred to above which have been or may be incorporated by reference in this report (not including exhibits to such incorporated information that are not specifically incorporated by reference into such information). Requests for such copies should be directed to us at the following address: Norsat International Inc., 300-4401 Still Creek Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada V5C 6G9 Attention Corporate Secretary.
 
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I.
Subsidiary Information 
 
Reference is made under “Item 4c. Organization Structure”.
 
11.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 
 
Risks Associated with Foreign Exchange

The Company is exposed to foreign exchange fluctuations in the U.S. dollar. A stronger Canadian dollar reduces U.S. dollar-denominated revenues and expenses. Net income is also reduced because a higher percentage of revenues than expenses are generated in U.S. dollars. The Company has arranged its long-term debt in U.S. dollars to partially hedge against a stronger Canadian dollar. The Company does not engage in any formal hedging transaction.

During 2004 the Canadian dollar strengthened by approximately 7% year-over-year against the U.S. dollar. The impact of this foreign exchange rate fluctuation on the Company’s financial results is reflected in the Statement of Operations and the Balance Sheet.

Foreign Exchange Effect on Income Statement. The Company’s “Sales” and “Cost of Sales” are predominately denominated in U.S. dollars and the Company’s “Operating Expenses” are predominately denominated in Canadian dollars. Foreign currency revenues and expenses are translated at the exchange rate in effect on the dates of the related transactions, with the impact being reflected immediately in Net Income. Based on 2004 revenues, a one-cent change in the Canadian dollar will affect Revenue by approximately $200,000 and net income by approximately $90,000.

Foreign Exchange Effect on Balance Sheet. U.S. dollar denominated balance sheet accounts are translated into Canadian dollars at the year-end exchange rate for monetary items such as accounts receivable, accounts payable, long-term debt and cash, and at historical exchange rates for non-monetary items. Unrealized gains and losses arising from the translation of the monetary items are included in income immediately as foreign exchange gains/(losses) in the consolidated statement of operations.
 
12.
Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities 
 
Not applicable. 
 
PART II 
 
 
13.
Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
 
None.
 
14.
Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds
 
Not applicable. 
 
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15.
Controls and Procedures
 
Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2004 and have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information required to be included in our periodic SEC reports. There were no significant changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the financial year ended December 31, 2003 that could materially affect internal controls over financial reporting subsequent to the date of their evaluation
 
16.
[Reserved]
 
A.
Audit Committee Financial Expert
 
Reference is made under “Item 6-C - Board Practices”. Norsat’s Board of Directors has determined that it has at least one audit committee financial expert serving on its Audit Committee. Mr. Brian Nixon has been determined to be such audit committee financial expert. The commission has indicated that the designation of Mr. Nixon as an audit committee financial expert does not make Mr. Nixon an “expert” for any other purpose, impose any duties, obligations or liability on Mr. Nixon that are greater than those imposed on members of the Audit Committee and board of directors who do not carry this designation or affect the duties, obligations or liability of any other member of the Audit Committee.
 
B.
Code of Ethics
 
Norsat’s Code of Ethics, which provides guidelines for the behaviour of all directors, officers and employees, including Norsat’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, in carrying out their responsibilities is posted on the Company web site at www.norsat.com under the heading Investor Information, Corporate Governance, Charters and Policies.
 
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PART III 
 
17.
Financial Statements
 
Reference is made under Item 8 “Financial Information”.
 
18.
Financial Statements
 
Not applicable. See Item 17.
 
19.
Exhibits 
 


SIGNATURES
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this registration statement [annual report] on its behalf.
     
 
Norsat International Inc.
     
(Registrant)
     
 
“Cameron Hunter”
Date:
March 17, 2005
 
Cameron Hunter, Acting Chief Financial Officer
 


THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, dated as of August 16, 2003, is made between Norsat International Inc., a company incorporated under the laws of British Columbia (“Norsat”) and Cameron Hunter (the “Executive”). The agreement supersedes all other previous agreements between Norsat and the Executive.

A.
WHEREAS Norsat is engaged in the business of design, manufacture, sales and servicing of satellite technology and communication products;

B.
AND WHEREAS the Executive has agreed to accept Norsat’s offer of employment as President & C.E.O, upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;

THE PARTIES HERETO COVENANT AND AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

1.
POSITION AND DUTIES

1.1
Norsat will employ the Executive as its President & C.E.O.

1.2
Norsat may, by mutual agreement, change the position in which the Executive is employed.

1.3
The Executive will report to the Board of Directors.

1.4
The Executive shall:

(a)
have full power and authority to manage and direct the business and affairs of the Company (except only the matters and duties as by law must be transacted or performed by the Board or by the shareholders of the Company in general meeting) in a manner consistent with the policies determined from time to time by the Board;
(b)
provide advice and information to the Company with respect to the establishment of operational guidelines and policies; and
(c)
generally perform the functions that are commensurate with the position of chief executive officer of a technology company comparable in size to the Company.

2.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

2.1
Norsat will pay the Executive an annual base salary of $200,000.00 (Cdn.). The Executive shall be entitled to participate, at the President level, in any bonus, profit sharing and incentive compensation programs established by Norsat in the future.

2.2
Bonus

 
(a)
The Executive shall be entitled to participate, at the President level, in any bonus, profit sharing and incentive compensation programs established by the Company.
 
(b)
For the period August 15, 2003 to December 31, 2003, the Executive shall be entitled to receive a bonus of up to $100,000, payable not later than January 15, 2004, if and when the following objectives are achieved:
 
(i)
$25,000, if the Newslink design and parts list is completed and the production strategy is presented by October 15, 2003; plus,
 
(ii)
A Total Revenue objective bonus as described in Appendix 1 attached to this agreement; plus
 
(iii)
An Operating Income objective bonus as described in Appendix 1 attached to this agreement.
 
(c)
For the year 2004, the Executive shall be entitled to receive a bonus of $150,000 based on objectives to be mutually agreed upon by the Executive and the Board of Directors in January 2004.


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2.3
Stock Options

On August 18, 2003, the Company shall grant the Executive, an option to purchase 150,000 common shares in the capital stock of the Company. These options will have an exercise price of $1.50 Canadian, and will vest annually over three years, in accordance with the Company’s Employee Stock Option Plan.

2.4
The Executive will be entitled to participate in all benefit plans that may be provided by Norsat to its employees.

2.5
The Executive shall be entitled to receive a monthly car allowance of $600.00.

2.6
Norsat shall reimburse the Executive for all reasonable and customary business expenses incurred by him in the performance of his duties hereunder, provided that the Executive shall submit vouchers and other supporting data to substantiate the amount of said expenses in accordance with Norsat’s corporate policies as implemented from time to time.

2.7
The Executive shall be entitled to four (4) weeks of vacation each calendar year to be taken at such times as are reasonably acceptable to Norsat.

2.8
Norsat operates a RRSP program executed by matching employee contributions to a Group RRSP plan under Company administration. Norsat will continue to enhance the Executive’s contributions (providing the Executive is contributing a minimum of 2% of his annual salary) by contributing 5% of paid semi-monthly earned income - such company contribution not to exceed the annual limits established by Revenue Canada.

3.
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

3.1
Without restricting any other provision of this Agreement, all confidential, proprietary and trade secret information of Norsat and its subsidiary, associated and affiliated entities, including, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, information concerning the technology, research, test procedures and results, machinery, equipment, hardware, software, programs, manufacturing processes and products, assembly, services used, identity and description of components, purchasing, accounting, engineering, marketing, selling and servicing or business methods used, manufactured or developed by or for Norsat and information concerning suppliers or customers thereof (all herein called “Confidential Information”) disclosed or otherwise revealed to the Executive from time to time, shall be and remain the property of Norsat or its subsidiaries or affiliates (as the case may be) and shall be held by the Executive in strict confidence for the sole benefit of Norsat. The Executive shall not use, disclose, reveal, copy nor appropriate any Confidential Information whatsoever, nor cause or permit any other person to do so except as specifically permitted by Norsat, either during the term of this Agreement or following the termination thereof. The foregoing shall not prevent the Executive from using or disclosing any portion of the Confidential Information which:
 
(a)
was known to the Executive prior to his receipt of the Confidential Information from Norsat and was not originally learned by or disclosed to Norsat in his capacity or in connection with his duties as an employee of Norsat;
 
(b)
was or becomes generally available to the public independently of Norsat; or
 
(c)
is rightfully disclosed to the Executive by any third party independently of Norsat.
 
3.2
The Executive acknowledges and covenants to observe and be bound by the terms of Norsat’s Employment Internet and E-Mail Usage Policy, a copy of which is attached hereto as Appendix “A”, Norsat’s Employee Agreement Respecting Confidentiality and Intellectual Property as Appendix “B”: and Agreement to Assign Inventions and Norsat’s Insider Trading Policy as Appendix “C” which form a part of this Agreement.

4.
UNFAIR COMPETITION

4.1
The Executive covenants and agrees that he will not during the term of this agreement and for a period of one year following the date of termination of this Agreement, directly or indirectly,
 
75

 
(a)
be connected as an officer, employee, consultant, owner, partner or otherwise of any business within Canada or the United States that directly or indirectly competes with the business carried on by Norsat or any of its associated, affiliated or subsidiary entities;
 
(b)
assist any other person or entity to hire or otherwise seek to induce employees of Norsat, or any of its associated, affiliated and subsidiary entities, to terminate their employment;
 
(c)
solicit or induce, or assist any other person or entity to solicit or induce, any customer of Norsat, or any of its associated, affiliated and subsidiary companies, to buy goods and services similar in function or nature to goods and services supplied by Norsat or any of its associated, affiliated or subsidiary entities;
 
(d)
submit, or assist any other person or entity to submit, a tender for the supply of goods or services if Norsat, or any of its associated, affiliated and subsidiary entities, is also submitting a tender for the supply of such goods or services.

4.2
The Executive confirms and agrees that the covenants and restrictions contained in the preceding Article 4.1, are reasonable and valid and that Norsat would suffer irreparable injury in the event of any breach of the Executive’s obligations therein. Accordingly, the Executive acknowledges and agrees that damages would be an inadequate remedy at law in connection with any such breach and that Norsat shall be entitled to obtain, in addition to any other remedy at law or equity, temporary and permanent injunctive relief enjoining and restraining the Executive from any such breach.

4.3
Any claim or cause of action by the Executive against Norsat, whether predicated on this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defence to the enforcement by Norsat of the covenants and restrictions set out in Article 4.1 hereof.

4.4
In the event a Court of competent jurisdiction determines that the period and geographical area set out in Article 4.1 hereof is unreasonable and that such provision would for that reason be void and unenforceable, the parties will request the Court to substitute such shorter period or such other geographical area as would provide the maximum protection to Norsat consistent with the enforceability of that provision.

4.5
In the event a Court of competent jurisdiction should hold the covenants and restrictions set out in Article 4.1 hereof to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect any other covenant or provision of this Agreement or the application of any other covenant or provision.

5.
TERMINATION

5.1
Apart from any separation pursuant to Article 4.1 above, the Executive may terminate his employment by giving four weeks of written notice to Norsat. On receipt of such notice, Norsat may waive the notice period in whole or in part, and set an earlier date on which the Executive’s resignation shall become effective. In such case, Norsat will compensate the Executive for the balance of the resignation notice.

5.2
Apart from any separation pursuant to Article 4.1 above, Norsat may terminate the Executive’s employment forthwith in the event of Just Cause for dismissal, in which case the Executive is not entitled to notice or payment in lieu thereof. When used in this Agreement, the term “just cause” includes a) the Executive’s failure to perform his employment duties hereunder after reasonable notice to the Executive by the Board, specifying such failure and providing the Executive with a reasonable opportunity to cure such failure given the content of the circumstances, as determined by the Board in the exercise of its reasonable discretion, b) the Executive’s breach of covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement, the Proprietary Rights Agreement, or any of the other material agreement or undertaking of the Executive, c) the Executive’s commission of a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude, fraud or misrepresentation, whether or not related to the business or property of Norsat, d) any act of the Executive against Norsat intended to enrich the Executive in derogation of his duties to Norsat, or e) any wilful or purposeful act or omission (or any act or omission taken in bad faith) of the Executive having the effect of injuring the business or business relationships of Norsat.

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5.3
Apart from any separation pursuant to Article 4.1 above, and in the absence of Just Cause, Norsat may terminate the Executive’s employment in accordance with the terms outlined in the Severance Agreement (Appendix “D”).

6.
MISCELLANEOUS

6.1
This Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with and governed by the laws of the Province of British Columbia.

6.2
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto and supersedes all previous communications, representations and agreements, whether oral or written, between the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Agreement supersedes any previous agreements of employment entered into between Norsat (or any of its predecessor, subsidiary or associated companies or divisions) and the Executive.

6.3
No delay, omission or forbearance on the part of Norsat with respect to the enforcement of any of the provisions of this Agreement, or any renewal thereof, in relation to an act or omission by the Executive, shall constitute a waiver of the right of Norsat to enforce such provision in relation to that act or omission.

6.4
This Agreement may not be amended or modified except by written agreement of the parties.

6.5
Either party may, after attempting to resolve a dispute by negotiation, submit such dispute to arbitration in Vancouver, British Columbia, in accordance with the rules of the Commercial Arbitration Act (British Columbia).

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and delivered this Agreement and agree that it is to be effective on the date first above written.

 
“Cameron Hunter”
 
 
“Kenneth Crump”
Executive
 
By: Kenneth Crump
NORSAT INTERNATIONAL INC.
 


THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, dated as of March 2, 2004, is made between Norsat International Inc., a company incorporated under the laws of British Columbia (“Norsat”) and Amiee Chan (the “Executive”).
  
A.
WHEREAS Norsat is engaged in the business of design, manufacture, sales and servicing of satellite technology and communication products;

B.
AND WHEREAS the Executive has agreed to accept Norsat’s offer of employment as Vice-President, Operations, upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;


THE PARTIES HERETO COVENANT AND AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

1.
POSITION AND DUTIES

1.1
Norsat will employ the Executive as its Vice-President, Operations. The start date for this position will be April 5, 2004.

1.2
Norsat may, by mutual agreement, change the position in which the Executive is employed.

1.3
The Executive will report to the President & C.E.O. of Norsat.

1.4
The Executive will perform the duties and responsibilities that are reasonably assigned to him or her from time to time.

1.5
The Executive agrees to faithfully and to the best of his ability to serve Norsat and to devote his or her full time, skill and effort to Norsat as a full-time employee. The Executive shall not, without the prior consent in writing of Norsat, engage in any other business, profession or occupation without the express written consent of Norsat.

1.6
It is essential to the continued success of Norsat that all transactions are conducted with integrity and the Executive agrees to adhere to sound ethical and honest business practices, comply with applicable laws and conduct his activities in a manner that shall reflect favourably on the Executive and Norsat.


2.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

2.1
Norsat will pay the Executive an annual base salary of CDN $125,000.

2.2
The Executive shall be entitled to participate, at the Vice President level in the incentive compensation program established by Norsat. The current on-target level for the incentive compensation plan is 25%.

2.3
Norsat has granted the Executive a total of 75,000 stock options in accordance with the terms of Norsat’s stock option plan.

2.4
The Executive will be entitled to participate in all benefit plans that may be provided by Norsat to its employees.

2.5
The Executive shall be entitled to receive a monthly car allowance of CDN $500.

2.6
Norsat shall reimburse the Executive for all reasonable and customary business expenses incurred by him in the performance of his duties hereunder, provided that the Executive shall submit vouchers and other supporting data to substantiate the amount of said expenses in accordance with Norsat’s corporate policies as implemented from time to time.
 
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2.7
The Executive shall be entitled to four (4) weeks of vacation each calendar year to be taken at such times as are reasonably acceptable to Norsat.

2.8
Norsat operates a RRSP program executed by matching employee contributions to a Group RRSP plan under Company administration. Effective, with the Executive’s start date, Norsat shall enhance the Executive’s contributions (providing the Executive is contributing a minimum of 2% of his annual salary) by contributing 5% of paid semi-monthly earned income.


3.
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

3.1
Without restricting any other provision of this Agreement, all confidential, proprietary and trade secret information of Norsat and its subsidiary, associated and affiliated entities, including, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, information concerning the technology, research, test procedures and results, machinery, equipment, hardware, software, programs, manufacturing processes and products, assembly, services used, identity and description of components, purchasing, accounting, engineering, marketing, selling and servicing or business methods used, manufactured or developed by or for Norsat and information concerning suppliers or customers thereof (all herein called “Confidential Information”) disclosed or otherwise revealed to the Executive from time to time, shall be and remain the property of Norsat or its subsidiaries or affiliates (as the case may be) and shall be held by the Executive in strict confidence for the sole benefit of Norsat. The Executive shall not use, disclose, reveal, copy nor appropriate any Confidential Information whatsoever, nor cause or permit any other person to do so except as specifically permitted by Norsat, either during the term of this Agreement or following the termination thereof. The foregoing shall not prevent the Executive from using or disclosing any portion of the Confidential Information which:
 
(a)
was known to the Executive prior to his receipt of the Confidential Information from Norsat and was not originally learned by or disclosed to Norsat in his capacity or in connection with his duties as an employee of Norsat;

(b)
was or becomes generally available to the public independently of Norsat; or

(c)
is rightfully disclosed to the Executive by any third party independently of Norsat.

3.2
The Executive acknowledges and covenants to observe and be bound by the terms of Norsat’s Employment Internet and E-Mail Usage Policy, a copy of which is attached hereto as Appendix “A”, Norsat’s Employee Agreement Respecting Confidentiality and Intellectual Property as Appendix “B”: and Agreement to Assign Inventions and Norsat’s Insider Trading Policy as Appendix “C” which form a part of this Agreement.
 
4.
UNFAIR COMPETITION

4.1
The Executive covenants and agrees that he will not during the term of this agreement and for a period of one year following the date of termination of this Agreement, directly or indirectly,

(a)
be connected as an officer, employee, consultant, owner, partner or otherwise of any business within Canada or the United States that directly or indirectly competes with the business carried on by Norsat or any of its associated, affiliated or subsidiary entities;
(b)
assist any other person or entity to hire or otherwise seek to induce employees of Norsat, or any of its associated, affiliated and subsidiary entities, to terminate their employment;
(c)
solicit or induce, or assist any other person or entity to solicit or induce, any customer of Norsat, or any of its associated, affiliated and subsidiary companies, to buy goods and services similar in function or nature to goods and services supplied by Norsat or any of its associated, affiliated or subsidiary entities;
 
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(d)
submit, or assist any other person or entity to submit, a tender for the supply of goods or services if Norsat, or any of its associated, affiliated and subsidiary entities, is also submitting a tender for the supply of such goods or services.

4.2
The Executive confirms and agrees that the covenants and restrictions contained in the preceding Article 4.1, are reasonable and valid and that Norsat would suffer irreparable injury in the event of any breach of the Executive’s obligations therein. Accordingly, the Executive acknowledges and agrees that damages would be an inadequate remedy at law in connection with any such breach and that Norsat shall be entitled to obtain, in addition to any other remedy at law or equity, temporary and permanent injunctive relief enjoining and restraining the Executive from any such breach.

4.3
Any claim or cause of action by the Executive against Norsat, whether predicated on this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defence to the enforcement by Norsat of the covenants and restrictions set out in Article 4.1 hereof.

4.4
In the event a Court of competent jurisdiction determines that the period and geographical area set out in Article 4.1 hereof is unreasonable and that such provision would for that reason be void and unenforceable, the parties will request the Court to substitute such shorter period or such other geographical area as would provide the maximum protection to Norsat consistent with the enforceability of that provision.

4.5
In the event a Court of competent jurisdiction should hold the covenants and restrictions set out in Article 4.1 hereof to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect any other covenant or provision of this Agreement or the application of any other covenant or provision.
 
5.
TERMINATION

5.1
Apart from any separation pursuant to Article 5.1 above, the Executive may terminate his employment by giving six weeks of written notice to Norsat. On receipt of such notice, Norsat may waive the notice period in whole or in part, and set an earlier date on which the Executive’s resignation shall become effective. In such case, Norsat will compensate the Executive for the balance of the resignation notice.

5.2
Apart from any separation pursuant to Article 5.1 above, Norsat may terminate the Executive’s employment forthwith in the event of Just Cause for dismissal, in which case the Executive is not entitled to notice or payment in lieu thereof. When used in this Agreement, the term “just cause” includes a) the Executive’s failure to perform his employment duties hereunder after reasonable notice to the Executive by the Board, specifying such failure and providing the Executive with a reasonable opportunity to cure such failure given the content of the circumstances, as determined by the Board in the exercise of its reasonable discretion, b) the Executive’s breach of covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement, the Proprietary Rights Agreement, or any of the other material agreement or undertaking of the Executive, c) the Executive’s commission of a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude, fraud or misrepresentation, whether or not related to the business or property of Norsat, d) any act of the Executive against Norsat intended to enrich the Executive in derogation of his duties to Norsat, or e) any willful or purposeful act or omission (or any act or omission taken in bad faith) of the Executive having the effect of injuring the business or business relationships of Norsat.

5.3
Apart from any separation pursuant to Article 5.1 above, if Norsat terminates the Executive other than for just cause, Norsat shall give the Executive three (3) months notice, (based on the Executive’s base salary at the time of termination), plus a further month of notice, (based on the Executive’s base salary at the time of termination), for each full year of service - and prorated if notice of termination is given during a partial year of service - that the Executive has with Norsat, up to a maximum of 12 months. “Base salary”, for the purposes of this agreement, is not reflective of any salary reductions, whether short-or long-term, i.e. salary reductions will have no effect on the Executive’s severance.
 
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6.
MISCELLANEOUS
 
6.1
This Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with and governed by the laws of the Province of British Columbia.
 
6.2
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto and supersedes all previous communications, representations and agreements, whether oral or written, between the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Agreement supersedes any previous agreements of employment entered into between Norsat (or any of its predecessor, subsidiary or associated companies or divisions) and the Executive.
 
6.3
No delay, omission or forbearance on the part of Norsat with respect to the enforcement of any of the provisions of this Agreement, or any renewal thereof, in relation to an act or omission by the Executive, shall constitute a waiver of the right of Norsat to enforce such provision in relation to that act or omission.
 
6.4
This Agreement may not be amended or modified except by written agreement of the parties.
 
6.5
Either party may, after attempting to resolve a dispute by negotiation, submit such dispute to arbitration in Vancouver, British Columbia, in accordance with the rules of the Commercial Arbitration Act (British Columbia).
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and delivered this Agreement and agree that it is to be effective on the date first above written.
 
 
 
 
 
NORSAT INTERNATIONAL INC.
 
 
By: 
Executive: Amiee Chan
Cameron Hunter
President & CEO
     





 
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
 
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
 
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
 
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
In connection with the Annual Report of Norsat International Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Cameron Hunter, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:
 
1.  
the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.  
the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.


       
Date:
March 17, 2005
 
“Cameron Hunter”
     
Cameron Hunter
     
President & Chief Executive Officer



 




 
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
 
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
 
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
 
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
In connection with the Annual Report of Norsat International Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Cameron Hunter, Acting Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:
 
1.  
the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.  
the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

       
Date:
March 17, 2005
 
“Cameron Hunter”
     
Cameron Hunter
     
President & Chief Executive Officer
     
Acting Chief Financial Officer


 







I, Cameron Hunter, certify that:

1.  
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Norsat International Inc.;
 
2.  
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.  
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;
 
4.  
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
b)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report;
 
 
c)
Presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report;
 
 
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):
 
a)  
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
b)  
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting.
 


       
Date:
March 17, 2005
 
“Cameron Hunter”
     
Cameron Hunter
     
President & Chief Executive Officer







I, Cameron Hunter, certify that:

1.  
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Norsat International Inc.;
 
2.  
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.  
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;
 
4.  
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
b)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report;
 
 
c)
Presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report;
 
 
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):
 
c)  
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
d)  
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting.
 

       
Date:
March 17, 2005
 
“Cameron Hunter”
     
Cameron Hunter
     
President & Chief Executive Officer
     
Acting Chief Financial Officer

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