20-F

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, 2011
OR
o	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from _________________ to ________________
o	SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Date of event requiring this shell company report

Commission file number:  0-12600

Norsat International Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

British Columbia, Canada

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

110– 4020 Viking Way, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada V6V 2L4

(Address of principal executive offices)

Arthur Chin, 604-821-2809, achin@norsat.com

110– 4020 Viking Way, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada V6V 2L4

(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)

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: 58,316,532 common shares.

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

r  Yes    x  No

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

r Yes   x  No

Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligation under those Sections.

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 whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

xYes  o  No

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

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

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing: x

U.S. GAAP     o                             International Financial Reporting Standards as issued                       x                                                                                    Other o

                  by the International Accounting Standards Board

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

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

o Item 17  r Item 18

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

oYes   No x

(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.   o Yes No o

 2

Table Of Contents

Part 1		5
1.	IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT, AND ADVISERS	5
2.	OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE	5
3.	KEY INFORMATION	6
A.	SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA	6
B.	CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS	7
C.	REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS	7
D.	RISK FACTORS	7
4.	INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY	13
A.	HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY	13
B.	BUSINESS OVERVIEW	17
C.	ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE	23
D.	PROPERTY, PLANTS AND EQUIPMENT	24
4A.	UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS	24
5.	OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS	24
A.	OPERATING RESULTS	24
B.	LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES	36
C.	RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENSES, ETC.	39
D.	TREND INFORMATION	40
E.	OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS	42
F.	TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS	42
G.	SAFE HARBOR	42
6.	DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES	42
A.	DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT	42
B.	COMPENSATION	45
C.	BOARD PRACTICES	47
D.	EMPLOYEES	51
E.	SHARE OWNERSHIP	52
7.	MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	54
A.	MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS	54
B.	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	54
C.	INTERESTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL	54
8.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION	55
A.	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION	55
9.	THE OFFER AND LISTING	56
10.	ADDITIONAL INFORMATION	57
A.	SHARE CAPITAL	57
B.	MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION	57
C.	MATERIAL CONTRACTS	59
D.	EXCHANGE CONTROLS	60
E.	TAXATION	60
F.	DIVIDENDS AND PAYING AGENTS	64

G.	STATEMENTS BY EXPERTS
H.	DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY	64
I.	SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION	65

 

3

11.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	65
12.	DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES	66

PART II
13.	DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES	66
14.	MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF
	PROCEEDS	66
15.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	67
16A.	AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT	67
16B.	CODE OF ETHICS	68
16C.	PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES	68
16D.	EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES	68
16E.	PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER	68
16F.	CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT	70
16G.	CORPORATE GOVERNANCE	70

PART III
17.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	70
18.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	70
19.	EXHIBITS	71

LOAN

Note:

All dollar amounts presented in the Annual Report on Form 20-F are presented in United States 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.

4

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This annual report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the safe harbor provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “will,” “plan,” “could,” “may,” “project,” “goal,” “target” and similar expressions often identify forward-looking statements but are not the only way we identify these statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this annual report, including the statements in the sections of this annual report entitled “Item 3D. Key Information – Risk Factors,” “Item 4. Information on the Company” and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and elsewhere in this annual report regarding our future performance, plans to increase revenues or margins or preserve or expand market share in existing or new markets, reduce expenses and any statements regarding other future events or our future prospects, are forward-looking statements.

We have based these forward-looking statements on our current knowledge and our present beliefs and expectations regarding possible future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the impact of current global economic conditions and possible regulatory and legal developments. For a description of some of the risks we face, see “Item 3D. Key Information – Risk Factors,” “Item 4. Information on the Company,” “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects,” “Item 8 A1. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information” and “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this annual report might not occur, and actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Norsat International Inc. is referred to in this annual report as “Norsat”, “we”, “our”, “our company”, “the Company” or “us”.

PART I

1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT, AND ADVISERS

Not applicable.

2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

Not applicable.

5

3. KEY INFORMATION

A.           Selected financial data

Table 1 below summarizes selected consolidated financial data for Norsat International Inc. (“the Company”, or “Norsat”) for the last two fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. The information for the last two fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 have been extracted from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included herein and should be read in conjunction with such financial statements appearing under the heading “Item 8 A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information” and with the information appearing under the heading “Item 5 - Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”.

In this Form 20-F Annual Report, unless otherwise specified, all monetary amounts are expressed in United States dollars. The following exchange rates are used in expressing amounts from United States Dollars to Canadian Dollars:

USD to CAD	2011	2010
December 31	0.9833	0.9946
Annual average	1.0114	1.0299

6

Table 1:  Selected Financial Information according to IFRS

(Expressed in thousands, except per share amounts)

Year Ended December 31	2011	2010
	$	$
Sales	38,355	20,233
Earnings before income taxes	1,701	2,056
Current income tax expense	811	140
Deferred income tax expense/(recovery)	479	(224)
Net earnings for the period	411	2,140
Net earnings per share – basic	0.01	0.04
Net earnings per share – diluted	0.01	0.04
	#	#
Weighted average number of shares –  basic	58,046	53,567
Weighted average number of shares –  diluted	58,152	53,651
Dividends per share	-	-
As at December 31
	$	$
Total assets, excluding future income tax assets	39,064	18.543
Total assets	40,261	20,414
Net assets	18,678	15,833
Interest bearing loans and borrowings	9,650	-
Promissory note payable	597	-
Issued capital	39,851	37,447

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. The items of the following list of risk factors are in no particular order or priority to the Company.

7

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH FINANCIAL RESULTS

The Company’s inability to generate sufficient cash flows from its operations may affect its ability to continue as a going concern. The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a 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. Should the Company fail to generate sufficient cash flows from operations, it will require additional financing to remain a going concern.  At December 31, 2011, the Company has accumulated a deficit of $24,814,155. Although the Company has generated net profit from its continued operations in the third quarter of 2011 and from the fourth quarter of 2006 through to the fourth quarter of 2010, it has also reported losses in the first, second and fourth quarters of 2011. This past performance cannot be used as an indication of the Company’s future performance.

The Company’s inability to accurately forecast its results from quarter-to- quarter may affect its cash resources and result in wide fluctuations in the market price of the Company's stock. The 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 the Company’s control, the quarterly revenues and operating results are difficult to forecast. As a result, the Company may not be able to accurately predict its necessary cash expenditures during each quarter or obtain financing in a timely manner to cover any shortfalls. The Company also believes that period-to-period comparisons of its operating results may not be meaningful and one should not rely on any such comparisons as an indication of its future performance.

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS

The Company’s exposure to business and operation risks includes but is not limited to the following:

The Company recognizes the threats posed by the current credit crisis and global recession, but cannot guarantee that it will be able to successfully navigate through the current downturn. The current global economic deterioration has impacted companies across a wide spectrum of industries, and the communications industry is not immune to the recessionary trends. To succeed, the Company must be able to control spending and prudently allocate financial resources to optimize value. To drive sales, the Company’s products must meet the needs of the Company’s existing and potential customers and be competitively priced; additional judgement will need to be exercised if the granting of credit to customers is required to close the transaction. In view of the current difficulty, both in obtaining credit and accessing the capital markets, stewardship of cash continues to be critical to the success of the Company.

The Company cannot be sure it will be able to identify emerging technology and market trends, enhance its existing technologies or develop new technologies in order to effectively compete in the communications industry. The 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, the Company must be able to identify emerging trends and enhance its existing technologies and develop new technologies and products to meet market requirements. To drive sales, the Company’s products must meet the needs of existing and potential customers and be competitively priced. Additionally, there must be sufficient interest in and demand for the Company’s products. If the Company does not develop these new technologies and products in a timely and cost effective manner, or if others develop new technologies ahead of the Company, the Company may not achieve profitability in the satellite communications industry and it may not be able to participate in selling these new technologies or products. While the Company is able to continue to develop products with funding contributions from the Canadian Federal Government through the SADI program; without the SADI program contribution, the Company’s product development costs would not be sustainable, thereby jeopardizing the Company’s ability to maintain product innovation and leadership.

8

The Company has customer concentration.  A significant portion of the Company’s revenues have been recognized from a limited number of customers. While the Company has been diversifying its customer base, the efforts to date may be insufficient to offset the effects of the quarterly variance of sales and delays associated with selling to the Government sector.  The Company expects that a majority of the Satellite Systems revenues will continue tobe dependent on sales to a small number of customers. The Company also expect that customers will vary from period-to-period as existing customers are under no obligation to continue buying from Norsat.

The Company cannot be sure that it will be able to compete effectively with its current competitors. The Company’s markets are intensely competitive. Some competitors have technologies and products that may be more advantageous and compete directly with the Company. Some of these competitors are large, established companies which have significantly greater resources than those of the Company.

The Company’s ability to compete effectively will depend on its ability to increase sales; attract new customers in a timely and cost effective manner and sell these products at competitive prices.  The Company is dependent on others for the supply and manufacture of components and products it sells.  The Company has outsourced substantially all of the manufacturing of the microwave products it sells; and for some of its portable satellite systems, the Company relies on its suppliers to provide components for the production of these satellite systems. If either the manufacturers or suppliers cannot deliver products to the Company on time, its revenues and profits will be adversely affected.

The Company has limited intellectual property protection. The Company’s success and ability to compete are dependent, in part, upon its proprietary technology, brand and reputation in the marketplace, and customer relationships. While the Company currently holds thirteen patents (US Patents# 6,931,245; 7,218,289; 5,065,166; 4,087,768; 3,815,137; 3,124,768; 12271742; European Patent # 1 184 930; U.K. Patent # 1,575,966; German Patent # P 27 53 636.3; Canadian Patent # 1,062,345; 836,164; 684,056;) and has applied for patent protection on certain other parts of its technology, it relies primarily on trade secrets and does not have adequate trademark and patent protection on all of its technology. The Company also enters into confidentiality, and non-compete agreements with its employees and limits the access to and distribution of the product design documentation and other proprietary information. The Company cannot be sure that these efforts will deter misappropriation or prevent an unauthorized third party, including former associates and former employees, from obtaining or using information, which it deems to be proprietary. Although the Company believes that its technology does not currently infringe upon patents or trademarks held by others, the Company 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 its industry segment grows.

If the Company experiences rapid growth and does not manage it effectively, profitability may be affected. If its technologies and products achieve widespread acceptance the Company may experience rapid growth. This growth may require the Company to hire more employees, recruit additional management, improve the Company’s financial control systems, and expand and manage the technical, sales and support service operations. The Company would need increased revenues and additional funding to operate these increased activities. If the Company does not manage its growth effectively, its profitability may be impacted.

The Company depends on its key employees and it cannot be sure that it will be able to keep these employees or hire and train replacements. The Company’s success depends on the skills, experience and performance of the senior management and other key personnel. While it offers competitive compensation packages and stock options to attract key employees, the Company does not carry key person insurance on these employees. Highly skilled technical employees and management in the communications industry are in demand and the market for such persons is highly competitive. The Company cannot be sure that it will be able to retain these employees or hire replacements. If the Company does not successfully retain the key personnel or hire and train replacements it will be unable to develop the new products and technologies necessary to compete in its markets or to effectively manage its business.

The Company intends to expand its international operations, and thus faces a number of risks including tariffs, export controls and other trade barriers; political and economic instability in foreign markets; and fluctuations in foreign currencies. These external risks may not be under the Company’s control. Additional human and financial resources may be required for this expansion which the Company may not be able to attract or afford.  Failure to expand internationally may impact the Company’s prospects for revenue growth and profitability.

9

The Company may encounter difficulties completing or integrating our acquisitions which could adversely affect our operating results. The Company expects to expand its presence in new end markets or expand our capabilities, some of which may occur through acquisitions. These transactions may involve acquisitions of entire companies and/or acquisitions of selected assets of companies. Potential difficulties related to our acquisitions include:

• integrating acquired operations, systems and businesses;

• retaining customer, supplier, employee or other business relationships of acquired operations;

• addressing unforeseen liabilities of acquired businesses;

• limited experience with new technologies; and

• not achieving anticipated business volumes.

Any of these factors could prevent the Company from realizing the anticipated benefits of an acquisition, including additional revenue, operational synergies and economies of scale. The Company’s failure to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions could adversely affect our business and operating results. The Company’s acquisition of Sinclair Technologies Holdings Inc. has resulted in the recording of a significant amount of goodwill and intangible assets at the time of acquisition. The Company’s failure to support the carrying value of goodwill and intangible assets in periods subsequent to the acquisitions could require write-downs that adversely affect the Company’s operating results.

The Company sells products which may, in certain instances, be subject to export and/or re-export restrictions. The export laws of the governments of Canada and United States apply to products that the Company sells. The United States Department of Commerce, through its Export Administration Regulations, and the Government of Canada, through its Export Controls Division, regulate exports and re-exports of "dual-use" items, i.e., goods, software and technologies with commercial and proliferation/ military applications. In ascertaining whether such items may be subject to export control restrictions, the Company is sometime forced to rely on information in the specifications of certain components from the manufacturers and vendors. Should this information later prove to be incorrect, the Company may be subjected to penalties and fines. It may also be subjected to penalties and fines should there be a breach in the processes.

The Company buys components and products which may, in certain instances, be subject to contractual obligations to purchase minimum quantities during a given period, maintain resale records and abide by certain resale restrictions.  Failure to fulfil any or all of these may negatively impact liquidity should the Company be forced to take ownership of any un-purchased units. It may also affect the Company’s ability to continue supplying products as originally specified and thus affect obligations to fulfil orders.

10

The Company may be subject to product liability claims, which are not fully covered by insurance. The manufacture, sale and marketing of the Company’s products expose us to the risk of product liability claims. Given the complex nature of our products, the products may contain undetected errors or performance problems may arise. Although the Company’s products undergo testing prior to release into the market, it is possible that such products may yet still contain errors and performance problems, which are discovered only 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 the Company’s products, may also contain such defects and errors, which could substantially reduce the performance of the products. The Company is also at risk of exposure to potential product liability claims from distributors and end-users for damages resulting from defects in products that it distributes. Although product defects have not been a significant factor, the Company maintains comprehensive general liability insurance which provides limited coverage against claims originating in product failure. The Company 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 the Company’s product liability insurance, they could severely and negatively impact the business liability insurance coverage and the available cash resources. A product liability claim, even one without merit or for which the Company has substantial coverage, could result in significant legal defence costs, thereby increasing the expenses, lowering the earnings and, depending on revenues, potentially resulting in additional losses.

The Company’s operations may be disrupted by natural disasters and extreme weather conditions.  The Company’s headquarters is located in the Greater Vancouver region which has, in recent times, been subjected to high winds and extreme weather conditions. While the Company has managed to continue operating through some of these conditions, employee productivity during these periods is negatively impacted.

Long sales and implementation cycles for the Company’s products may adversely affect its operating results. The Company’s customers generally devote substantial time, money and other resources to their purchasing decisions. Typically, the larger the potential sale, the more time, money and other resources will be invested. As a result, it may take many months or a few years after the first contact with a customer before a sale may actually be completed. The Company may invest significant sales and other resources in a potential customer that may not generate revenue for a substantial period of time, if at all. Long sales and implementation cycles may affect the size or timing of the order or even cause it to be cancelled. For example, purchasing decisions may be postponed, or large purchases reduced, during periods of economic uncertainty; the Company or its competitors may announce or introduce new products; or the customer’s own budget and purchasing needs may change. In addition, long sales and implementation cycles may impact the margins the Company earn on our products. It may cost the Company more to produce our products by the time the purchasing decision is made due to increased supply costs or currency fluctuations. If these events were to occur, sales of the Company’s products may be cancelled or delayed, which would reduce its revenue.

Mergers or other strategic transactions by competitors could weaken the Company’s competitive position or reduce its revenue. If one or more of the Company’s competitors were to merge or partner with another of its competitors, the change in the competitive landscape could adversely affect the Company’s ability to compete effectively. The Company’s competitors may also establish or strengthen co-operative relationships with existing or prospective clients, thereby limiting the Company’s ability to promote its products and services. Disruptions in the Company’s business caused by these events could reduce its competitiveness and ultimately its revenue.

If the Company’s suppliers do not supply it with a sufficient amount and quality of components at acceptable prices, and in a timely manner, its ability to manufacture the Company’s products would be harmed and the business would suffer. The Company relies on third-party suppliers to provide components and product subassemblies based on the Company’s designs. A supplier’s failure to supply components or product subassemblies in a timely manner, or failure to supply components or product subassemblies that meet the Company’s quality, quantity or cost requirements, or its inability to obtain substitute sources of these components or product subassemblies in a timely manner or on terms acceptable to the Company, could adversely affect its ability to manufacture or source products. The Company may experience delays in the manufacture or sourcing of products and the business and financial results would suffer if the Company fails to identify alternate suppliers, or if the Company’s supply is interrupted or reduced or if there is a significant increase in cost.

11

The Company’s level of indebtedness and failure to comply with its indebtedness arrangements may adversely affect its business and operations. The Company relies on the availability of indebtedness arrangements with its lenders.  The arrangements contain numerous restrictive covenants that limit the Company’s discretion with respect to certain business matters. These covenants place significant restrictions on the Company’s ability to pledge or create liens or other encumbrances on its assets. These financial covenants require the Company to meet certain financial ratios and financial condition tests.  If the lender was to demand or cancel these facilities, there can be no assurance that the Company’s assets would be sufficient to repay in full the indebtedness.  It is possible that the Company will not have sufficient funds at the time to fund its operations. In addition, there can be no assurance that future borrowings or equity financing will be available to the Company or available on acceptable terms, in an amount sufficient to meet its repayment obligations. In the event that the lending arrangements cannot be refinanced, or if they can only be refinanced on terms that are less favourable than the current terms, the Company’s business and operations may be adversely affected.

The Company is subject to the risk of increased income taxes and our ability to successfully defend tax audits could adversely affect our financial condition and operating results. The Company conducts business operations in a number of countries.  The Company develops its tax filing positions based upon the anticipated nature and structure of our business and the tax laws, administrative practices and judicial decisions currently in effect in the jurisdictions in which the Company have assets or conduct business, all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations, possibly with retroactive effect. In addition, certain of our subsidiaries provide financing, products and services to, and may from time-to-time undertake certain significant transactions with, other subsidiaries in different jurisdictions. Moreover, several jurisdictions in which the Company operates have tax laws with detailed transfer pricing rules which require that all transactions with non-resident related parties be priced using arm’s length pricing principles, and that contemporaneous documentation must exist to support such pricing.

The Company is subject to tax audits and reviews by local tax authorities of historical information and our contemporaneous documentation which could result in additional tax expense in future periods relating to prior results.  Any such increase in our income tax expense and related interest and penalties could have a significant impact on the Company’s future earnings and future cash flows.

Any failure to successfully manage the Company’s international operations would have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and operating results. The Company has operations in numerous countries, including Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland and Italy. International operations are subject to inherent risks which may adversely affect us, including:

• labor unrest and differences in regulations and statutes governing employee relations;

• changes in regulatory requirements;

• inflation and rising costs;

• difficulty in staffing and managing foreign operations;

• ability to build infrastructure to support operations;

• changes in local tax rates or adverse tax consequences, including the repatriation of earnings;

• compliance with a variety of foreign laws, including changing import and export regulations;

• adverse changes in trade policies between countries in which we maintain operations;

• economic and political instability;

• potential restrictions on the transfer of funds; and

• foreign exchange risks.

12

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VALUE OF NORSAT SHARES

The exercise of the existing outstanding options may substantially dilute the value of the Company’s common shares. The Company has 100,000,000 (2010 - 75,000,000) shares of Common Stock authorized, of which 58,316,532were outstanding at March 8, 2012. Although the 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 the Company’s Common Stock, particularly in regard to voting, the payment of dividends and upon liquidation of Norsat. Convertible debt, if issued to raise additional working capital for the Company, could also have dilutive effect for shareholders.

The current financial market volatility can result in wide fluctuations in the market price of the Company's stock.  Although the Company has reported profitability in the third quarter of 2011 and in 17 consecutive quarters starting from the fourth quarter of 2006, the Company has also reported losses in the first, second and fourth quarters of 2011. Despite the previously mentioned profitable results, the uncertainty and volatility in current financial markets can result in wide fluctuations in the market price of the Company’s stock.  The Company’s operating results have varied on a quarterly basis in the past and may fluctuate significantly in the future.

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH FOREIGN EXCHANGE

The Company’s operations are heavily exposed to fluctuations in foreign currencies. Most of the Company’s international sales are denominated primarily in US dollars, Euros and Great British pounds. While the Company expects its international revenues and expenses will continue to be denominated primarily in US dollars, a portion of its international revenues and expenses may be denominated in other foreign currencies in the future. As the functional currency is the United States dollar, the Company could experience and has experienced the risks of fluctuating currencies. A stronger Canadian dollar increases operating expenses on conversion to the U.S. dollar. From time to time the Company may choose to engage in currency hedging activities, which may be unsuccessful and expensive.

A 1% appreciation (depreciation) in the United States dollar price of Canadian dollars would result in gain (loss) of approximately $177,000 (December 31, 2010 – $90,000).

4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

A.           History and Development of the Company

1.   The Company was incorporated in British Columbia, Canada 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. (herein “Norsat” or the “Company”).

2.   Norsat was incorporated under and continues to operate under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada. The Company is administered from British Columbia. The corporate laws pertinent to Norsat are those of the Province of British Columbia, although it is also subject to the securities legislation of British Columbia, Ontario and the United States.

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3.   The Company’s principal business is located at the following address:

 110 - 4020 Viking Way

 Richmond, British Columbia

 Canada V6V 2L4

 Telephone: 604-821-2800

 Fax: 604-821-2801

 Email: investor@norsat.com

 www.norsat.com

4.      The principal business events in Norsat’s 29 year history are presented below in in chronological order:

1982	The Company developed the first commercial-grade satellite receivers.
1983	In March 1983, the Company, based in Surrey, British Columbia, completed its initial public offering on the Vancouver Stock Exchange.
	The Company broke with industry norm and introduced a gallium arsenide low noise amplifier (LNA) instead of a silicon based LNA
1984	The Company developed a new series of low noise blocker (LNB) compatible satellite receivers featuring synthesized video, audio, and infrared remote control.
1985	The Company introduced synthesized receivers (JR Series) that enable internal melding of phase and frequency for a very high degree of accuracy; these receivers gain significant traction with private networks.
1987	The Company became a leading provider of Ku band private networks for business television and won a landmark deal to supply GTE Spacenet.
	The Company also introduced the Microsat, an IBM PC compatible satellite communications expansion card for broadcast data networks, with optional audio/video capability. The Company later applied for a patent on key elements of this technology; the patent was eventually awarded in 1991.
1988	The Companyintroduced external reference receivers that provide a stable reference source, by minimizing temperature drift, for very low data rate applications. It also introduced a broadcast satellite data multiplexing network control system and a satellite delivered personal computer bulletin board service.
1989	In September 1989, the Company changed its name to NII Norsat International, Inc.
1990	In August 1990, the Company graduated to the Toronto Stock Exchange.
1991	The Company was issued United States Patent No. 5,019,910 entitled “Apparatus for Adapting Computer for Satellite Communications.”
1992	The Company introduces C-band and Ku-band receivers with noise figures of less than 1.5 dB.
1993	The Company introduced the first digital LNB optimized for low data rate applications.

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1994	The Company introduced the Microsat 150 Multimedia PC receiver that enables a personal computer or laptop to capture real time satellite video, listen to and edit directly from the computer keyboard selections of audio programs, and monitor real time data broadcasts.
1995	The European Space Agency extends a grant to the Company to develop portable terminals.
1996	The Company introduced video scrambling technology (N-Code II) for cable distribution networks so authorized cable subscribers may receive telecasts.
1997	The Federal Court of Appeal rules that the use of U.S. based DTH systems in Canada contravened the Radio communication Act. Aurora Distributing, a division of Diamond Pacific Inc., the Company’s consumer products subsidiary, withdrew from the U.S. based DTH receiving market after Norsat settled a lawsuit in which it was a distributor for those systems.
1998	The Company acquired IMT Comsys, a private company and originally the Satellite Communications Division of MPR Teltech. IMT Comsys' products included Ka-band VSATs, solid state power amplifiers and low noise block downconverters (LNBs). The acquiree also had development contracts with the European and Canadian Space Agencies for Ka-band subscriber terminals.
	The Company’s US Subsidiary, Diamond Pacific, was named the Master Systems Operator by the US Satellite Broadcasting Company, a major supplier of premium movie channels, to support its Multiple Dwelling Unit (MDU) market.
1999	Norsat introduced a line of C-band and Ku-band TNBs (Two-way Norsat block converters), a critical component for the proliferation of wireless broadband media.
	Norsat released the NCS-300 Subscriber Management System to enable cable system operators to easily deliver pay-per-view television.
2000	In April, Norsat acquired Winnipeg-based SpectraWorks, a leading developer of systems and software for broadcasting multimedia broadband content across satellite, terrestrial and digital cable networks. Through this acquisition, Norsat added digital video broadcast (DVB) hubs to manage the flow of content into and out of the Internet backbone and between subscriber terminals; and a 100 Mbps IP encapsulator to enable end-to-end multimedia broadcast solutions.
	In August, the Company formally exited consumer satellite DBS. The Company discontinued the operations of Norsat America, a distribution business geared towards consumer-oriented, Direct Broadcasting Systems.
	Norsat also became a leading provider of Ka-band satellite terminals for various consumer Internet applications through its relationship with SES Astra and Koreasat.
	In October 2000, the Company began trading on NASDAQ. It was later de-listed in 2003.
2011	In June 2001, the Company received a $9.4 million Technology Partnerships Canada investment for the development of satellite interactive terminals.
	The Company introduced a compact IP encapsulator that enables the transport of Internet content at very high speeds (i.e. 200 Mbps) for both the satellite and cable markets.

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2002	The Company built on its portable terminal experience by introducing a commercial grade flyaway terminal for news gathering organizations. It sold its first NewsLink system to CBS News.
2003	In May 2003, Norsat appointed SEG a master reseller for some if its microwavecomponents.
	The OmniLink family of portable satellite terminals which includes the NewsLink and SecureLink systems were launched, providing rapidly deployable broadband satellite data and video connectivity for a  wide range of applications.
2004	The Company became a key supplier of newsgathering equipment to the US Army.
2005	The Company launched the GLOBETrekker, a backpack able satellite terminalinitially capable of transmitting and receiving IP-based video and data content.
	The Company was issued United States Patent No. 6,931,245 entitled “Downconverter for the Combined Reception of Linear and Circular Polarization Signal from Collocated Satellites.”
2006	In May 2006, the Company was awarded a GSA schedule, facilitating the purchase of its systems by various government agencies. In September 2006, the Company relocated its international  headquarters  to Richmond, British Columbia.
2007	The Company launched a line of Low Noise Amplifiers, the GlobeTrekker X-band and the Rapid Application Development Environment variant of the GlobeTrekker, which includes an environmentally-controlled baseband enclosure that is compatible with most commercial and specialized modems.
	In addition, the Company introduced the Extended Ku-Band Transmitter and unveiled the Norsat Rover, a single backpack portable satellite terminal
	The Company received a United States patent for the GLOBETrekker TM design and a European patent for its frequency selective surface waveguide filter design.
2008	The Company announced entry into the marine satellite industry and the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) network business in 2008.
	The Company received a repayable contribution from the Canadian government to assist in research and development activities.  The funding program was made through the Ministry of Industry’s Strategic and Aerospace Defence Initiative (“SADI”). The total contribution will be a maximum of Canadian $5.97 million through to the year 2011.
	In September 2008, the Company was awarded a $5.5 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defence for the delivery of portable satellite systems.
2009	The Company was awarded a contract to manage a Vessel Monitoring System (“VMS”) in Europe.
	In December 2009, the Company signed an agreement to invest in an internet service provider in Malawi, Africa.

 

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2010	The Company was awarded a $1.7 million contract with a European military.
	The Company was named one of BC Business Top 100 companies.
	The Company was awarded $4.2 million in contract orders with US Government organizations.
2011	On January 21, 2011 Norsat acquired Sinclair Technologies Holdings Inc ("Sinclair") for $18.5 million.
	Norsat obtained a $12 million loan in connection with the acquisition of Sinclair. As of December 31, 2011, the loan balance had been paid down to $9.8 million.
	The Company's Satellite Solutions segment was awarded a Cdn$3.5 million sales contract to provide satellite-based communications network and ongoing satellite airtime to the First Nations' Emergency Society of British Columbia ("FNESS").
	Our Satellite Solutions’ segment released a High Definition-capable version of our GLOBETrekkerTM system.
	The Company’s Satellite Solutions segment was awarded a new satellite-based communication equipment and services program valued at $1.3 million from the NATO Consultation, Command and Control Agency (“NATO”).

5.     Capital Expenditures

During 2011, the Company made net purchases of property and equipment in the amounts of $276,673 (2010 - $584,789) primarily relating to the purchase of equipment for product development and test equipment. There are currently no major capital projects or divestitures in progress.

B.  Business overview  

1.  Norsat Business and Principal Activities

Norsat is a leading provider of communication solutions used by government organizations, and militaries, transportation, resource and marine industry companies, news organizations, search and rescue operators and others that require reliable transmission of data, audio and video in remote and austere environments. The Company’s products and services include Radio Frequency (“RF”) antennas and filters, portable satellite systems, microwave components, maritime systems and remote network systems. Norsat also provides engineering consulting to meet customers’ specific needs.

The Company’s business operates primarily through three business segments: RF antennas and filters (“Sinclair Technologies”), Satellite Solutions, and Microwave Products. The Company also have two additional segments which have limited activity – Maritime Solutions and Remote Network Solutions.

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The Company’s common shares trade on The Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ‘NII’ and on the OTC Bulletin Board (“OTCBB”) under the ticker symbol ‘NSATF’.

While Norsat’s products have traditionally addressed the US government and broadcast television markets, there is growing interest from other NATO militaries; high-end commercial enterprise customers benefiting from the growth in commodity prices and the transportation companies who serve them; and commercial enterprise and government customers seeking to implement business continuity programs.

Geographic Split

The Company generated revenues from external customers located in the following geographic locations:

	Year ended December 31,
	2011	2010
	$	$
Canada	8,562	469
United States	21,375	12,552
Europe and other	8,419	7,212
Total	38,356	20,233

Business Segments

The Company’s business operates primarily through three business segments – Antenna and Radio Frequency Conditioning Products (“Sinclair Technologies”), Satellite Solutions and Microwave Products. The Company also has two additional segments which have limited activity – Maritime Solutions and Remote Network Solutions. There has been no activity in Remote Network Solutions for the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

(a) Sinclair Technologies Business Segment

Products

Sinclair Technologies specializes in RF antenna and filter products designed for high performance, reliability and durability in extreme weather conditions. Within these two main product lines, we offer over 2,000 distinct products including Base Station Antennas, Mobile/Transit Antennas, Covert Antennas, Filters, Receiver Multicouplers, and Accessories.  Engineers in our Sinclair Technologies segment are experienced in custom designing complete systems based on the customer’s unique needs. With a strong focus on R&D and continuous product enhancement, we continue to expand our product offerings and improve existing designs to better serve customers.

Antennas

Our Sinclair Technologies segment has developed an exceptionally broad range of antennas, especially in the frequency bands allocated to public safety, military and mobile radio applications. Some of these frequencies are currently being “re-farmed” – re-allocated to new applications by governing bodies such as the FCC in the U.S. and Industry Canada. This “re-farming” of frequencies creates new demand, which we can satisfy through relatively minor modifications to existing products, preserving our leadership potion in this area.

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Our Sinclair Technologies segment also manufactures several lines of omni-directional, yagi and panel dipole antennas covering the 30 MHz to 1900 MHz bands. The family of collinear omni-directional antennae has a strong reputation with private mobile radio operators who use these antennas to provide coverage solutions. Sinclair Technologies was instrumental in developing low passive inter-modulation (“PIM”) antennas.

Filters

Our Sinclair Technologies segment also produces an extensive portfolio of RF filter products used to optimize the performance of antenna systems including cavity filters, transmitter combiners, duplexers, isolators, circulators and receiver multi-couplers.  Our filter product line is based on standard cavity and combines resonator technologies, as well as very small high-performance filters using cross-coupled technology.

Market Profile

Sinclair Technologies focuses on radio frequency-based communications. It designs and manufactures antenna and filter products for public safety and private wireless networks including fixed and mobile antennas, filters, receiver multi-couplers, transmitter combiners and complete antenna systems constructed from these elements. These products enjoy a reputation for high quality, reliability and durability.  They are used primarily by the Private Mobile Radio (“PMR”) industry and specifically by the following industry segments:

●   Public sector and military network operators, including several police forces, military and paramilitary organizations (such as the coast guards and navies), and a large set of ambulance and fire dispatch services;

●   Private Sector Networks including rail, ground and air transportation networks used by natural resource, utility, taxi, trucking, and construction companies as well as other dedicated network operators, generally served through an extensive set of dealers specializing in radio systems;

●   Mobile radio, public safety, military, cellular, aviation and heavy transport industries; and

●   OEMs.

Operating in the 30 MHz to 1.9 GHz frequency range, Sinclair Technologies products are well established globally. Sinclair Technologies’ antennas and filters are integral components of wireless communications networks - controlling, enhancing and propagating radio frequency signals associated with these systems.  In general, Sinclair Technologies products can support voice, data and video transmission.

Competition

The primary competition for single antenna products are Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH), PCTEL Inc. (NASDAQ:PCTI) Tel. Kathrein – Werke KG, and Laird PLC (LSE: LRD.L) whereas the primary competition for single filter products are Bird Technologies Group, EMR Corporation, Powerwave Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:PWAV) and Axell Wireless. Competitors that provide dual products are RFI Corporation, Comprod, Telewave Inc., DB Spectra and Radio Frequency Systems.

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(b) Satellite Solutions Business Segment

Products

Norsat’s Satellite Solutions segment, established in 2003, provides a comprehensive portfolio of transportable satellite terminals and software interfaces designed for easy portability and reliable  broadband connectivity over satellite links in places where traditional communication infrastructure is insufficient, unreliable, damaged or non-existent. Our portfolio of portable satellite systems includes:

The Norsat GLOBETrekkerTM: an intelligent, ultra-portable satellite system that enables users to establish a reliable broadband connection on short notice. It is designed to be carried in a backpack, is airline checkable, and fits in small vehicles. The GLOBETrekkerTM is ideal for users who are highly mobile such as military special forces, emergency first responders, business continuity managers, search and rescue services and journalists.

The Norsat Rover:  a complete satellite terminal that fits into an extended-mission backpack. The Norsat Rover is capable of data transfer rates of approximately 1.0 Mbps and is still compact enough to fit into a single backpack.

OmniLink™: a product family designed to address the demanding needs of users seeking to establish broadband connectivity on a temporary basis, but for longer periods of time. This product line is ideal for use by government and peacekeeping agencies, broadcasters, resource exploration companies, distance education institutions, financial institutions, and large corporations.

We believe our satellite solutions technology offers superior functionality, usability and portability compared to competitive offerings.  Several companies offer satellite systems that provide similar functionality, but they are generally larger than GLOBETrekkerTM or OmniLinkTM. Therefore, we believe they are therefore unsuitable for the markets we target where portability is a key requirement.

Market Profile

The market for portable satellite communications comprises users that need to establish broadband connectivity on short notice or redeploy their telecommunications infrastructure following an engagement. The primary markets for portable satellite systems are defense, emergency services (first responders, homeland security), and broadcasters. There has been growing interest from Fortune 1000 companies to employ such systems as part of a business continuity program wherein such systems would be used as a “backup measure” should their primary means of communications fail in the event of a natural disaster, an outage or a terrorist attack.

The overall market is going through a significant transformation due to the growth in the government sector. This change in demand is attributable to measures being taken by governments and corporations to counter the threat of terrorism.

The improved demand for portable satellite communications equipment stems from an initiative to “transform” the armed forces.  With the onset of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, the need to accelerate the “transformation” became a top priority. Under this initiative, field units are being equipped with communications gear that give them real-time access to the same information available at command and control centers.

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Most programs within the government and broadcast sectors tend to follow a formal competitive tendering process. From time to time, the government may indicate a preference for certain classes of vendors in the interest of social policy or national security objectives. As a result, it is critical that a vendor such as Norsat align themselves with such pre-qualified contractors.

The formality of the procurement process in the commercial sector tends to vary with the size of the company’s operations; larger companies tend to involve a lengthier sales cycle.

Competition

The competitive pressures in the United States Government market for portable satellite systems are markedly different from the broadcast and commercial markets. While there are some pricing pressures, they are less pronounced; system reliability, performance records and relationships with program offices are significantly more important. In this sector, the Company faces competition from General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), C3ISR, a segment of L3 (NYSE: LLL), TCS (NASDAQ: TSYS), Globecomm Systems (NASDAQ: GCOM) and privately held Gigasat. From time to time, the Company also faces competition from Swe-Dish, a subsidiary of Rockwell Collins (NYSW: COL).  At times, the Company also faces competition from systems integrators who construct systems on a custom basis for the military including Thales, Finmecchanica, EADS, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon.

In the broadcast and commercial markets, the Company faces competition from terrestrial alternatives such as microwave radio vendors and the traditional providers of portable satellite systems including: Swe-Dish, VisLink PLC’s Advent business unit, Gigasat and Holkirk Communications. The Company also faces competition from service providers such as Caprock (www.caprock.com) and Spacenet, a subsidiary of Gilat.

(c) Microwave Products Business Segment

Products

The Microwave Products segment designs, develops and markets receivers, transmitters and power amplifiers that enable the transmission, reception and amplification of signals to and from satellites. The Company’s product portfolio of microwave components includes a comprehensive range of satellite receivers (LNBs), transmitters (BUCs), solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs) and other customized products.

Low Noise Block down converters (“LNBs”), are required by every satellite antenna (or “dish”) irrespective of aperture 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”) convert electrical signals into microwave signals that can be transmitted to an orbiting satellite.

Norsat is a market leader in microwave products.  Through more than three decades of participation in this market, we have developed a reputation for quality, reliability and innovation.  We believe that we have the largest market share of any of our competitors in this space.

Market Profile

The Company’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, the Company will be focusing on the solid-state amplifier line and on military satellite components.

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Competition

The primary competition for this business unit comes from New Japan Radio Corporation and to a lesser extent from the Company’s own suppliers.

(d) Maritime Solutions Business Segment

Market Profile

Norsat entered the marine satellite business in 2008. Our Maritime Solutions segment provides broadband connectivity over satellite for industries that operate in a marine environment.  Examples include commercial fishing, recreational fishing and boating, and the oil and gas industry. We continue to explore the different alternatives available to further leverage our technology into this area and recorded approximately $0.4 million of revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2011 (2010 - $0.1 million) and $0.9 million of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2011 (2010 - $0.4 million).

Competition

The sector is well established and very competitive. The dominant player in this segment is SeaTel Maritime Communications, a division of Cobham PLC (LSE: COB).  In addition to SeaTel, other companies that have established a presence in this space include Orbit Communications Systems and KVH Industries (NASDAQ:KVHI).

(e) Remote Network Solutions Business Segment

Market Profile

We also established Norsat’s Remote Network Solutions segment in 2008 to develop, market and deploy wireless communications systems that address the need to solve connectivity challenges covering an area larger than Wi-Fi solutions.  These solutions are specific-technology agnostic and can be based on different protocols such as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (“WiMAX”), LTE and/or 4G. These technologies can enable the delivery of “last mile” wireless broadband access as an alternative to cable or DSL and, in some instances, mobile communications. A typical wireless network presents as a hybrid of cellular and cable/DSL networks with radio towers (“BTS”) broadcasting the wireless signal to modem devices (“CPE”) at customer locations. When combined with satellite communications as a backhaul connection, WiMAX allows operators to deploy a cost-effective broadband offering into under-serviced regions of the world. We are exploring the different alternatives available to leverage our technology into this area. As at December 31, 2011, we have yet to recognize any revenues from this segment.

Competition

The sector is quite fractured and extremely competitive. The Company faces competition from Redline Communications Group Ltd. (TSX:RDL); Alvarion Ltd. (NASDAQ: ALVR) and Wi-LAN Inc. (TSX:WIN)

2. Marketing

The Company sells most of its microwave components and portable satellite, other than those bound for the US Government, through resellers. Almost all of the portable satellite systems sold to the US Government have been through the Company’s direct sales force.

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Norsat also sells Antenna and Radio Frequency Conditioning Products to approximately 1,800 distinct customers. The Company markets these products in North America through a direct sales force, OEMs, distributors and manufacturer representatives. In Europe, Middle East and Africa the Company’s products are sold through a direct sales force, OEMs, and system integrators. The Company will continue to use these sales channels and pursue opportunities to cross-sell these products to customers within all of the Company’s divisions.

The Company’s primary value proposition is rooted in its longevity and reputation for quality. Customers with critical applications tend to place significant value in the quality of Norsat products and the after-sales support infrastructure.

3. Research and Development

Research and development activities and projects are focused on developing new products in the different business segments the Company is involved in. The Company spent approximately 3.4% of its annual revenues net of any government contributions and allocated 18% of its staff towards research and development activities.

4. Intellectual Property

The Company relies on patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright laws to protect our proprietary technology and to protect us against claims from others. The Company believes it has direct intellectual property rights covering substantially all of our material technologies. However, there can be no assurance that claims of infringement will not be asserted against the Company or against its customers in connection with their use of our systems and products, nor can there be any assurance as to the outcome of any such claims, given the technological complexity of our systems and products.

The Company has renewed interest in employing patent protection due to competition in its markets.  The Company has a patent portfolio of thirteen patents. The Company does not believe that any single patent is material to our business as a whole.

C.           Organizational structure

As at December 31, 2011, the Company has four significant wholly-owned and active subsidiaries. These are:

●   Norsat International (America) Inc. incorporated and located in Falls Church city, VA, United States of America;

●   Norsat International (UK) Ltd. incorporated and located in Lincolnshire, England

●   Norsat SA, incorporated in Lausanne, Switzerland

●   Sinclair Technologies Holdings Inc., incorporated in Ontario and located in Aurora, Ontario, Canada.

The mandate of Norsat International (America) Inc. is to market and support satellite systems into certain government markets.

The mandate of Norsat International (UK) Ltd. is to market and support microwave component products sold into the Europe Middle East and Africa regions.

Norsat SA’s mandate is to concentrate on the Company’s sales and supply chain activities as well as provide a regional centre for the Company’s expanding level of activity in the European, Middle East and African markets.

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Sinclair Technologies Holdings Inc. (“Sinclair”) acts as a holding company. Through its operating subsidiaries it is a leading provider of antenna and radio frequency (“RF”) conditioning products, based in Aurora, Ontario, Canada. The mandate of Sinclair is to market and support radio and RF conditioning products sold globally.

D.           Property, plants and equipment

Description of Property

The Company's head office and principal place of business has been located in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada since September 2006. The Company leases its head office premises.

The lease is for approximately 30,400 square feet of space.  This location houses the Company's corporate office, engineering and production department and includes warehouse space.

During fiscal 2010, the Company renewed the lease on the head office location for a further six years. The monthly rent for this space is approximately $42,000. In addition to the minimum rent, the Company is responsible to pay maintenance, utilities and taxes.

Through the acquisition of Sinclair, the Company has added leased premises in Aurora, Ontario, Canada. The lease is for approximately 45,246 square feet of space. This location houses the Antenna and RF Conditioning Products operating segment’s sales office, engineering and production department and includes warehouse space as well. The monthly rent is approximately $35,000. In addition to the minimum rent, the Company is responsible to pay maintenance, utilities and taxes.

Most of the Company’s products are produced and shipped out the Richmond and Aurora locations.

Norsat also operates out of leased premises in Lincoln and Somersham, England; Rome, Italy and Hamburg, New York.

There are no known environmental issues that may affect the Company’s utilization of its assets at any of the above locations.

4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not applicable

5.         OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

A.           Operating results

The following information should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2011 consolidated financial statements and related notes included therein, which are prepared in accordance with International Financial Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. All amounts following are expressed in United States Dollars unless otherwise indicated.

The Company currently generates revenue primarily from three business segments, Sinclair Technologies, Satellite Solutions, and Microwave Products, as described herein. The Company’s annual and quarterly operating results are primarily affected by the level of its sales and costs of operations over these three business segments. Economic factors such as foreign exchange fluctuations, market prices of similar products and worldwide political environment may also play an important role to affect the Company’s operating performance and volatility of its share price. To management’s knowledge, there are no known economic, political, foreign exchange fluctuations and inflation that have materially affected, directly or indirectly the Company’s operations.

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Annual Financial Data (Expressed in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)	2011	2010
	$	$
Sales	38,355	20,233
Earnings before income taxes	1,701	2,056
Current income tax expense	811	140
Deferred income tax expense/(recovery)	479	(224)
Net earnings	411	2,140
Net earnings per share - basic	0.01	0.04
Net earnings per share - diluted	0.01	0.04
	$	$
Total assets, excluding future income tax assets	39,064	18,543
Total assets	40,261	20,414
Interest bearing loans and borrowings	9,650	nil
Promissory note payable	597	nil

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Expressed in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Three Months Ended (unaudited)
	Mar 31	Jun 30	Sep 30	Dec 31
2011	$	$	$	$
Sales	8,715	8,644	11,381	9,616
Net earnings (loss) for the period	(187)	(285)	1,102	(221)
Net earnings (loss) per share - basic	(0.00)	(0.00)	0.02	(0.00)
Net earnings (loss) per share - diluted	(0.00)	(0.00)	0.02	(0.00)
	#	#	#	#
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	57,082	58,364	58,351	58,317
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	57,082	58,364	58,380	58,317
2010	$	$	$	$
Sales	4,887	5,199	4,492	5,656
Net earnings for the period	505	817	609	215
Net earnings per share - basic	0.01	0.02	0.01	0.00
Net earnings per share - diluted	0.01	0.02	0.01	0.00
	#	#	#	#
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	53,677	53,591	53,439	53,566
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	53,855	53,758	53,551	53,651

Quarterly results from our four business segments fluctuate from quarter to quarter due to seasonal influences on sales volumes.  In our Sinclair Technologies segment, the first and second quarters are historically the strongest, as most of Sinclair’s products are installed before the winter season. Among our other three segments, the third and fourth quarters are typically the strongest, as these have traditionally been the periods when military sales occur. The timing of contract awards also creates significant fluctuations in our quarterly results as some large contracts represent a significant share of sales for a given quarter. The timing of these orders is unpredictable.

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Total sales for the year ended December 31, 2011 increased to $38.4 million from $20.2 million in 2010. The $18.1 million, or 90%, increase reflects the inclusion of $20.2 million of sales from Sinclair, partially offset by a net $2.1 million reduction in sales from our other divisions.

Fiscal 2011 Compared to Fiscal 2010

Results of Operations

Sales and Gross Margin

Sales ($000’s)	Three Months Ended 2011 (unaudited)				Year Ended Dec 31,
	Mar 31	Jun 30	Sep 30	Dec 31	2011	2010
	$	$	$	$	$	$
Sinclair Technologies	4,346	5,218	5,414	5,240	20,218	-
Satellite Solutions	2,358	1,322	3,270	1,913	8,863	11,344
Microwave Products	1,839	1,834	2,459	2,279	8,411	8,492
Maritime Solutions	171	270	238	184	863	396
Total	8,714	8,644	11,381	9,616	38,355	20,233

Gross Margin	Three Months Ended 2010 (unaudited)				Year Ended Dec 31,
	Mar 31	Jun 30	Sep 30	Dec 31	2011	2010
Sinclair Technologies	42%	43%	47%	48%	45%
Satellite Solutions	50%	33%	44%	32%	41%	52%
Microwave Products	44%	42%	40%	42%	42%	42%
Maritime Solutions	18%	54%	42%	59%	44%	39%
Total	44%	42%	45%	44%	44%	47%

Total sales for the year ended December 31, 2011 increased to $38.4 million from $20.2 million in 2010. The $18.1 million, or 90%, increase reflects the inclusion of $20.2 million of sales from Sinclair, partially offset by a net $2.1 million reduction in sales from our other segments.

Sales of Satellite Solutions decreased to $8.9 million from $11.3 million in 2010. The year-over-year change reflects a reduction in ordering activity from the US military. Helping to offset the declines in US military orders were $1.3 million and $0.3 million in revenues from our FNESS and NATO contracts, respectively. Though we have completed the majority of the hardware installation portion of the FNESS contract, we will continue to see airtime-related revenue for the remainder of the contract. In the case of our new NATO contract, the majority of the contract revenues are expected to occur in the second quarter of fiscal 2012.

Sales of Microwave Products remained constant at $8.4 million in 2011, compared to $8.5 million in 2010.

Sales of Maritime Solutions increased to $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, from $0.4 million in 2010. This improvement reflects the positive impact of investments made to develop the maritime sales channel.

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Our overall gross margin for the year ended December 31, 2011 was 44%, compared to 47% in 2010. The decline in gross margin percentage reflects the change in our product and market mix as we expanded sales into the higher-volume, but lower-margin commercial market following the Sinclair acquisition.

Margins on our Sinclair sales outperformed historical levels throughout the year as we benefited from a favourable product mix and strong demand levels, especially from the transportation industry.  While we continue to anticipate high levels of demand for our Sinclair products, we expect margins will be tempered by more competitive pricing and increases in labour costs in the coming year.

Gross profit margins from our Satellite Solutions segment declined to 41% in 2011, from 52% in 2010. This change was anticipated and reflects lower than normal margins on the FNESS contract and lower selling prices for certain existing product lines. As we expand our customer base outside the US military and into commercial applications, we expect to experience continued pressure on gross margins. Margins for the Satellite Solutions segment were further impacted by an increase in costs for new product lines. However, we expect that production costs will decrease and efficiencies will improve as we build more of these new products. The margin reduction also reflects a $0.2 million write down related to obsolete inventory which was recorded in the second quarter, and an additional inventory provision of $0.1 million in the fourth quarter.

Expenses

Expenses ($000’s)	Three Months Ended 2011 (unaudited)				Year Ended Dec 31,
	Mar 31	Jun 30	Sep 30	Dec 31	2011	2010
	$	$	$	$	$	$
Selling and distributing	1,250	1,735	1,549	1,477	6,011	3,154
General and administrative	1,738	1,482	1,689	2,288	7,195	3,280
Product development	355	514	537	(111)	1,295	863
Other (Income) Expenses	301	(15)	(375)	583	496	251
Total Expenses	3,644	3,716	3,400	4,238	14,997	7,548

Our commitment to prudent spending has not wavered and our philosophy continues to be reflected in our cost structure. However, when necessary, staff levels are gradually increased to ensure appropriate investments in operations are made, commitments to research and development projects are met, and product innovation and product leadership are not compromised.

For the year ended December 31, 2011, total expenses increased to $15.0 million, from $7.6 million in 2010.  The addition of Sinclair accounts for approximately $5.9 million of the year-over-year increase, with the balance primarily reflecting $0.5 million in non-recurring costs related to the Sinclair acquisition, a $0.5 million increase in interest expense related to  financing for the acquisition, and $0.8 million of additional amortization of the intangible assets acquired from Sinclair. Operating expenses are expected to remain somewhat higher in upcoming periods, reflecting the costs of operating Sinclair on a full-year basis, and continued investment in sales and marketing resources.

Full-year selling and distributing expenses increased to $6.0 million in 2011, from $3.2 million in the prior year. Approximately $2.2 million of this increase relates to the addition of Sinclair. The balance reflects an increase of $0.6 million in amortization expenses relating to intangible assets we acquired as part of the transaction, partially offset by a reduction in satellite sales commission expenses.

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General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2011 increased to $7.2 million, from $3.3 million in 2010. Approximately $3.3 million of the increase relates to Sinclair. The balance reflects $0.5 million in acquisition costs for Sinclair and an increase of $0.2 million in amortization expenses relating to the intangible assets acquired as part of the transaction.

Product development expenses increased to $1.3 million, from $0.9 million in 2010, primarily reflecting $0.7 million in product development activities at Sinclair, partially offset by a $0.5 million increase in government contributions under the Strategic Aerospace and Defense Initiative (“SADI”) program, a recovery of $0.1 million of costs related to our engineers deployed to immediate revenue opportunities and a $0.3 million increase in amortization costs again relating to Sinclair’s intangible assets. Product development continues to be a core focus for Norsat and is reflected through development programs in all three of the Sinclair Technologies, Satellite Solutions and Microwave Products business units.

Other expenses for the year ended December 31, 2011 increased to $0.5 million, from $0.3 million in 2010. This increase primarily reflects a $0.5 million increase in interest expense relating to the acquisition loan, partially offset by $0.1 million of impairment loss recognized in 2010 but not in 2011, and a $0.2 million foreign exchange gain.

Net Earnings for the Period

Earnings (in 000’s) except earnings per share	Three Months Ended 2011 (unaudited)				Year Ended Dec 31,
	Mar 31	Jun 30	Sep 30	Dec 31	2011	2010
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	200	(125)	1,679	(53)	1,701	2,056
Net earnings (loss)  for the period	(187)	(285)	1,104	(221)	411	2,141
Net earnings (loss) per share - basic & diluted	(0.00)	(0.00)	0.02	(0.00)	0.01	0.04

Earnings before income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2011 were approximately $1.7 million, compared to $2.1 million in 2010.

Full-year net earnings were $0.4 million in 2011, compared to net earnings of $2.1 million in 2010.

Critical Accounting Estimates

On January 1, 2011, with the adoption of IFRS, we prepared our consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, and made estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and the related disclosures of contingent liabilities. We based our estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable in the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

We have discussed the development and selection of our critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, and the Audit Committee has reviewed the following disclosures.

The following critical accounting policies reflect our more significant estimates and assumptions used in preparing our consolidated financial statements:

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Business Combinations and Goodwill

Business combinations that occurred prior to January 1, 2010 were not accounted for in accordance with IFRS 3 Business Combinations and IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements in accordance with the IFRS 1 First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards exemption.

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of the business combination is measured as the aggregate of the consideration transferred, measured at the acquisition date at fair value and the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. For each business combination, the acquirer measures the non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at fair value or at the appropriate share of the acquirer’s identifiable net assets. The acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities that meet the conditions for recognition under IFRS 3 Business Combinations are recognized at their fair values at the acquisition date. Acquisition costs incurred are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.

Goodwill is initially measured at cost being the excess of the consideration transferred over our net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If this consideration is lower than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognized immediately in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income.

After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.

Foreign Currency Translation

Our consolidated financial statements are presented in United States dollars, which is also our functional currency. Each entity of the Company determines its own functional currency and items included in the financial statements of each entity are measured using that functional currency and presented in United States dollars.

Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded by our entities at their respective functional currency rates prevailing at the date of transaction.

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the functional currency spot rate of exchange prevailing at the reporting date.

Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical costs in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates as at the dates of the initial transactions. Non-monetary items measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates as at the date when fair value is determined.

Income statement items are translated at the rate in effect at the time of the transaction and for the subsidiaries, are translated using average exchange rates for the period where the rates do not fluctuate significantly and the rate in effect on the date of the transaction where the rate over the period does fluctuate significantly.

All gains and losses on translation of these foreign currency transactions are included in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income.

Share-Based Payments

We grant stock options to buy common shares of the Company to directors, senior officers, employees and service providers pursuant to an incentive share option. The Board of Directors grants such options for periods of up to five years, with vesting periods determined at our sole discretion and at prices equal to the closing market price on the day the options were granted.

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Under this method, we recognize compensation expense for stock options awarded based on the fair value of the options at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of the options is amortized over the vesting period and is included in selling, general and administrative expense with a corresponding increase in equity. The amount recognized as an expense is adjusted to reflect the number of share options expected to eventually vest.

Allowance Account for Credit Losses

All of the Company’s trade and other receivables have been reviewed for indicators of impairment. The Company maintains an allowance account for credit losses for estimated losses that may arise if any of its customers are unable to make required payments. Management provides for bad debts by setting aside a percentage of sales towards the allowance account. The percentage is based on the Company’s historical default experience and is reviewed periodically to ensure consistency with default experience. In addition, periodically throughout the fiscal year, management specifically analyzes the age of outstanding customer balances, historical bad debt experience, customer credit-worthiness and changes in customer payment terms to evaluate estimates of collectability of the Company’s trade and other receivables balance. The allowance set aside is then adjusted to align with the specific analysis performed.

Inventories

Parts and supplies inventory is stated at the lower of weighted average cost (purchase price plus applicable import duties and other taxes and transportation and handling) and net realizable value.  Finished goods and work in process inventories include parts and supplies, 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.  When there is a significant change in economic circumstances, inventory that had been previously written down below cost may be written back up provided the reversal does not exceed the original write-down.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets acquired separately are measured on initial recognition at cost. The cost of intangible assets acquired in a business combination is its fair value as at the date of acquisition. Following initial recognition, intangible assets are carried at cost less any accumulated amortization and any accumulated impairment losses.

The useful lives of intangible assets are assessed as either finite or indefinite.

Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over the useful economic life and assessed for impairment whenever there is an indication that the intangible asset may be impaired. The amortization period and the amortization method for an intangible asset with a finite useful life are reviewed at each financial year end. Changes in the expected useful life or the expected pattern of consumption of future economic benefits embodied in the asset is accounted for by changing the amortization period or method, as appropriate, and are treated as changes in accounting estimates. The amortization expense on intangible assets with finite lives is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income.

Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are tested for impairment annually, either individually or at a cash-generating unit level. The assessment of indefinite life is reviewed annually to determine whether the indefinite life continues to be supportable. If not, the change in useful life from indefinite to finite is made on a prospective basis.

Gains or losses arising from disposal of an intangible asset are measured as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income when the asset is derecognized.

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We record amortization of intangible assets on a straight-line basis at the following annual rates, which approximate the useful lives of the assets:

Assets	Period
Software	1 to 3 years
Customer relationships	5 to 12 years
Product designs	20 years
Brand	Indefinite
Other	1.5 to 15 years

Brand is developed through years of advertising, promotional campaign and customer satisfaction. It contains beneficial elements to the Company that have been created over time and continue to create value to the Company. Hence, brand which reflects consumer awareness and recognition is considered indefinite in nature.

Revenue Recognition

Our revenues consist of sales of hardware, software, consulting, bandwidth, installation, training, extended warranty and post contract customer support. These services are set forth separately in the contractual arrangements such that the total price of the customer arrangement is expected to vary as a result of the inclusion or exclusion of services. Multiple deliverable revenue arrangements are to be divided into more than one unit of accounting and the criteria for revenue recognition are considered separately for each accounting unit if the following criteria are met:

●   the delivered item(s) has standalone value; and,

●   when a general right of return exists for the delivered item, the delivery or performance of undelivered item is probable and substantially within our control.

For those contracts where the services are not essential to the functionality of any other element of transaction, we determine selling price for these services based on a hierarchy of selling prices:

●   Vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of selling price,

● If VSOE does not exist, third-party evidence of selling price (“TPE”) is used, or

●   If neither VSOE nor TPE exist, management’s best estimate of selling price for the deliverable is used.

●   In all cases, selling prices is an entity specific measure that also considers market conditions.

Arrangement consideration is allocated to all deliverables based on their relative selling prices. As a result of the hierarchy of selling prices, we are required to determine the selling price for each deliverable provided the conditions for separation have been met.

Hardware is considered a separate unit of accounting because (1) the delivered item has standalone value to customers as it is sold separately by us and (2) there is no general right of return on products and the delivery or performance of the undelivered item is probable and substantially within our control. In establishing selling price for hardware, we rely on third-party evidence based on standalone sales of largely interchangeable products. Our hardware components are customized in nature and specific to a customer’s order requirements. As a result, establishing VSOE of selling price would not be possible.

We recognize revenue from the sale of hardware products upon the later of transfer of title or upon shipment of the hardware product to the customer; so long as persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.

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Our multiple-element sales arrangements include arrangements where hardware with embedded software licenses and the associated post contract customer support (“PCS”) are sold together. The hardware and software function together to deliver the tangible products’ essential functionality and are therefore scoped out of the software revenue recognition guidance. We use VSOE to determine selling price of the undelivered PCS elements based on fair value labour rates and consistent renewal rates.

Our multiple-element sales arrangements include rights for the customer to renew PCS after the bundled term ends.  These rights are irrevocable to the customer’s benefit, are for specified prices, are consistent with the initial price in the original multiple-element sales arrangement, and the customer is not subject to any economic or other penalty for failure to renew.  Further, the renewal PCS options are for services comparable to the bundled PCS and cover similar terms and periods.

PCS revenue associated with hardware is recognized ratably over the term of the PCS period, which typically is one year.  PCS revenue includes support levels that provide customers with access to telephone support for trouble-shooting, diagnosis and extends to on-site repair of products. PCS is considered a separate unit of accounting because (1) the delivered item has standalone value to customers as it is sold separately by the Company and (2) there is no general right of return and the delivery or performance of the undelivered item is probable and substantially within our control.

Extended warranty of one-to-three years can be purchased separately by customers. Revenue on extended warranty is deferred and recognized in income on a straight-line basis over the contracted period. Extended warranty revenue is recognized after our one-year manufacturer’s warranty expires.

Revenue is recognized on installation, training, and consulting services when these services have been performed. Selling price on these items is determined by reference to third-party evidence of comparable services. Installation, training and consulting services are separate units of accounting because (1) the delivered item has standalone value to customers as it is sold separately by the Company and (2) there is no general right of return and the delivery or performance of the undelivered item is probable and substantially within our control.

Revenue that has been paid but does not yet qualify for recognition under our policies is reflected as either deferred revenue (revenue that can be recognized in less than one year) or long-term deferred revenue (revenue that can be recognized in more than one year).  For reseller arrangements, fees are fixed or determinable on delivery to the reseller because our agreements with customers and resellers do not contain product return rights.

Construction Contracts

We also earn revenue from fixed-price construction contracts.  These contracts specifically negotiated for the construction of a combination of satellite system products and services are awarded at agreed prices. Revenue from fixed-price contracts is recognized under the percentage-of- completion method. Under this method, contract revenue is matched with the contract costs incurred in reaching the stage of completion, resulting in the reporting of revenue, expenses and profit which can be attributed to the proportion of work completed. Contract revenue is recognized as revenue in profit or loss in the accounting periods in which the work is performed. Contract costs are usually recognized as an expense in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income in the accounting periods in which the work to which they relate is performed. However, any expected excess of total contract costs over total contract revenue for the contract is recognized as an expense immediately.

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If circumstances arise that change the original estimates of revenues, costs or extent of progress toward completion, estimates are revised. These revisions may result in increases or decreases in estimated revenues or costs and are reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income in the period in which the circumstances that give rise to the revision become known by management. Provisions for estimated losses, if any, are recognized in the year or period in which the loss is determined. Contract losses are measured as the amount by which the estimated costs of the contract exceed the estimated total revenue from the contract. Contract work-in-progress revenue is recorded to the extent that revenue has been recognized, but not yet billed to the customer.

Government Contribution

We entered into a $5.97 million repayable investment with the Canadian Federal Ministry of Industry (the Minister) through the Strategic Aerospace and Defense Initiative (SADI). This funding represents a portion of our eligible R&D expenses from September 21, 2007 up to and including December 31, 2011. During 2011, the Minister extended the SADI agreement with the Company, whereby funding provided by the Ministry will now include eligible costs spent in the year ended 2012.  We determine eligible expenditures and will submit quarterly to the Ministry for reimbursement. The final determination for eligibility rests with the Ministry and could involve going through the process of substantiating the expenditure claims.  Based on these discussions, it will be necessary to alter or defer the amounts claimed for reimbursement. Repayment is contingent on performance benchmarks established at the end of our fiscal 2012 year end and is capped at 1.5 times the contribution (actual amounts disbursed by the Minister) over a period of 15 years starting in 2013. Annual repayment amounts are calculated based on a percentage of gross business revenue as defined in the agreement multiplied by the adjustment rate (based on growth of the gross business revenue over the previous year).

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 relate. We amortize the cost of the related property and equipment over its useful life according to the Company’s accounting policy relating to property and equipment. We recognizes government grants only when there is reasonable assurance that we will comply with the conditions attached to the grant and the grant will be received. We present the grant as a deduction of the carrying amount of the asset the grant relates to in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The grant is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Loss over the life of the depreciable assets as a reduced depreciation expense.

Income Tax

Income tax expense consists of current and deferred tax expense. Income tax expense is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income.

Current tax expense is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at period end, adjusted for amendments to tax payable with regards to previous years.

Deferred taxes are recorded using the statement of financial position liability method. Under the statement of financial position liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Future tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted or substantively enacted tax rates expected to apply when the asset is realized or the liability is settled.

The effect on future tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that substantive enactment occurs.

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A deferred tax asset is recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilized. To the extent that we do not consider it probable that a future tax asset will be recovered, we provide a valuation allowance against the excess.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities, when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority, and when we intend to settle our current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

Our discounts for income tax credits are in accordance with IAS 12 income taxes.

Related Party Transactions

Compensation of key management personnel including the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and President of a significant subsidiary (2010 – President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) are as follows:

(‘000s)	Year ended Dec 31,
	2011	2010
	$	$
Short-term employee benefits	2,586	677
Share-based payments	17	35
Total	2,603	712

The amounts disclosed in the table are the amounts recognized as an expense during the reporting period related to key management personnel.A substantial portion of the year-over-year increase of short-term employee benefits relates to Sinclair’s variable component of its employee incentive plan based on achievement of certain financial metrics.

The only related party transactions are compensation related.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

All accounting standards effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2011 have been adopted as part of the transition to IFRS. The following new accounting pronouncements have been issued but are not effective and may have an impact on the Company:

The Company will be required to adopt IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements (“IFRS 10”) effective January 1, 2013, with earlier application permitted. IFRS 10 replaces the consolidation requirements in IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements (“IAS 27”) and interpretation SIC-12 Consolidation—Special Purpose Entities (“SIC-12”). IFRS 10 provides a revised definition of control and related application guidance so that a single control model can be applied to all entities. IFRS 10 also enhances disclosures about consolidated and unconsolidated entities to be published in a separate comprehensive disclosure standard related to involvement in other entities. The Company has not early adopted this standard and is currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements.

The Company will be required to adopt IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement (“IFRS 13”) effective January 1, 2013, with earlier application permitted. IFRS 13 sets out a single framework for measuring fair value and requires disclosures about fair value measurements. It does not determine when an asset, a liability or an entity’s own equity instruments is measured at fair value. But, the measurement and disclosure requirements for IFRS 13 apply when another IFRS requires or permits the item to be measured at fair value (with limited exceptions). The Company has not early adopted this standard and is currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements.

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The Company will be required to adopt the amendments to IAS 1 Financial Statement Presentation (“IAS 1”) effective January 1, 2013. These amendments improve the presentation of components of other comprehensive income (“OCI”). The amendments to this standard do not change the nature of the items that are currently recognized in OCI, but requires presentational changes. The Company is currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements.

The Company will be required to adopt IFRS 9, Financial Instruments (“IFRS 9”) effective January 1, 2015 with earlier application permitted. This is a result of the first phase of the IASB’s project to replace IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement (“IAS 39”). The new standard replaces the current multiple classification and measurement models for financial assets and liabilities with a single model that has only two classification categories: amortized cost and fair value. IFRS 9 has also been amended not to require the restatement of comparative period financial statements for the initial application of the classification and measuring requirements of IFRS 9, but instead requires modified disclosures on transition to IFRS 9. The Company has not early adopted this standard and is currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements.

Acquisition of Sinclair

On January 21, 2011, we acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Sinclair, a private company based in Aurora, Ontario specializing in the manufacture of antenna and radio frequency conditioning products.

The identified assets, liabilities, and goodwill below are a result of management’s best estimates and assumptions after taking into account all relevant information available. We conducted studies and analysis of the acquired assets and liabilities to arrive at the final purchase price allocation below.

The assessed fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of Sinclair as at January 21, 2011 is as follows:

(‘000s)	Fair value recognized on acquisition
Assets	$
Cash and cash equivalents	726
Short-term investments	30
Trade and other receivables	2,301
Inventories	4,845
Prepaid expenses and other	153
Property and equipment, net	668
Intangible assets	10,068
Deferred tax assets	67
Total Assets	18,858
Liabilities
Trade and other payables	2,065
Deferred income tax liabilities	2,910
Taxes payable	741
Total Liabilities	5,716
Total identifiable net assets at fair value	13,142
Goodwill on acquisition of Sinclair	5,360
Purchase consideration transferred	18,502

We estimate that all cash flows related to trade and other receivables will be collected.

Purchase consideration

The fair value of the purchase consideration is summarized as follows:

(‘000s)
	$
Cash	15,962
Shares issued, at fair value	2,037
Promissory notes payable	503
Total purchase consideration	18,502

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We paid cash consideration of $16.0 million, financed from the Company’s cash and cash equivalents of $4.0 million and $12.0 million in debt financing from our principal banker. In addition, contingent consideration of 4,028,932 common shares were issued from treasury and have an estimated fair value of $2.0 million and promissory notes with a total face value of $750,000 plus interest at 3% per annum were issued to the vendors with an estimated fair value of $0.5 million.

We discounted the promissory notes using a discount rate of 20% for the duration of their maturity. The 4,028,932 common shares were discounted compared to the acquisition date’s listed stock exchange price using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing model. The assumptions used for the fair value discount of the common shares were as follows:

Assumptions
Risk-free interest rate	1.70%
Expected life	1.57 years
Vesting period	Immediately
Expected volatility	60.4%
Expected dividends	nil

We paid our principal banker $0.1 million in financing fees to acquire the $12.0 million debt financing.  The $0.1 million was capitalized as part of the cost of the debt and is being amortized over the term.

We incurred transaction costs of $0.8 million (2011 - $0.5 million, 2010 - $0.3 million) in relation to the acquisition, which we have recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income under general and administrative expenses.

$1.0 million of the cash consideration is held in escrow and acts as a security for certain events should we be subject to any liabilities, claims or similar arising from representation or warranties made by the vendors. The $1.0 million, less claimed amounts, if any, is releasable to the vendors on January 21, 2013.

The common shares are held in escrow and will be released to the vendors, at a rate of 100%, 75% or 0%, subject to Sinclair achieving certain financial metrics for the year ended December 31, 2011. Based on the financial results, the Company expects to release 100% of the common shares held in escrow to the vendors.

The promissory notes are held in escrow and will be released to the vendors, at a rate of 100%, 75% or 0%, subject to Sinclair achieving certain financial metrics for the year ended December 31, 2012. We do not currently have sufficient information to measure the final amount of promissory notes to be released to the vendors.

B.           Liquidity and capital resources

Liquidity

Our principal cash requirements are for working capital and capital expenditures.

As at December 31, 2011, we had $4.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, a decrease of $2.1 million from $6.3 million as at December 31, 2010.  For the three months and fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, cash generated by operating activities was approximately $0.5 million and $2.3 million respectively.  For the three months and fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, we used up $0.6  million and generated cash of $11.2 million in financing activities, respectively. Financing activities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 include $12.0 million related to the Sinclair acquisition loan proceeds. For the three months and fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, approximately $0.1 million and $15.5 million of cash was used, respectively, for investing activities.  Investing activities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 was comprised of the $15.2 million of cash used to acquire Sinclair.

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Our working capital requirements are mainly for materials, production and selling, operations and general administrative expenses. Our working capital may be improved by increasing sales, shortening collection cycles and monetizing inventory.

As at December 31, 2011, working capital1 decreased to $11.8 million as compared to $13.0 million as at December 31, 2010.  The current ratio2 for the 2011 year was at 2.0 times as compared to 4.1 times for the 2010 year.

Trade and other receivables, was $7.9 million as at December 31, 2011, up from $4.6 million as at December 31, 2010.  The majority of the increase is attributable to the addition of the Sinclair business.

Trade and other payables increased to $5.8 million as of December 31, 2011 compared to $1.6 million at the end of 2010.  The majority of this increase is attributable to Sinclair.

Inventory as at December 31, 2011 was $10.2 million, compared to $5.7 million as at December 31, 2010, an increase of $4.5 million.  The addition of Sinclair accounts for $4.1 million of the increase. Inventory is also higher as several sales orders towards the end of the year did not meet the revenue recognition criteria for recognition in the fourth quarter.

As of December 31, 2011, shareholders’ equity increased to $18.7 million compared to $15.8 million at December 31, 2010. An increase of $2.0 million is attributed to share issuance relating to the acquisition of Sinclair.

At December 31, 2011 we had accumulated a deficit of $24.9 million. Although we generated net profit from our continued operations from the fourth quarter of 2006 through to the fourth quarter of 2010 and for the third quarter of 2011, we also reported losses for the first, second and fourth quarters of 2011.  This past performance cannot be used as an indication of our future performance.

We believe that our strategy remains sound and that we can deliver solid performance in the future.

We may also deploy cash for any suitable investments consistent with our long-term strategy of entering new geographic markets, broadening our customer base, and expanding into new market verticals.

In addition to utilizing some or all of the current cash resources, we may also raise additional capital from equity markets or utilize debt to complete investment and financing transactions that would accelerate our growth in the areas outlined above.

Capital Resources

The Company’s capital resources as at December 31, 2011 were in cash and cash equivalents. The Company plans to continue to fund cash requirements through operations. If required, the Company has credit facilities in place that can be drawn upon.  As of December 31, 2011, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $4.4 million.

During fiscal 2011, as further described, the Company received gross proceeds of approximately $0.3 million and $30,128 from an employee share ownership program and warrants exercised, respectively. The Company also obtained a $12 million non-revolving acquisition loan to help fund the Sinclair purchase.

_____________________________________________

1 Working Capital is calculated by subtracting current liabilities from current assets and is a non-IFRS measure.

2 Current ratio is defined as current assets divided by current liabilities and is a non-IFRS measure.

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Credit Facilities

Operating Line of Credit

The Company has a secured operating line of credit with HSBC (the “Bank”) of Cdn$3.5 million or US$2.8 million subject to interest rate at the Bank’s prime rate plus 1.35% per annum for amounts outstanding in Canadian dollars and/or the Bank’s U.S. base rate plus 1.35% per annum for amounts outstanding in U.S. dollars. The operating line of credit is payable upon demand by the Bank. As at December 31, 2011, the Company had no borrowings outstanding with respect to the operating line of credit (December 31, 2010 - $nil).

The Company also has an additional revolving demand note with HSBC in the principal amount of US$950,000, subject to an interest rate of prime plus 1.5% per annum and payable upon demand. As at December 31, 2011, the Company had no borrowing outstanding with respect to the revolving demand note (December 31, 2010 - $nil).

Acquisition Loan

On January 21, 2011, the Company acquired of all the shares of Sinclair Technologies Holdings Inc. (“STHI”), a private company that is a leading provider of antenna and radio frequency conditioning products, based in Aurora, Ontario. The purchase price totals approximately US$19.25 million, subject to normal closing adjustments.

The Company paid cash consideration of US$16.0 million, financed from the Company’s cash and cash equivalents and US$12.0 million in debt financing from HSBC, 4,028,932 common shares issued from treasury, and promissory notes with a total face value of US$750,000 plus interest at 3% per annum issued to the shareholders of STHI.

As a result of this acquisition, the Company’s credit facility with HSBC (“the Bank”) was amended.  The Company continues to have access to a secured operating line of credit with the Bank amounting to Cdn$1,000,000 or US$800,000 subject to interest rate at the Bank’s prime rate plus 1.35% per annum and payable upon demand by the Bank. An acquisition loan for US$12,000,000 was obtained and is subject to an interest rate at the Bank’s banker’s acceptance rate plus an applicable spread for amounts outstanding in Canadian dollars and/or the Bank’s LIBOR rate plus an applicable spread for amounts outstanding in U.S. dollars. The applicable spread ranges from 1% to 3.5% depending on the Company’s funded Debt to EBITDA ratio determined quarterly on a rolling 12 month basis based on consolidated financial statements. The full amount of the acquisition loan has been drawn and is repayable in monthly principal repayments of 1/60th of the original principal balance, together with interest payments. In addition, the Company repays an amount equal to the greater of (i) 5% of the original balance, and (ii) 30% of the Company’s net income plus depreciation and amortization, less capital expenditures and less aggregate principal payments made during the relevant fiscal year. The acquisition loan is repayable in full within 48 months of the date of the initial advance, January 21, 2011. As at March 16, 2011, the Company’s acquisition loan was paid down to US$11.8 million.

On December 22, 2010, the Company secured a non-revolving acquisition loan of Cdn$13.2 million or US$12.0 million with the Bank subject to an interest rate at the Bank’s banker’s acceptance rate plus an applicable spread for amounts outstanding in Canadian dollars and/or the Bank’s LIBOR rate plus an applicable spread for amounts outstanding in U.S. dollars. The applicable spread ranges from 1% to 4%, depending on our funded debt to EBITDA ratio. This ratio is determined quarterly on a rolling 12-month basis, based on our consolidated financial statements. As at December 31, 2011 the Company’s combined weighted average interest rate and spread rate was 4.08%.

EBITDA is defined by the Bank as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and is a non-IFRS measure.

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The acquisition loan is repayable in monthly principal repayments of 1/60th of the original principal balance, together with interest payments. In addition, we repay an amount equal to the greater of (a) 5% of the original balance, and (b) 30% of our net income plus depreciation and amortization, less capital expenditures and less aggregate principal payments made during the relevant fiscal year. The acquisition loan is repayable in full within 48 months of the date of the initial advance, January 21, 2011.

We incurred costs of $108,000 related to the cost of acquiring the loan. These costs were capitalized as part of the cost of the loan and are being amortized over the life of the loan. The unamortized balance as at December 31, 2011 was $83,398.

The loan is secured by all of the Company’s assets under a general security assignment.

We have the following externally imposed capital requirements under our operating line of credit agreements and the acquisition loan agreement:

●   working capital ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) cannot be less than 1.25:1.00 – calculated quarterly,

●   debt to tangible net worth ratio (total liabilities less cash on hand and deferred tax liabilities divided by the sum of share capital, contributed surplus, accumulated other comprehensive income, retained earnings less intangible assets and goodwill) cannot exceed

5.65:1.00 as at December 31, 2011

4.35:1.00 as at March 31, 2012

3.65:1.00 as at June 30, 2012

3.15:1.00 as at September 30, 2012, and

2.50:1.00 thereafter – calculated quarterly

●   debt service coverage ratio cannot be less than 1.00. Based on EBITDA less unfunded capital expenditures – calculated annually beginning December 31, 2012, and

 ●   funded debt to EBITDA less unfunded capital expenditures (“Debt to EBITDA Ratio”) cannot exceed 5.45:1.00 for the three months ending March 31, 2012

3.35:1.00 for the three months ending June 30, 2012

3.00:1.00 for the three months ending September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2012, and

2.50:1.00 thereafter – calculated quarterly, on a rolling 12 month basis.

EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization and is a non-IFRS measure.

Unfunded capital expenditures are defined as capital expenditures which are not financed by external sources, such as being financed by our own cash and cash equivalents.

Funded debt includes only the acquisition loan.

As at December 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with its debt covenants.

C.           Research and development, patents and licenses, etc.

In 2008, the Company’s receipt of an award by the Canadian Ministry of Industry is an external validation of the Company’s excellence in research & development activities. The Cdn$5.97MM repayable contribution through the Ministry’s Strategic Aerospace and Defense Initiative (SADI) program provides the Company with a significant contribution towards assisting R&D efforts and provides for continued investment in technological innovation.

In 2011 and 2010, the Company continues to develop products in all business lines. The Company’s product development efforts continue to be performed through the support of the Canadian Federal Government through the SADI grant awarded in 2008. The Company spent about $1.3 million and $0.9 million, net of government funding, in R&D activities in fiscal 2011 and 2010 respectively.

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D.           Trend information

Radio Frequency Based Communications - Markets

The antenna and filter products supplied by our Sinclair Technologies segment are used primarily by the Private Mobile Radio (“PMR”) industry and specifically by the following industry segments:

●   Public safety and military network operators, including several police forces, military and paramilitary organizations (such as the coast guards and navies), and a large set of ambulance and fire dispatch services;

●   Private Sector Networks including rail, ground and air transportation networks used by natural resource, utility, taxi, trucking, and construction companies, as well as other dedicated network operators, generally served through an extensive set of dealers specializing in radio systems;

●   Mobile radio, public safety, military, cellular, aviation and heavy transport industries; and

●   Original equipment manufacturers.

Operating in the 30 MHz to 1.9 GHz frequency range, Sinclair products are well established globally.  Sinclair antennas and filters are integral components of many wireless communications networks - controlling, enhancing and propagating radio frequency signals associated with these systems.  In general, Sinclair Technologies products can support voice, data and video transmission.

Radio Frequency Based Communications - Trends

Communication networks, and in particular, mobile wireless communications systems, are constantly in demand for public safety, national security, natural resource management, and other specialized applications.

●   Limited availability of licensed and unlicensed frequencies is causing governments to re-assign spectrum for public safety networks.  As an example, US Broadcasters were recently required to vacate the 700 MHz frequency band to allow spectrum for new public safety networks.

●   Demand by mobile radio users for more radio channels is causing network operators to reduce channel spacing and increase demand for filter products.

●   Large competitors are more focused on the larger cellular market and appear to be reducing investment in new product development for the (Note: need to spell out acronym)  (PMR) market.

●   Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are driving greater efficiencies and bargaining power by favouring fewer vendors with a broad product portfolio.

Satellite-based Communications - Markets

Our satellite-based communications business includes Norsat’s Satellite Solutions, Microwave Products, Maritime Solutions and Remote Network Solutions products and services.  These products employ satellites that are orbiting the earth to transmit and receive content. Our equipment interoperates with satellites that orbit the earth at the same speed as the earth rotates. These satellites appear to remain at the same point relative to the earth’s surface, thus giving the impression that they are “stationary.”  These satellites are known as geostationary satellites, or satellites in geostationary orbit (orbiting approximately 22,300 miles above the earth).

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While geostationary satellites are operated on a commercial basis and are fairly standard in their operation, some are owned and operated by militaries and may have unique characteristics. Our equipment has been standardized so that it can operate on most satellites, without further customization. These products permit users to establish a broadband communications link (up to 10 Mbps) between any two points on earth. This broadband communications link is capable of transporting a broad range of content including voice, data and motion video.

The satellite industry continues to see increased demand, primarily driven by the backlog of satellite launches, across all sectors of the market including the commercial and military markets. Our products operate primarily on widely deployed commercial Ku-band satellites.  However, some of our products operate on other commercial (C-band and Ka-band) and military (Ka-band and X-band) satellites as well.

We believe that a number of industry trends are positively influencing demand for our products.  Specific trends include the following:

Satellite-Based Communications - Trends

●   There is a growing expectation that organizations and individuals are always “connected” to some type of communications infrastructure, regardless of where they may be positioned geographically.

●   As companies are increasingly required to look beyond traditional locations to meet the world’s demand for natural resources, there has been a proliferation of remote sites far removed from existing infrastructure. Demand for bandwidth is ever-expanding as users increasingly expect that video and audio files are capable of being transmitted, and that the transmissions will occur in real time.

●   In the era of 24-hour news coverage, viewers have come to expect media to cover a breaking story nearly instantaneously, regardless of where it occurs around the world.  Media outlets need to be able to deploy quickly to meet this expectation.

●   Major media are experiencing competition from alternative news sources that typically make content available over the Internet.  Partly in response, governments and non-governmental organizations are increasingly producing their own content relating to events they deem significant, and making this available to third parties or directly to the public.

●   The nature of modern military operations is such that mobility and rapid establishment of communication links in the field are increasingly considered vital.

●   Major organizations that have global operations are increasingly aware of, and plan for, natural or man-made crisis events. Their plans often include establishing communication capabilities that are not dependent on terrestrial infrastructure as part of their contingency or emergency action plans.

●   A number of large-scale disasters in recent years have proven the critical importance of first responders being able to establish rapid communication links to coordinate recovery efforts.

●   Experience with information technology and communication equipment in recent decades has conditioned users generally to expect related hardware to become smaller and more portable over time, while offering improved functionality.  Providers who are able to meet this expectation can realize competitive advantages.

●   Applications for satellite technology are becoming ubiquitous.  From their traditional role in the broadcast and telecommunications fields, communications satellites have more recently been extended to such applications as broadband services, cellular and Internet backhaul, location-based services and satellite imagery.  As a result, a broader base of users has a need for ground-based satellite equipment.

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E.   Off-balance sheet arrangements

         Not applicable.

F.   Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations

       The Company’s known contractual obligations at December 31, 2011 are quantified in the following table:

Contractual Obligations (‘000s)	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016 and later	Total
	$	$	$	$	$	$
Long term debt   obligations	3,000	3,000	3,000	650	-	9,650
Promissory note payable	-	750	-	-	-	750
Inventory purchase obligations	3,159	634	109	-	-	3,902
Operating lease obligations	486	299	309	288	264	1,646
Total	6,645	4,683	3,418	938	264	15,948

As at December 31, 2011, we had operating lease commitments that extend to November 21, 2016. The amounts listed under long term debt obligations exclude interest expenses.

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.

6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees

A.           Directors and Senior Management

Directors

The following section sets forth the information on our directors:

Fabio Doninelli

      Director and Chairman of the Board

Mr. Fabio Doninelli became a director and Chairman of the Board of Norsat in March 7, 2011. Mr. Doninelli is President and Board Member of Prismafin S.A., an international investment organization with offices in Chiasso and Zurich, Switzerland, which manages a fund in excess of US$750 million. Mr. Doninelli has extensive experience in strategic advisory, portfolio management, and structuring funds. From 1982 to 1986, Mr. Doninelli served as Vice President of Trading for the Zurich Stock Exchange. Mr. Doninelli also serves as Strategy Advisor to the Boards of several public and private companies around the world. Mr. Doninelli, who lives in Mendrisio Switzerland, exercises direction over the 1,985,575 Norsat common shares held by Prismafin S.A.

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Joseph Caprio

Director

Mr. Caprio became a director of Norsat on April 30, 2005. Mr. Caprio has 35 years of experience as a recognized organizational development expert. Mr. Caprio is a former Associate Dean at Colgate University and has served as a management consultant and as the operating officer of entrepreneurial businesses. Mr. Caprio, who lives in New York, is a strong proponent of the participative management philosophy of the American Management Association and has counseled a number of successful organizations. Mr. Caprio holds a BS degree in management from the University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI and an MA degree from Colgate University, Hamilton, NY.

James Topham

Director and Chair of Audit Committee

Mr. Topham became director and Chair of Audit Committee of Norsat on May 12, 2011. Mr. Topham has 30 years of public practice experience as a Chartered Accountant and prior to his retirement in 2008, was a Technology Partner of KPMG’s Vancouver office. Mr. Topham currently serves as CFO of dPoint Technologies Inc., an energy recovery and fuel cell technology company and serves on the Board of three other public technology companies as well as several other private technology companies and other organizations. Mr. Topham was also a founder and for the first nine years, board member of the BC Technology Industry Association (“BCTIA”). In 2003, Mr. Topham founded the predecessor to the BC Cleantech CEO Alliance, to promote the cleantech industry in BC. He is a founder and currently Chair of BC Social Venture Partners, which has raised several million dollars towards funding specific community projects. Mr. Topham has a computer science major and a Bachelor of Commerce degree with Honours, and was the most distinguished graduate, from the Commerce Faculty of the University of Saskatchewan (1972).

Andrew Harries

Director

Mr. Harris became director of Norsat November 29, 2011. Mr. Harries has extensive experience in corporate strategy, financing, global alliances and business growth. A co-founder of Sierra Wireless, Inc. (TSX: SW), Mr. Harries played a major role in positioning that company to secure TSX and NASDAQ public listings and grow its annual revenues to over US $200 million. Mr. Harries is currently President and CEO of GameString, a software development company. Most recently, Mr. Harries acted as founding President and CEO of Zeugma Systems, a telecommunications systems supplier that delivered open solutions to accelerate new service deployment for broadband service providers. In that role, he oversaw Zeugma’s evolution from initial seed funding in 2004, through development and commercialization to its sale to Tellabs, Inc. in November 2010. Currently, Mr. Harries Chairs the Board of Directors, Science World British Columbia and is Chair of Simon Fraser University Business Dean's External Advisory Board. Mr. Harries holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Simon Fraser University.

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Dr. Amiee Chan

Director, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Amiee Chanbecame a director of Norsat on August 5, 2009. This appointment was in addition to her responsibilities as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.  See Senior Management section below.

Ugo A. Doninelli

      Former Director and Chairman of the Board

Mr. Ugo A. Doninelli became a director of Norsat in May 1988. Mr. Doninelli passed away on February 19, 2011, thereby his capacity as Director and Chairman of the Board was resigned at that time. Prior to his passing he was the General Manager and President and CEO of Prismafin S.A., an international investment organization with offices in Chiasso and Zurich, Switzerland. He exercised direction over the 1,985,575 Norsat common shares held by Prismafin S.A. He also served as a Director and Chairman of the Board for Lifeware SA Lugano, Chiasso, Zurich/Switzerland and Frankfurt A.M. in Germany as third Party Administrator for Life Insurance Companies.

Margaret A. Good

Former Director and Chair of Audit Committee

Ms. Good became a director of Norsat on May 7, 2010 and resigned May 12, 2011. Ms. Good is a Chartered Accountant based in North Vancouver, British Columbia with over 20 years of experience in financial operations. Ms. Good currently manages her own consulting firm called Sagebrush Consulting Ltd. Ms. Good earned a Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting and Information Management Systems from University of British Columbia. Ms. Good is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia.

Senior Management

Dr. Amiee Chan, Executive Officer

President and Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Amiee Chanwas appointed as the President and CEO, on September 8, 2006. Amiee Chan was Product Manager at CREO from October 2002 to March 2004 and Director of Research and Development at Norsat from April 1998 to May 2002. Dr. Chan has been with the Company for fifteen years. She rejoined the Company in April 2004 as VP of Operations. Dr. Chan holds an MBA, PhD in Electrical Engineering and a BASc in Electrical Engineering. Dr. Chan is an innovator and leading authority in her field with a number of credited publications and patents. She also has extensive experience in strategic planning and budgeting, product development, technology commercialization and product portfolio management.

Arthur Chin, Executive Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Chin was appointed Chief Financial Officer on February 1, 2011, bringing 16 years of professional experience in both public practice and in public companies. Since leaving public practice in 2002, he has served in senior financial positions with several international companies, assisting them in planning and analysis of their financial reporting, handling corporate accounting and tax, corporate communications efforts, and providing corporate development strategies. Mr. Chin was previously with Norsat between 2002 and 2005 and was the Company’s Corporate Controller. Prior to rejoining Norsat, he held senior financial positions mostly in the high technology industry with DDS Wireless International Inc., a TSX listed company that provides wireless mobile data solutions and Ascalade Communications Inc., formerly a TSX listed company that designed, developed and manufactured digital wireless and communication products and also with the Canadian Tourism Commission. Prior to his corporate experiences he was in Big 4 public practice, most recently as a Manager in the assurance practice of Deloitte and originally with PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mr. Chin is a Chartered Accountant of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia.

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Calven Iwata, Executive Officer

President of Sinclair Technologies

Mr. Iwata is a hands-on executive with 25 years of operating experience. Prior to Norsat's acquisition of Sinclair  in January 2011, he served as the President and CEO of Sinclair, where he led Sinclair through a formal restructuring process that resulted in profitable operating performance, orderly reduction of debt (all the way to being debt free), and a return to organic growth. Mr. Iwata's other successful corporate turnaround experiences include restructuring distressed public company MusicMusicMusic, which resulted in a successful divestiture and restructuring. Mr. Iwata also was involved in divesting distressed AMEX-listed Cabletel Communications, which resulted in a 100% recovery for the senior secured lender. Mr. Iwata has held a number of senior executive positions including: SVP and CFO of TSX listed Cygnal Technologies where he completed nine acquisitions in three years, creating revenues to grow from $60 million to $141 million and a doubling in EPS; and SVP and GM of broadband systems integrator, Comlink Systems where he was involved with the divestiture to Cygnal (formerly Normex). Mr. Iwata began his career articling with Laventhol & Horwath (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) and is a graduate from the University of British Columbia (B.Com.). Mr. Iwata is a Chartered Accountant and a Chartered Business Valuator.

Trevor Greene, Executive Officer

Former Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Greene was appointed Chief Financial Officer on April 1, 2010. Mr. Greene resigned from the Company as at January 23, 2011. Mr. Greene, a Chartered Accountant, worked for Ernst & Young Chartered Accountants and obtained substantial experience in financial reporting of both Canadian and US publicly listed companies, primarily in mining and technology related industries. As a manager within the assurance practice, Mr. Greene is also well versed in the requirements of complex regulatory environments, including reporting under SOX 404 and International Financial Reporting Standards. Prior to joining Ernst & Young, Mr. Greene’s professional experience included process engineering, cost management and analysis, short term and long term cash management, and ISO 9000 certification, developed while working within the accounting team of a world class international shipping firm and as financial manager of a startup manufacturing company. Mr. Greene reported to Dr. Chan.

B.           Compensation

Compensation of Directors

All compensation paid to the Board of Directors is in Canadian Dollars and reported below in Canadian Dollars.

The following table is the directors’ fee structure for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011:

	2011
Chairman of Board of Directors	Cdn$30,000
Chairman of Audit Committee	Cdn$25,000
Other Board Members	Cdn$20,000

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Effective July 29, 2009, fees of Cdn$5,000 per year are paid to each director responsible for the Company’s U.S. or CHF$5,000 per year for the Swiss subsidiaries. Each director is also paid a fee of Cdn $500 for each directors’ meeting attended.

During the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, the aggregate compensation incurred by the Company or its subsidiaries to its directors, all of whose financial statements are consolidated with those of the Company, was $255,992 (2010 - $93,828).

All compensation awarded to, earned by, paid to or payable to the Board of Directors is reported below in US dollars. The following table sets forth all annual and long-term compensation earned from the Company and its subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2011 by each director:

Name and Principal Position	Fees earned ($)	Share-based awards	Option based awards	Non-Equity Incentive plan compensation ($)	Pension Value ($)	All Other Compensation ($)	Total ($)
(a)	(b)	(c)	(d)	(e)	(f)	(g)	(h)
Fabio Doninelli (1)	31,519	Nil	70,134	Nil	Nil	Nil	101,653
Joseph Caprio	26,549	Nil	24,032	Nil	Nil	2,919	53,500
James Topham (2)	16,651	Nil	38,949	Nil	Nil	Nil	55,600
Andrew Harries (3)	2,138	Nil	25,674	Nil	Nil	Nil	27,812
Ugo Doninelli (4)	5,017	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	5,017
Margaret A. Good (5)	9,897	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	2,513	12,410
Amiee Chan	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil

NOTES

(1)   Mr. Fabio Doninelli joined the board on March 7, 2011 and received a proration of his annual fees as director and chairman of the board.

(2)   Mr. Topham joined the board on May 12, 2011 and received a proration of his annual fees as director and audit committee chair.

(3)   Mr. Harries joined the board on November 29, 2011 and received a proration of his annual fees as director.

(4)   Mr. Ugo Doninelli passed away on February 19, 2011 and received a proration of his annual fees as director and chairman of the board.

(5)   Ms. Good resigned from the board on May 12, 2011 and received a proration of her annual fees as director and audit committee chair.

There were no other arrangements under which independent directors were compensated during 2011. No independent directors earned any compensation for consultancy or other services provided to the Company.

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Compensation of Officers

During the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, the aggregate compensation awarded to, earned by, paid or payable by the Company or its subsidiaries to its executive officers, all of whose financial statements are consolidated with those of the Company, was $2,580,074.

The following table reported in United States Dollars sets forth all annual and long term compensation accrued or paid by the Company and its subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 to each member of senior management.

					Non-Equity Incentive plan compensation ($)
Name and Principal Position	Year	Salary ($)	Share-based awards	Option based awards (1)	Annual Incentive Plans (2)	Long-term incentive plans	Pension Value ($)	All Other Compensation ($) (6)	Total ($)
(a)	(b)	(c)	(d)	(e)	(f1)	(f2)	(g)	(h)	(i)
Dr. Amiee Chan, President and Chief Executive Officer	2011	242,736	N/A	48,064	Nil	N/A	17,240	216,243	524,283
	2010	185,382	N/A	15,509	Nil	N/A	18,064	N/A	218,955
	2009	140,117	N/A	18,455	110,917	N/A	12,552	N/A	282,041
Arthur Chin, Chief Financial Officer (3)	2011	176,152	N/A	39,817	Nil	N/A	8,831	N/A	224,800
Calven Iwata, President of Sinclair Technologies (4)	2011	284,748	N/A	N/A	1,527,544	N/A	14,130	N/A	1,826,422
Trevor Greene, Chief Financial Officer (5)	2011	5,426	N/A	N/A	Nil	N/A	885	12,221	18,532
	2010	104,939	N/A	42,223	Nil	N/A	5,247	N/A	152,409

NOTES:

(1)   Amounts for option based awards are valued under the Black-Scholes Options Pricing Model.

(2)   Amounts paid in the fiscal year related to performance in the prior year.

(3)   Mr. Chin joined the Company on February 1, 2011.

(4)   Mr. Iwata joined the Company on January 21, 2011 when Norsat acquired Sinclair Technologies Holdings Inc.

(5)   Mr. Greene joined the Company on April 1, 2010 and left on January 23, 2011. He received a one-time payment of $12,221.

(6)   Perquisites under All Other Compensation are not in excess of CDN$50,000 or 10% of the total base salary paid to each Named Executive Officer for the years indicated and thus are not reported.

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. During fiscal year 2011, a one-time amount of $202,280 was awarded to the Chief Executive Officer for the successful acquisition of Sinclair and is included under All Other Compensation.

Reference is also made to item C immediately below – specifically “Board practices - Performance Bonus”.

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.

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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 has adopted, and will continue 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. 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 five directors, four of whom are considered “independent” to the Company. An “independent” 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.

The Board meets at least quarterly to carry out its duties and meets on an informal basis throughout 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.  Currently the CEO and CFO respond to shareholder inquiries and direct appropriate matters to senior management.  Senior management will meet with shareholders to discuss their concerns where appropriate.

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.

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Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance

Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance coverage in 2011 was Cdn $10,000,000. Total premiums expensed during 2011 amounted to $38,136.

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. Doninelli since March 2011; Mr. Caprio since May 2005; Mr. Topham since May 2011, Mr. Harries since November 2011 and Dr. Chan since August 2009.

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

Board Committees

The Board currently has one standing committee being the Audit Committee. The Company has no remuneration committee.

Audit Committee

The Company’s Audit Committee was comprised of three directors of the Board namely: Mr. Topham, Mr. Caprio, and Mr. Doninelli, 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. Topham 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 2011, the Audit Committee met four times to carry out its responsibilities.

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.

On May 6, 2011, Grant Thornton LLP was appointed as the auditor of the Company for fiscal year ending December 31, 2010. Grant Thornton continued as the Company’s auditor for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011.

The Audit Committee discussed with the external auditors 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 Audit Committee reviewed and approved audit fees, audit related fees, tax fees and other services fees charged by Grant Thornton LLP.

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Taking all of these reviews and discussions into account, on March 8, 2012, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Board approve the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.

Compensation Objectives

The Board reviews and gives final approvals with respect to the Company’s Executive Compensation Plan and Stock Option Plan. The Board sets 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 Board is also responsible for reviewing executive management succession and development plans.

The Company has established compensation policies to address the following objectives:

●   To assist the Company to attract and retain highly qualified individuals.

●  To reward employees annually for achieving financial results.

●   To create among employees a sense of ownership in the Company and to align the interests of the employees with those of the shareholder.

●   To create a variable component to compensation that is linked to the Company’s business strategy, the Company’s ability to pay and the employee’s ability to influence results.

●   To ensure competitive compensation that is also financially affordable for the Company.

●   To provide a rational methodology for incentive compensation and stock option grants that employees understand and support.

●   To attract and retain talented individuals to lead those functions important to the Company’s success.

The Company has a “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, an annual incentive plan, an annual incentive stock option award, and benefits. 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 and other relevant external market data as well as the individual’s skill performance, and experience. In addition to the base salary, the Company offers a benefit package to all employees to cover group life insurance, health and dental, and a group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP). Executives also receive a car allowance.

Performance Bonus

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 senior management’s bonus is determined by corporate results and thirty percent is based on individual performance.

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On October 5, 2006, as a result of the executive compensation review, the Company’s Board of Directors passed a resolution to amend the executives’ bonus evaluation criteria established in 2004. The new plan is designed to measure executives’ bonuses one hundred percent based on the Company’s performance and weighted 33% on achievement of annual revenue targets and 67% on annual profit targets. Furthermore, no bonus shall be paid to executives if the Company is not profitable. The performance bonuses for executives are determined as a percentage of base salary and calculated at 75% of base salary of for the CEO and 37.5% of base salary for all other executives. Additionally, the bonus payment is affected by a multiplier based on the pre-approved target range for both revenue and profit performance objectives. The multiplier ranges from 0.5x to 2.0x.

The performance bonus amount is the sum of the two elements and calculated as follows:

Multiplier for annual revenue target multiplied by 33% multiplied by base salary multiplied by corresponding percentage (75% or 37.5%) plus the Multiplier for annual profit target multiplied by 67% multiplied by base salary multiplied by corresponding percentage (75% or 37.5%).

Overall the targets for the plan were set very high but with attainable goals. So, while the performance of the Company for 2011 was positive, it was not at the level previously agreed with the Board. As a result of performance in 2010 and 2011, for executives, a corporate multiplier was determined to be 0.0x of target.

As a result of the Company’s performance, the Board did not award any corporate bonus for executives in fiscal 2010 and 2011. However, during fiscal 2011, a one-time amount was awarded to the Chief Executive Officer for the successful acquisition of Sinclair.

Annual Incentive Stock Option Award

The Board believes that most employees should have a stake in the Company’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 award to directors, officers and employees, primarily based on whose decisions and actions can have the greatest impact on the Company’s performance. These option-based awards are granted under the Company’s Stock Option Plan. The Company considers previous awards of option-based awards when considering new grants. Options are issued at the market price of the stock at the date of the grant. Option-based awards, if any, typically have a five-year term and vest in two years.

No stock options were awarded for fiscal 2011 and 2010’s performance.

Compensation of the Executive Officers

The compensation of the Chief Executive Officer is reviewed annually and approved by the independent members of the Board of Directors. On November 4, 2009, the Board of Directors reviewed and approved changes that were made to the executives’ compensation packages for 2010. On November 09, 2010, the Board of Directors reviewed and approved changes that were made to the executives’ compensation packages for 2011.

   D.  Employees

In 2011, the Company added a total of 94 employees as a result of the Sinclair.

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In 2010, the Company increased resources in its administration team. These additions relate primarily to customer service and have improved our overall customer experience.

The chart below provides a breakdown of the number of employees (including full time equivalents) by function:

	December  31, 2011	December  31, 2010	December 31,  2009
Senior Management	3	2	2
Research and Development	29	13	14
Sales and Marketing	27	12	11
Finance	12	6	5
Other Administration	8	7	2
Production and Logistics	80	21	21
Total	159	61	55

The following table shows the number of employees by geographical location at the end of each period:

	December  31, 2011	December 31, 2010	December 31, 2009
Canada	148	54	45
United States	5	3	3
Other	6	4	7
Total	159	61	55

The Company believes that its work force is reasonably skilled, capable and motivated and that the relations with the Company’s employees are good. The Company’s work force is not unionized or part of any collective labour agreement.

E.           Share ownership

The following table sets forth securities owned or controlled by Directors and Officers of the Company as at December 31, 2011:

Name, Position, Country of residence	Number of common  shares owned (1)	As a % of outstanding  common shares	Number of common share purchase warrants owned
Fabio  Doninelli (Director and Chairman of the Board) Switzerland	2,069,575(2)	3.54%	Nil
Joseph Caprio (Director) USA	165,136 (3)	0.28%	Nil
James Topham (Director and Chair of the Audit Committee) Canada	Nil	0.00%	Nil
Andrew Harries (Director) Canada	Nil	0.00%	Nil
Amiee Chan (Director, President and CEO) Canada	558,536	0.95%	Nil
Arthur Chin (Chief Financial Officer) Canada	Nil	0.00%	Nil
Calven Iwata (President of Sinclair) Canada	1,842,294 (4)	3.15%	Nil

NOTES:

(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.

(2)   Mr. Fabio Doninelli directly owns 84,000 shares of the Company. By virtue of his position as General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Prismafin S.A., Mr. Fabio Doninelli also exercised direction over 1,985,575 common shares of the Company held by Prismafin S.A, bringing his total ownership to 2,069,575.

(3)   Mr. Caprio directly owns 155,386  shares of the Company. By virtue of Mr. Caprio’s spouse, he exercises direction over an additional 9,750 shares of the Company, bringing his total ownership to 165,136.

(4)   Mr. Iwata directly owns 1,490,193 shares of the Company. By virtue of Mr. Iwata’s spouse, he exercises direction over an additional 352,101 shares of the Company, bringing his total ownership to 1,842,294.

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Outstanding option-based awards and share-based awards

The following table sets forth details of the Directors and Executive Officers outstanding stock options as at December 31, 2011 and the fiscal year-end value of in-the-money unexercised options:

	Option - based awards				Share - based awards
Name	No. of securities underlying unexercised options	Options exercise price (Cdn)	Options expiration  date	Value of unexercised  in the money  options (Cdn) (1)	Number of shares not vested	Market value  of share based awards that  have not vested
Fabio Doninelli (Director and Chairman of the Board)	150,000	$0.86	4-Mar-16	Nil	N/A	N/A
James Topham (Director and Chair of the Audit Committee)	100,000	$0.73	12-May-16	Nil	N/A	N/A
Andrew Harries (Director)	100,000	$0.51	22-Nov-16	Nil	N/A	N/A
Joseph Caprio (Director)	20,000	$1.37	1-Apr-13	Nil	N/A	N/A
	20,000	$0.90	1-Apr-14	Nil	N/A	N/A
	20,000	$0.70	1-Apr-15	Nil	N/A	N/A
	100,000	$0.48	14-Dec-16	$2,000	N/A
	160,000			$2,000
Dr. Amiee Chan, (President and Chief Executive Officer)	40,000	$1.37	1-Apr-13	Nil	N/A	N/A
	40,000	$0.90	1-Apr-14	Nil	N/A	N/A
	40,000	$0.70	1-Apr-15	Nil	N/A	N/A
	200,000	$0.48	14-Dec-16	$4,000	N/A	N/A
	320,000			$4,000
Arthur Chin (Chief Financial Officer)	100,000	$0.70	1-Feb16	Nil	N/A	N/A

NOTES:

(1)Calculated using the closing price of common shares of the Company on the Toronto Stock Exchange on December 31, 2011, less the exercise price of the stock option(s).

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Incentive plan awards – value vested or earned during the year

The following table sets forth details of the aggregate dollar value that would have been realized if awards had been exercised on the vesting date and the value of non-equity compensation earned during the year ended December 31, 2011 for each Director and Executive of the Company:

Name	Option-based awards - Value vested  during the year ($)	Share-based awards – Value vested  during the year ($)	Non-equity incentive plan compensation –  Value earned  during the year($)
Fabio Doninelli (Director and Chairman of the Board)	Nil	N/A	N/A
James Topham (Director and Chair of the Audit Committee)	Nil	N/A	N/A
Andrew Harries (Director)	Nil	N/A	N/A
Joseph Caprio (Director)	Nil	N/A	N/A
Dr. Amiee Chan, (President and Chief Executive Officer)	Nil	N/A	N/A
Arthur Chin (Chief Financial Officer)	Nil	N/A	N/A

7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

  A.         Major shareholders

The Company's authorized capital consists of 100,000,000 (2010-75,000,000) common shares without par value, of which 58,316,532 common shares were issued and outstanding as at December 31, 2011.

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 exhibit 99.4 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements Years ended and as at December 31, 2011 and 2010, specifically note 20 “Related party transaction”.

   C.         Interests of experts and counsel

 Not Applicable.

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8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

A1 – A3. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

See exhibit 99.4 Audited Consolidated Statements Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 to this Form 20-F.

A4. – A6.

Not applicable

A7. Litigation

None.

A8. Dividend Policy

Our Company has not paid any dividends during its history. 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.

B.     Significant Changes

   None.

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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 share prices (in Canadian dollars) for the Company’s common shares on the Toronto Stock 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		OTC BB
			(CDN. Dollars)		(U.S. Dollars)
			High	Low	High	Low
a)	2011		0.96	0.44	0.95	0.43
	2010		0.84	0.50	0.80	0.42
	2009		1.04	0.40	0.99	0.32
	2008		1.59	0.46	1.60	0.38
	2007		1.09	0.59	0.98	0.49
b)	2011
	Fourth quarter		0.53	0.44	0.53	0.43
	Third quarter		0.62	0.49	0.65	0.50
	Second quarter		0.77	0.60	0.78	0.60
	First Quarter		0.96	0.50	0.95	0.55
	2010
	Fourth quarter		0.67	0.60	0.66	0.42
	Third quarter		0.68	0.52	0.66	0.50
	Second quarter		0.82	0.60	0.80	0.50
	First Quarter		0.87	0.67	0.95	0.62
c)	Last 6 Months
	February	2012	0.54	0.49	0.55	0.49
	January	2012	0.53	0.47	0.50	0.48
	December	2011	0.50	0.44	0.49	0.43
	November	2011	0.53	0.47	0.50	0.47
	October	2011	0.53	0.50	0.53	0.48
	September	2011	0.59	0.51	0.57	0.51

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10. Additional Information

A.           Share capital

Not applicable

B.           Memorandum and Articles of Association

Incorporation

The Company was incorporated on October 15, 1982 under the Company 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. Effective March 28, 2006, Norsat was registered under the BC Business Corporation Act (the “Act”). On June 30, 2011, the Company filed a Notice of Change of Articles on EDGAR and filed its updated articles under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (“BCA”). The amendments principally reflect the provisions of the BCA that modernize British Columbia corporate legislation. The New Articles do not include a number of provisions in the existing articles that are now covered by the BCA to avoid the possibility of conflict or the possibility of having to comply both with the statutory provision and a corresponding but different provision in the new articles and include the use of the new terminology adopted under the BCA.

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 that they consider appropriate;

b)   issue bonds, debentures and other debt obligations either outright or as security for any liability or obligation of the Company or any other persons and at such discounts or premiums and on such other terms as the directors consider appropriate; and

c)   guarantee the repayment of money by any other person or the performance of any obligation of any other person; and

d)   mortgage, charge, whether by way of specific or floating charge, grant a security interest in, or give other security on the whole or any part of the present and future assets and undertaking of the Company.

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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.

Share Capital

The authorized share capital of our Company consists of 100,000,000 (2010 -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 its history. 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 two-thirds majority of the votes 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 preceding 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.

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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.

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 incorporation 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

The only material contracts entered into by the Corporation, other than contracts entered into in the normal course of business, are as follows:

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On January 21, 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with the shareholders of Sinclair Technologies Holdings Inc. (“Sinclair”), a leading provider of antenna and radio frequency conditioning products, to purchase all the shares of Sinclair. The Company appended the related purchase and sale agreement as an exhibit in the Company’s 2010 Annual Report.

D.           Exchange controls

To the best of the Company's knowledge, 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 Company’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 Company) pursuant to Article X of the reciprocal tax treaty between Canada and the United States.

Except as provided in the Investment Canada 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 Company on the right of foreigners to hold or vote the Common Shares of the Company.

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.

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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

Subject to the passive foreign investment company (PFIC) rules, upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of common shares, a United States Holder will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between his or her adjusted tax basis in his or her shares and the amount realized on the disposition. A United States Holder's adjusted tax basis in the common shares will generally be the initial cost, but may be adjusted for various reasons including the receipt by such United States Holder of a distribution that was not made up wholly of earning and profits as described above under the heading "Treatment of Dividend Distributions”. A United States Holder that uses the cash method of accounting calculates the dollar value of the proceeds received on the sale date as of the date that the sale settles, while a United States Holder who uses the accrual method of accounting is required to calculate the value of the proceeds of the sale as of the "trade date," unless he or she has elected to use the settlement date to determine his or her proceeds of sale. Capital gain from the sale, exchange or other disposition of shares held more than one year is long-term capital gain and is eligible for a maximum 15% rate of taxation for non-corporate taxpayers. Absent legislative action to extend the current rates, such maximum rate will increase to 20% for long-term capital gain that is recognized after 2012. A reduced rate does not apply to capital gains realized by a United States Holder that is a corporation. Capital losses are generally deductible only against capital gains and not against ordinary income. In the case of an individual, however, unused capital losses in excess of capital gains may offset up to $3,000 annually of ordinary income. Gain or loss recognized by a United States Holder on a sale, exchange or other disposition of common shares generally will be treated as U.S. source income or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. A United States Holder who receives foreign currency upon disposition of common shares and converts the foreign currency into U.S. dollars subsequent to receipt will have foreign exchange gain or loss based on any appreciation or depreciation in the value of the foreign currency against the U.S. dollar. United States Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the treatment of a foreign currency gain or loss.

Treatment of Dividend Distributions

Subject to the passive foreign investment company (PFIC) rules, in the event that we pay a dividend, a United States Holder will be required to include in gross income as ordinary income the amount of any distribution paid on common shares, including any Canadian taxes withheld from the amount paid, on the date the distribution is received, to the extent that the distribution is paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, distributions of the Company's current or accumulated earnings and profits will be foreign source "passive category income" for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes and will not qualify for the dividends received deduction available to corporations. Distributions in excess of such earnings and profits will be applied against and will reduce the United States Holder's tax basis in the common shares and, to the extent in excess of such basis, will be treated as capital gain.

Distributions of current or accumulated earnings and profits paid in Canadian dollars to a United States Holder will be includible in the income of the United States Holder in a dollar amount calculated by reference to the exchange rate on the date the distribution is received. A United States Holder who receives a distribution of Canadian dollars and converts the Canadian dollars into U.S. dollars subsequent to receipt will have foreign exchange gain or loss based on any appreciation or depreciation in the value of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar. Such gain or loss will generally be ordinary income and loss and will generally be U.S. source gain or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. United States Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the treatment of a foreign currency gain or loss.

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United States Holders will generally have the option of claiming the amount of any Canadian income taxes withheld either as a deduction from gross income or as a dollar-for-dollar credit against their U.S. federal income tax liability, subject to specified conditions and limitations. Individuals who do not claim itemized deductions, but instead utilize the standard deduction, may not claim a deduction for the amount of the Canadian income taxes withheld, but these individuals generally may still claim a credit against their U.S. federal income tax liability. The amount of foreign income taxes that may be claimed as a credit in any year is subject to complex limitations and restrictions, which must be determined on an individual basis by each shareholder. The total amount of allowable foreign tax credits in any year cannot exceed the pre-credit U.S. tax liability for the year attributable to foreign source taxable income and further limitations may apply under the alternative minimum tax. A United States Holder will be denied a foreign tax credit with respect to Canadian income tax withheld from dividends received on common shares to the extent that he or she has not held the common shares for at least 15 days of the 31-day period beginning on the date which is 15 days before the ex-dividend date or to the extent that he or she is under an obligation to make related payments with respect to substantially similar or related property. Instead, a deduction may be allowed. Any days during which a United States Holder has substantially diminished his or her risk of loss on his or her common shares are not counted toward meeting the 16-day holding period.

Subject to possible future changes in U.S. tax law, individuals, estates or trusts who receive "qualified dividend income" (excluding dividends from a PFIC) in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2002 and before January 1, 2013 generally will be taxed at a maximum U.S. federal rate of 15% (rather than the higher tax rates generally applicable to items of ordinary income) provided certain holding period requirements are met. Subject to the discussion of the PFIC rules below, the company believes that dividends paid by it with respect to its common shares should constitute "qualified dividend income" for United States federal income tax purposes and that holders who are individuals (as well as certain trusts and estates) should be entitled to the reduced rates of tax, as applicable. Absent legislative action to extend the current rates, dividends paid after 2012 will be subject to tax, as ordinary income, at rates up to 39.6%. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the impact of the "qualified dividend income" provisions of the Internal Revenue Code on their particular situations, including related restrictions and special rules.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Payments made within the United States, or by a U.S. payer or U.S. middleman, of dividends and proceeds arising from certain sales or other taxable dispositions of common shares will be subject to information reporting. Backup withholding tax, at the then applicable rate, will apply if a United States Holder (a) fails to furnish the United States Holder's correct U.S. taxpayer identification number (generally on Form W-9), (b) is notified by the IRS that the United States Holder has previously failed to properly report items subject to backup withholding tax, or (c) fails to certify, under penalty of perjury, that the United States Holder has furnished the United States Holder's correct U.S. taxpayer identification number and that the IRS has not notified the United States Holder that the United States Holder is subject to backup withholding tax. However, United States Holders that are corporations generally are excluded from these information reporting and backup withholding tax rules. Any amounts withheld under the U.S. backup withholding tax rules will be allowed as a credit against a United States Holder's U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, or will be refunded, if the United States Holder follows the requisite procedures and timely furnishes the required information to the IRS. United States Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the information reporting and backup withholding tax rules.

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Recently enacted legislation requires U.S. individuals to report an interest in any "specified foreign financial asset" if the aggregate value of such assets owned by the U.S. individual exceeds $50,000 (or such higher amount as the IRS may prescribe in future guidance). Stock issued by a foreign corporation is treated as a specified foreign financial asset for this purpose.

Non-United States Holders generally are not subject to information reporting or back-up withholding with respect to dividends paid on or upon the disposition of shares, provided in some instances that the non-United States Holder provides a taxpayer identification number, certifies to his foreign status or otherwise establishes an exemption.

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 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.

63

Taxation of Capital Gains on Sale of Common Shares

A U.S. Holder will not be subject to tax under the Canadian Tax Act in respect of any capital gain realized on the disposition or deemed disposition of common shares unless the common shares constitute or are deemed to constitute "taxable Canadian property" other than "treaty-protected property", as defined in the Canadian Tax Act, at the time of such disposition. Generally, common shares will not be "taxable Canadian property" to a U.S. Holder at a particular time, where the common shares are listed on a designated stock exchange (which currently includes the TSX and NYSE) at that time, unless at any time during the 60-month period immediately preceding that time: (A) the U.S. Holder, persons with whom the U.S. Holder did not deal at arm's length, or the U.S. Holder together with all such persons, owned 25% or more of the issued shares of any class or series of shares of the capital stock of Norsat; and (B) more than 50% of the fair market value of the common shares was derived directly or indirectly from one or any combination of (i) real or immoveable properties situated in Canada, (ii) "Canadian resource properties", (iii) "timber resource properties" and (iv) options in respect of, or interests in, property described in (i) to (iii), in each case as defined in the Canadian Tax Act. In certain circumstances set out in the Canadian Tax Act, the common shares of a particular U.S. Holder could be deemed to be "taxable Canadian property" to that holder. Even if the common shares are "taxable Canadian property" to a U.S. Holder, they generally will be "treaty-protected property" to such holder by virtue of the Tax Treaty if the value of such shares at the time of disposition is not derived principally from "real property situated in Canada" as defined for these purposes under the Tax Treaty and the Canadian Tax Act. Consequently, on the basis that the value of the common shares should not be considered to derive or to have derived their value principally from such "real property situated in Canada" at any relevant time, any gain realized by the U.S. Holder upon the disposition of the commons shares generally will be exempt from tax under the Canadian Tax Act.

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, 2011 and subsequent interim financial statements of the Company may be obtained, upon request, from the Chief Financial Officer of the Company. The Company may require the payment of a reasonable fee in respect of a request made by a person who is not a security holder 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. The public may read and copy any materials the Company files with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at (800) SEC 0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.

64

We are required to file reports and other information with the securities commissions in British Columbia and Ontario. You are invited to read and copy any reports, statements or other information, other than confidential filings, that we file with those 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 (Information Circular) 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., 110 – 4020 Viking Way, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada V6V 2L4 Attention: Chief Financial Officer.

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’s financial assets include cash and cash equivalents, short term investments, trade and other receivables, and contract work-in-progress.  The Company’s financial liabilities include trade and other accounts payable, accrued liabilities, interest bearing loans and borrowings, and promissory note payable.

The Company has classified its cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, trade and other receivables, and contract work-in-progress as loans and receivables, measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. Accounts payable, interest bearing loans and borrowings, promissory note payable and accrued liabilities are classified as other financial liabilities, measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.

The carrying value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities is considered to be a reasonable approximation of fair value due to their immediate or short term maturity, or their ability for liquidation at comparable amounts.

The Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange risk as a result of its operating expenses being predominately denominated in Canadian Dollars. A stronger Canadian dollar increases expenses when translated into United States Dollars. The Company does not engage in any formal hedging transactions.

Foreign Exchange Effect on the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income.  The Company’s revenues and cost of sales are predominately denominated in U.S. dollars and the Company’s 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 the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income.

65

Foreign Exchange Effect on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.  Non -U.S. dollar denominated balance sheet accounts are translated into U.S. dollars at the year-end exchange rate for monetary items such as accounts receivable, accounts payable, and cash and cash equivalents, 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 Earnings and Comprehensive Income.

Risks Associated with Current Market Conditions

Management believes that there is minimal impact on the Company from the current global credit crisis. The majority of the Company’s trade accounts receivables is generated from various military customers and is not believed to be at risk of default. The balance of the amounts owing are spread over a fairly large range of customers. While the risk of default from commercial customers is higher than government accounts, management feels that the likelihood of default is very low.  Management is cognizant of the extent of the current credit crisis and will remain vigilant in the Company’s credit granting practices.

The current recessionary trends coupled with the Company’s strong financial position represent an opportunity for accelerating growth through strategic acquisitions that may be immediately accretive to shareholders. In addition, management continues to seek ways to grow the Company organically in a controlled and steady manner.

The Company’s capital resources as at December 31, 2011, included cash. Cash flows are funded primarily through operations and, where necessary, liquidity requirements may be funded through the use of a standby line of credit, issuance of debt, and/or equity.

The Company has a secured operating line of credit with HSBC Bank Canada (the “Bank”) of Cdn$3.5 million or US$2.8 million subject to interest rate at the Bank’s prime rate plus 1.35% per annum for amounts outstanding in Canadian dollars and/or the Bank’s U.S. base rate plus 1.35% per annum for amounts outstanding in U.S. dollars. The operating line of credit is payable upon demand by the Bank. As at December 31, 2011, the Company had no borrowings outstanding with respect to the operating line of credit (December 31, 2010 - $nil).

The Company also has an additional revolving demand note with HSBC Bank USA in the principal amount of US$950,000, subject to an interest rate of prime plus 1.5% per annum and payable upon demand. As at December 31, 2011, the Company had no borrowing outstanding with respect to the revolving demand note (December 31, 2010 - $nil).

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. 

66

15. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that all relevant information is gathered and reported to senior management, including the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), on a timely basis so that appropriate decisions can be made regarding public disclosure.  The CEO and the CFO have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures related to the preparation of the MD&A and the Consolidated financial statements. They have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective, at a reasonable assurance level.

Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.

Internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS and the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in the United States, as applicable. Norsat’s CEO and CFO have assessed the effectiveness of the our internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2011, in accordance with Internal Control over Financial Reporting – Guidance for Smaller Public Companies issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, Norsat’s CEO and CFO have determined that our internal control over financial reporting is effective as at December 31, 2011.

While the Company’s CEO and CFO believe that the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting provide a reasonable level of assurance that they are effective, they do not expect that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived or operated, can only provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.

Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

16.           [Reserved]

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16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert

Reference is made to “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. James Topham has been determined to be such audit committee financial expert.  The Commission has indicated that the designation of Mr. Topham as an audit committee financial expert does not make Mr.Topham an “expert” for any other purpose, impose any duties, obligations or liability on Mr. Topham 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. Mr. Topham is “independent” as that term is defined in the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market. As a result, Mr. Topham serves as the chair of the audit committee of Norsat.

16B. 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, in carrying out their responsibilities is posted on the Company web site at www.norsat.com under the heading Investors, Corporate Governance, Corporate Policies.

16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The following table sets forth fees paid by the Company to Grant Thornton LLP in 2011 and 2010 (fees paid are in Canadian Dollars):

	Audit Fees	Audit Related Fees	All Other Fees	Total
2011	$189,263	$142,275	$-	$331,538
2010	$170,364	$73,500	$-	$243,864

Audit fees are for the audit of the annual consolidated financial statements. Audit related fees are primarily for services related to review of other statutory filings and conversion to International Financial Reporting Standards.

16D. Exemptions from the listing standards for Audit Committees

Not applicable

16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer

The Company obtained regulatory approval to commence a normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”) to purchase up to a maximum of 5,269,674 of its common shares, representing approximately 10% of the public float as of August 17, 2010, through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX"). Norsat’s total issued and outstanding common shares were 53,440,245 as of August 17, 2010.

The NCIB commenced on August 30, 2010 and was terminated on August 29, 2011 The price paid for any common shares acquired will be the market price at the time of purchase and all common shares purchased under the normal course issuer bid have been cancelled.

68

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, the Company repurchased 51,000 common shares at a weighted average share price Cdn$0.53 ($0.55) per share under the terms of the NCIB.  Other than the period described above, there were no other repurchases under the terms of normal course issuer bid. Fees relating to the normal course issuer bid of $260 reduced share capital. The effects of the shares repurchased during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 resulted in a decrease in share capital of $35,113 and a net increase in retained earnings of $7,199. The cost of such shares are allocated to Share Capital in the amount equal to the assigned value of the shares, and the difference between the assigned value and the cost of shares repurchased to retained earnings.

16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

The Company reports in this current report a change in certifying accountants. Effective March 29 2010, the Company’s certifying accountant, Ernst &Young LLP was asked to resign as the Registrant's independent registered public accounting firm.

(a)(1) Previous Independent Accountant

(i) The Registrant reports a change in certifying accountants, which involved Ernst &Young LLP resigning as the Registrant's independent registered public accounting firm effective March 29, 2010.

(ii) Ernst &Young LLP issued a report on the Registrant's consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009. The report did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, and was not modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.

(iii) The decision to change accountants was approved by the audit committee and board of directors of the Company on March 12, 2010.

(iv)  In connection with the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2009 through the date of dismissal, there were no disagreements, resolved or not, with Ernst &Young LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure which disagreement(s), if not resolved to the satisfaction of Ernst &Young LLP, would have caused them to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement(s) in connection with its reports on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

(v) None of the reportable events described in Item 16F (a)(1)(v) (A) through (D) occurred within The Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 and subsequently up to the date of dismissal.

(a)(2) Engagement of New Independent Accountant.

Effective on March 29, 2010, the Company engaged Grant Thornton LLP as its independent accountant to audit the Registrant's consolidated financial statements for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. During the two most recent fiscal years and the subsequent interim period, the Company's new independent accountant, Grant Thornton LLP, had not been engaged by the Company to consult on any application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed; or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on The Company’s financial statements, and neither a written report was provided to The Company or oral advice; or any matter that was the subject of a disagreement as described in Item 16F(a)(1)(iv), or a reportable event as described in 16F(a)(1)(v).

69

(a)(3) The Company has provided Ernst & Young LLP with a copy of the disclosures it is making in response to this Item. The Company has requested Ernst & Young LLP to furnish a letter addressed to the Commission stating whether it agrees with the statements made by the Company in (a)(1)(i) and (ii) above and, if not, stating the respects in which Ernst & Young LLP does not agree. The Registrant has filed the letter as exhibit 19(4.5) in the Company’s 2010 Form 20-F previously file under EDGAR and SEDAR, dated April 4, 2011.

16G. Corporate Governance

The Company does not have any significant ways in which its corporate governance practices differ from those followed by domestic listed companies in the United States following SEC listing standards.

PART III

17. Financial Statements

Not applicable.

18. Financial Statements

Not applicable.

70

19. Exhibits

		Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit No.	Description	Form	Filing Date	Film No.	Exhibit No.	Filed as  exhibits to this Form 20-F
1.1	Articles of Incorporation	6K	June 30, 2011	11941737	99.1
1.2	Notice of Change of Articles	6K	June 30, 2011	11941737	99.2
4.1	Share Purchase Agreement dated January 18, 2011 for the acquisition of Sinclair Technologies Holdings Inc.	6K	February 3, 2011	11570932
4.2	Letter on Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant	6K	April 13, 2010	10746721	99.2
99.1	Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, CEO and CFO					X
99.2	Certification required by Rule 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, CEO					X
99.3	Certification required by Rule 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, CFO					X
99.4	Audited Consolidated Financial Statements Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010					X

 

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 annual report on its behalf.
		Norsat International Inc.
		(Registrant)
		“Arthur Chin”
Date:	March 9, 2012	Arthur Chin, Chief Financial Officer

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EX-99.1

 

Exhibit 99.1 to Form 20-F submission for Norsat International Inc.

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, each of the undersigned officers of Norsat International Inc.(the “Company”) hereby certifies that to his or her knowledge, a) the annual report for the period ended December 31, 2011 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and (b) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: March 9, 2012

“Amiee Chan”

Amiee Chan

President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: March 9, 2012

“Arthur Chin”

Arthur Chin

Chief Financial Officer

EX-99.2

Exhibit 99.2 to Form 20-F submission for Norsat International Inc.

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SECTION 13(a) or 15(d) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT

I, Amiee Chan, 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 report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The company’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)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company 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 company, 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) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’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 company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	March 9, 2012	“Amiee Chan”
		Amiee Chan
		President & Chief Executive Officer

 

EX-99.3

 Exhibit 99.3 to Form 20-F submission for Norsat International Inc.

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SECTION 13(a) or 15(d) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT

I, Arthur Chin, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F 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 report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The company'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)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company 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 company, 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) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’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 company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	March 9, 2012	“Arthur Chin”
		Arthur Chin
		Chief Financial Officer

EX-99.4

Exhibit 99.4 to Form 20-F submission for Norsat International Inc.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

1

Norsat International Inc.

Table of Contents

Report of independent auditors	3
Consolidated statements of financial position	5
Consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income	6
Consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity	7
Consolidated statements of cash flows	8
Notes to the consolidated financial statements	9
1. Nature of business	9
2. Basis of preparation	9
3. Significant accounting policies	9
4. Cost of sales and expenses	23
5. Business combination	23
6. Capital disclosures	26
7. Financial instruments and risk exposures	27
8. Government contributions	29
9. Inventory	30
10. Property and equipment	31
11. Intangible asset	32
12. Operating line of credit	32
13. Acquisition loan	32
14. Warranty	33
15. Share capital	34
16. Earnings per share	38
17. Income taxes	39
18. Segmented information	41
19. Supplemental cash flow and other disclosures	43
20. Related party transactions	43
21. Commitments and contingencies	44
22. Comparative figures	44
23. Transition to IFRS	44

2

3

4

Norsat International Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

(Expressed in US Dollars)

                “ Fabio Doninelli”

       “ James Topham”

                 Board of Director                           

                         Board of Director  

5

Norsat International Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income

(Expressed in US Dollars)

6

Norsat International Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

(Expressed in US Dollars)

7

Norsat International Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Expressed in US Dollars)

8

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

1.  Nature of Business

The Company is incorporated under the laws of British Columbia, Canada, and its registered office is Suite 110 – 4020 Viking Way, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada.

The Company is a leading provider of communication solutions that enable the transmission of data, audio and video in remote and austere environments. The Company’s products and services include Radio Frequency (“RF”) antennas and filters, portable satellite systems, microwave components, maritime systems and remote network systems.

The Company’s business operates primarily through three business segments – Antenna and Radio Frequency Conditioning Products (Sinclair Technologies), Satellite Solutions and Microwave Products.  The Company also has two additional segments which have limited activity – Maritime Solutions and Remote Network Solutions.

2.  Basis of Preparation

The consolidated financial statements, including comparatives, have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and IFRS 1 “First Time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards”. The Company’s first annual consolidated financial statements under IFRS are presented for the year ended December 31, 2011.

The Company’s date of transition to IFRS and its opening IFRS balance sheet is as at January 1, 2010.

These consolidated financial statements are presented in United States Dollars, except when otherwise indicated.

The consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011, including comparatives, were approved by the board of directors on March 8, 2012.

3.  Significant Accounting Policies

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for revaluation of certain financial instruments. The Company’s principal accounting policies are outlined below:

a)

Basis of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company’s significant subsidiaries are as follows:

Ø

Norsat International (America), Inc.

Ø

Norsat International (United Kingdom) Ltd.

Ø

Norsat S.A.

Ø

Sinclair Technologies Holdings Inc.

Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date of acquisition, being the date on which the Company obtains control, and continue to be consolidated until the date that such control ceases. The financial statements of the subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting period as the parent company, using consistent accounting policies. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

9

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

b)

Business Combinations and Goodwill

Business combinations that occurred prior to January 1, 2010 were not accounted for in accordance with IFRS 3 Business Combinations and IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements in

accordance with the IFRS 1 First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards exemption discussed further in note 23.

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of the business combination is measured as the aggregate of the consideration transferred, measured at the acquisition date at fair value and the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. For each business combination, the acquirer measures the non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at fair value or at the appropriate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. The acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities that meet the conditions for recognition under IFRS 3 Business Combinations are recognized at their fair values at the acquisition date. Acquisition costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.  

Goodwill is initially measured at cost being the excess of the consideration transferred over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If the consideration transferred is lower than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognized immediately in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income.

After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.

c)

Use of Estimates and Management Judgement

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.  Actual amounts may ultimately differ from these estimates.

The following are significant management judgments, estimates and assumptions in applying the accounting policies of the Company that have the most significant effect on recognition and measurement of assets, liabilities, income and expenses:

Recognition of deferred tax assets

The extent to which deferred tax assets can be recognized is based on an assessment of the probability of the Company’s future taxable income against which the deferred tax assets can be utilized. In addition, significant judgement is required in assessing the impact of any legal or economic limits or uncertainties in various tax jurisdictions.

Recognition of service and contract revenues

Determining when to recognize revenues from after-sales services requires an understanding of the customer’s use of the related products, historical experience and knowledge of the market. Recognizing construction contract revenue also requires significant judgement in determining milestones, actual work performed and the estimated costs to complete the work.

Selling prices of multi-element sales arrangements

Determining selling prices for multi-element arrangement follows a hierarchy of selling prices. If vendor specific objective evidence and third party evidence of selling price do not exist, then management’s best estimate of selling price for the deliverable is used. This requires significant judgement in determining the selling price based on an understanding of the customer’s use of the related product or service, historical experience and knowledge of the market.

10

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

Impairment of long-lived assets

In assessing impairment, management estimates the recoverable amount of each asset or cash generating units based on expected future cash flows and uses an interest rate to discount them. Estimation uncertainty relates to assumptions about future operating results and the determination of a suitable discount rate.

Useful lives of depreciable assets

The Company reviews its estimate of the useful lives of depreciable assets at each reporting date, based on the expected utilization of the assets. Uncertainties in these estimates relate to technical obsolescence that may change the utilization of certain software and equipment.

Inventories

The Company estimates the net realizable values of inventories, taking into account the most reliable evidence available at each reporting date. The future realization of these inventories may be affected by future technology or other market-driven changes that may reduce future selling prices.

Business combinations

The Company uses valuation techniques in determining fair values of the various elements of a business combination based on future expected cash flows and a discount rate. Estimation uncertainty relates to assumptions about future operating results and the determination of a suitable discount rate.

Share-based payment

The Company measures the cost of equity settled transactions by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments at the date at which they are granted. Estimating fair value for share-based payment transactions requires determining the most appropriate valuation model, which is dependent on the terms and conditions of the grant. This estimate also requires determining the most appropriate inputs to the valuation model including the expected life of the share option, volatility and dividend yield and making assumptions about them.

Provision for warranties

The Company provides for warranty expenses by setting aside a percentage of sales towards the warranty provision account. The percentage is based on the Company’s historical warranty claims. Uncertainty relates to the timing and amount of actual warranty claims that can vary from the Company’s estimation.

Allowance account for credit losses

The Company provides for bad debt by setting aside a percentage of sales towards the allowance account based on historical default experience. Uncertainty relates to the actual collectivity of customer balances that can vary from the Company’s estimation.

d)

Foreign Currency Translation

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are presented in United States dollars, which is also the Company’s functional currency. Each entity of the Company determines its own functional currency and items included in the financial statements of each entity are measured using that functional currency and presented in United States dollars.

Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded by the Company’s entities at their respective functional currency rates prevailing at the date of transaction.

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the functional currency spot rate of exchange prevailing at the reporting date.

11

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical costs in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates as at the dates of the initial transactions. Non-monetary items measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates as at the date when fair value is determined.

Statement of earnings items are translated at the rate in effect at the time of the transaction and for the subsidiaries, are translated using average exchange rates for the period where the rates do not fluctuate

significantly and the rate in effect on the date of the transaction where the rate over the period does fluctuate significantly.

All gains and losses on translation of these foreign currency transactions are included in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income.

e)

Share-Based Payments

The Company grants stock options to buy common shares of the Company to directors, senior officers, employees and service providers pursuant to an incentive share option plan described in note 15. The Board of Directors grants such options for periods of up to 5 years, with vesting periods determined at its sole discretion and at prices equal to the closing market price on the day the options were granted.

Under this method, the Company recognizes compensation expense for stock options awarded based on the fair value of the options at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of the options is amortized over the vesting period and is included in selling and distributing, general and administrative, and product development expenses with a corresponding increase in equity. The amount recognized as an expense is adjusted to reflect the number of share options expected to eventually vest.

f)

Cash and Cash Equivalents   

Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid interest bearing term deposits that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with terms to maturity of up to 3 months. The cash and cash equivalents act as the Company’s primary source of cash and fluctuate directly as a result of its cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities.

g)

Short-Term Investments

Included in short-term investments are restricted securities typically with terms of maturity of three months or more, but one year or less when acquired.  

h)

Allowance Account for Credit Losses

All of the Company’s trade and other receivables have been reviewed for indicators of impairment. The Company maintains an allowance account for credit losses for estimated losses that may arise if any of its customers are unable to make required payments. Management provides for bad debts by setting aside a percentage of sales towards the allowance account. The percentage is based on the Company’s historical default experience and is reviewed periodically to ensure consistency with default experience. In addition, periodically throughout the fiscal year, management specifically analyzes the age of outstanding customer balances, historical bad debt experience, customer credit-worthiness and changes in customer payment terms to evaluate estimates of collectability of the Company’s trade and other receivables balance. The allowance set aside is then adjusted to align with the specific analysis performed.

12

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

i)

Prepaid Expenses and Other

Included in short-term prepaid expenses and other are prepayments related to materials, insurance premiums and other deposits required in the normal course of business which are less than one year.

Long-term prepaid expenses and other include other deposits of greater than one year.

j)

Inventories

Parts and supplies inventory is stated at the lower of weighted average cost and net realizable value.  Finished goods and work in process inventories include parts and supplies, 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.  When there is a significant change in economic circumstances, inventory that had been previously written down below cost may be written back up provided the reversal does not exceed the original write-down.

k)

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost less applicable tax credits, government assistance, and net of accumulated depreciation. Amortization of property and equipment is recorded on a straight-line basis at the following annual rates, which approximate the useful lives of the assets:

Assets	Period
Equipment	3 to 5 years
Furniture and fixtures	5 to 10 years
Leasehold improvements	Shorter of term of lease or useful life

When significant parts of property and equipment are required to be replaced in intervals, the Company recognizes such parts as individual assets with specific useful lives and depreciation, respectively. When a major inspection is performed, its cost is recognized in the carrying amount of the property and equipment as a replacement if the recognition criteria are satisfied. All other repair and maintenance costs are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income as incurred.

The assets’ residual values, useful lives and methods of depreciation are reviewed at each financial year end.

l)

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets acquired separately are measured on initial recognition at cost. The cost of intangible assets acquired in a business combination is its fair value as at the date of acquisition. Following initial recognition, intangible assets are carried at cost less any accumulated amortization and any accumulated impairment losses.

The useful lives of intangible assets are assessed as either finite or indefinite.

Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over the useful economic life and assessed for impairment whenever there is an indication that the intangible asset may be impaired. The amortization period and the amortization method for an intangible asset with a finite useful life is reviewed at least at each financial year end.  Changes in the expected useful life or the expected pattern of consumption of future economic benefits embodied in the asset is accounted for by changing the amortization period

13

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

or method, as appropriate, and are treated as changes in accounting estimates. The amortization expense on intangible assets with finite lives is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings  and Comprehensive Income.

Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are tested for impairment annually, either individually or at cash generating unit level. The assessment of indefinite life is reviewed annually to determine whether the indefinite life continues to be supportable. If not, the change in useful life from indefinite to finite is made on a prospective basis.

Gains or losses arising from disposal of an intangible asset are measured as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income when the asset is derecognized.

The Company records amortization of intangible assets on a straight-line basis at the following annual rates, which approximate the useful lives of the assets:

Assets	Period
Software	1 to 3 years
Customer relationships	5 to 12 years
Product designs	20 years
Brand	Indefinite
Other	1.5 to 15 years

Brand is developed through years of advertising, promotional campaign and customer satisfaction. It contains beneficial elements to the Company that have been created over time and continue to create value to the Company. Hence, brand which reflects consumer awareness and recognition is considered indefinite in nature.  

m)

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company assesses at each reporting date whether there is an indication that an asset may be impaired. If any indication exists, or when annual impairment testing for an asset is required, the Company estimates the asset’s recoverable amount.

The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s or cash-generating unit’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. For an asset that does not generate largely independent cash inflows, the recoverable amount is determined for the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of an asset, or its cash-generating unit, exceeds its recoverable amount. A cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. Impairment losses are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income.

An impairment loss is reversed if there is an indication that an impairment loss recognized in prior periods may no longer exist. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, if no impairment loss had been recognized previously. Such reversal is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income.

14

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

The following criteria are also applied in assessing impairment of specific assets:

Goodwill is tested for impairment annually or when circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired. Impairment is determined for goodwill by assessing the recoverable amount of each cash-generating unit to which the goodwill relates. Where the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit is less than their carrying amount an impairment loss is recognized to the extent the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount. Impairment losses relating to goodwill are not reversed in future periods.

Intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested for impairment annually either individually or at the cash generating unit level, as appropriate, or when circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired.

n)

Deferred Revenue

Revenue that has been paid for by customers but will qualify for recognition within the next year under the Company’s policies is reflected in current liabilities as deferred revenue (revenue that can be recognized in one year or less).  Included in deferred revenue are amounts related to installation, training, extended warranty, and post contract support associated with the sale of the Company’s products.

Revenue that has been paid for by customers but will not qualify for recognition within the next year under the Company’s policies is reflected in non-current liabilities as long-term deferred revenue (revenue that can be recognized in more than one year). Included in long-term deferred revenue are extended warranty and other services provided by the Company to its customers.  

o)

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is comprised of net earnings for the period and other comprehensive income. Included in accumulated other comprehensive income are unrealized foreign exchange amounts on the translation of certain subsidiaries’ functional currency to United States dollars.

p)

Financial Instruments

Financial assets

Financial assets are classified into one of four categories:

Ø

financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”);

Ø

held-to-maturity investments;

Ø

loans and receivables; and

Ø

available-for-sale financial assets.

The Company determines the classification of its financial assets at initial recognition, depending on the nature and purpose of the financial asset.

All financial assets, except financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, are recognized initially at fair value plus directly attributable transaction costs.

The Company’s financial assets include cash and cash equivalents, short term investments, and trade and other receivables.

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.

15

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

The subsequent measurement of financial assets depends on their classification as follows:

i.

Financial assets at FVTPL

Financial assets are classified as FVTPL when the financial asset is held for trading or is designated upon initial recognition as FVTPL. Financial assets are classified as held for trading if they are acquired for the purpose of selling or repurchasing in the near term, it is part of an identified portfolio of financial instruments that are managed together and for which there is evidence of a recent actual pattern of short-term profit taking or it is a derivative that is not designated as an effective hedging instrument.

Financial assets classified as FVTPL are carried in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income.

The Company has not designated any financial assets as FVTPL.

ii.

Held-to-maturity investments

Non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments and fixed maturities are classified as held-to-maturity when the Company has the positive intention and ability to hold it to maturity. After initial measurement held-to-maturity investments are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The losses arising from impairment are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income.

The Company has not designated any financial assets as held-to-maturity investments.

iii.

Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. After initial measurement, such financial assets are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The impairment loss of receivables is based on a review of all outstanding amounts periodically throughout the fiscal year. Bad debts are written off during the period in which they are identified. The losses arising from impairment are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income. Interest income is recognized by applying the effective interest rate.

The effective interest method calculates the amortized cost of a financial asset and allocates interest income over the corresponding period. The effective interest rate is the rate that discounts estimated future cash receipts over the expected life of the financial asset, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.

The Company has classified cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, and trade and other receivables as loans and receivables.

iv.

Available-for-sale financial assets

Non-derivative financial assets are designated as available–for-sale or are prescribed to this classification if not classified as (a) loans and receivables, (b) held-to-maturity investments or (c) financial assets at fair value through profit or loss. After initial measurement, available-for-sale financial assets are subsequently measured at fair value with unrealized gains or losses recognized as other comprehensive income in the available-for-sale reserve until the investment is derecognized, at which time the cumulative gain or loss is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income and removed from the available-for-sale reserve.

16

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

The Company has not designated any financial assets as available-for-sale assets.

v.

De-recognition

A financial asset is derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired.

vi.

Impairment of financial assets

Financial assets, other than those at FVTPL, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting date. Financial assets are impaired when there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows of the investment have been impacted.

Objective evidence of impairment could include the following:

Ø

significant financial difficulty of the issuer or counterparty;

Ø

default or delinquency in interest or principal payments; or

Ø

it has become probable that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganization.

For financial assets carried at amortized cost, the amount of the impairment is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of the estimated future cash flows, discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate.

The carrying amount of all financial assets, excluding trade receivables, is directly reduced by the impairment loss. The carrying amount of trade receivables are reduced through the use of an allowance account. When a trade receivable is considered uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance account. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against the allowance account. Changes in the carrying amount of the allowance account are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income.

Financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are classified as either financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss or other financial liabilities. The Company determines the classification of its financial liabilities at initial recognition. All financial liabilities are recognized initially at fair value, net of transaction cost except FVTPL.  

The financial liabilities include trade and other payables, accrued liabilities, interest bearing loans and borrowings, and promissory note payable.

Subsequent measurement of financial liabilities depends on their classification as follows:

i.

FVTPL

FVTPL include financial liabilities held for trading and financial liabilities designated upon initial recognition as at fair value through profit or loss.

Financial liabilities are classified as held for trading if they are acquired for the purpose of selling in the near term. This category includes derivative instruments that are not designated as hedging instruments in hedge relationships as defined by IAS 39. Gains and losses on liabilities held for trading are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income.

17

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

The Company has not designated any financial liabilities upon initial recognition as FVTPL.

ii.

Other financial liabilities

After initial recognition at fair value less transaction costs, other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.

The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortized cost of a financial liability and of allocating interest expense over the corresponding period. The effective interest rate is the rate that discounts estimated future cash payments over the expected life of the financial liability.

Gains and losses are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income.

The Company has classified trade and other payables, accrued liabilities and interest bearing loans and borrowings and promissory note payable as other financial liabilities.

iii.

De-recognition

A financial liability is derecognized when the obligation under the liability is discharged, cancelled, or expired.

The carrying value of financial liabilities approximates their fair value due to their immediate or short-term to maturity, or their ability for liquidation at comparable amounts.

q)

Revenue Recognition

The Company’s revenues consist of sales of hardware, software, consulting, bandwidth, installation, training, extended warranty and post contract customer support. These services are set forth separately in the contractual arrangements such that the total price of the customer arrangement is expected to vary as a result of the inclusion or exclusion of services. Multiple deliverable revenue arrangements are to be divided into more than one unit of accounting and the criteria for revenue recognition are considered separately for each accounting unit if the following criteria are met:

Ø

the delivered item(s) has standalone value and

Ø

when a general right of return exists for the delivered item, the delivery or performance of undelivered item is probable and substantially in the control of the Company.

For those contracts where the services are not essential to the functionality of any other element of transaction, the Company determines selling price for these services based on a hierarchy of selling prices:

Ø

Vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of selling price,

Ø

If VSOE does not exist then third party evidence of selling price (“TPE”) is used, or

Ø

If neither VSOE nor TPE exist, then management’s best estimate of selling price for the deliverable is used.

Arrangement consideration is allocated to all deliverables based on their relative selling prices. As a result of the hierarchy of selling prices, the Company is required to determine the selling price for each deliverable provided the conditions for separation have been met.

18

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

Hardware is considered a separate unit of accounting because (1) the delivered item has standalone value to customers as it is sold separately by the Company and (2) there is no general right of return on products and the delivery or performance of the undelivered item is probable and substantially in the control of the Company. In establishing selling price for hardware, the Company relies on third party evidence based on stand-alone sales of largely interchangeable products. The Company’s hardware components are customized in nature and specific to a customer’s order requirements. As a result, establishing VSOE of selling price would not be possible.

The Company recognizes revenue from the sale of hardware products upon the later of transfer of title or upon shipment of the hardware product to the customer; so long as persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.

The Company’s multiple-element sales arrangements include arrangements where hardware with embedded software licenses and the associated post contract customer support (“PCS”) are sold together. The Company uses VSOE to determine selling price of the undelivered PCS elements based on fair value labour rates and consistent renewal rates.

The Company’s multiple-element sales arrangements include rights for the customer to renew PCS after the bundled term ends.  These rights are irrevocable to the customer’s benefit, are for specified prices, are consistent with the initial price in the original multiple-element sales arrangement, and the customer is not subject to any economic or other penalty for failure to renew.  Further, the renewal PCS options are for services comparable to the bundled PCS and cover similar terms and periods.

PCS revenue associated with hardware is recognized ratably over the term of the PCS period, which typically is one year.  PCS revenue includes support levels that provide customers with access to telephone support for trouble-shooting, diagnosis and extends to on-site repair of products. PCS is considered a separate unit of accounting because (1) the delivered item has standalone value to customers as it is sold separately by the Company and (2) there is no general right of return and the delivery or performance of the undelivered item is probable and substantially in the control of the Company.

Extended warranty of 1 to 3 years can be purchased separately by customers. Revenue on extended warranty is deferred and recognized in income on a straight-line basis over the contracted period. Extended warranty revenue is recognized after the Company’s one year manufacturer’s warranty expires.

Revenue is recognized on installation, training, and consulting services when these services have been performed. Selling price on these items is determined by reference to third party evidence of comparable services. Installation, training and consulting services are separate units of accounting because (1) the delivered item has standalone value to customers as it is sold separately by the Company and (2) there is no general right of return and the delivery or performance of the undelivered item is probable and substantially in the control of the Company.

Revenue that has been received but does not yet qualify for recognition under the Company’s policies is reflected as either deferred revenue (revenue that can be recognized in less than one year) or long-term deferred revenue (revenue that can be recognized in more than one year).  

For reseller arrangements, fees are fixed or determinable on delivery to the reseller because the Company’s agreements with customers and resellers do not contain product return rights.

19

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

r)

Construction Contracts

The Company also earns revenue from fixed-price construction contracts.  These contracts specifically negotiated for the construction of a combination of satellite system products and services are awarded at agreed prices. Revenue from fixed-price contracts is recognized under the percentage-of- completion method. Under this method, contract revenue is matched with the contract costs incurred in reaching the stage of completion, resulting in the reporting of revenue, expenses and profit which can be attributed to the proportion of work completed. Contract revenue is recognized as revenue in profit or loss in the accounting periods in which the work is performed. Contract costs are usually recognized as an expense in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income in the accounting periods in which the work to which they relate is performed. However, any expected excess of total contract costs over total contract revenue for the contract is recognized as an expense immediately.

If circumstances arise that change the original estimates of revenues, costs or extent of progress toward completion, estimates are revised. These revisions may result in increases or decreases in estimated revenues or costs and are reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income in the period in which the circumstances that give rise to the revision become known by management. Provisions for estimated losses, if any, are recognized in the year or period in which the loss is determined. Contract losses are measured as the amount by which the estimated costs of the contract exceed the estimated total revenue from the contract. Contract work-in-progress revenue is recorded to the extent that revenue has been recognized, but not yet billed to the customer.

s)

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.

t)

Government Contributions

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 relate. The Company amortizes the cost of the related property and equipment over its useful life according to the Company’s accounting policy relating to property and equipment. The Company recognizes government grants only when there is reasonable assurance that the Company will comply with the conditions attached to the grant and the grant will be received. The Company presents the grant as a deduction of the carrying amount of the asset the grant relates to in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The grant is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Loss over the life of the depreciable assets as a reduced depreciation expense.

u)

Income Taxes

Income tax expense consists of current and deferred income tax expense. Income tax expense is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income.

Current income tax expense is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at period end, adjusted for amendments to tax payable with regards to previous years.

Deferred income taxes are recorded using the statement of financial position liability method. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted or substantively enacted tax rates expected to apply when the asset is realized or the liability is settled.

20

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that substantive enactment occurs.

A deferred income tax asset is recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilized. To the extent that the Company does not consider it probable that a future tax asset will be recovered, it provides a valuation allowance against the excess.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities, when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority, and when the Company intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

The Company accounts for income tax credits in accordance with IAS 12 Income taxes.

v)

Net Earnings Per Share

Basic net earnings per share are computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  

Diluted net earnings per share is computed similar to basic net earnings per shares, except that the weighted average shares outstanding are increased to include additional shares for the assumed exercise of stock options and warrants at the beginning of the reporting period, if dilutive. The number of additional shares is calculated assuming that outstanding stock options and warrants were exercised and the proceeds from such exercises were used to repurchase common shares at the average market price during the reporting period. Stock options and warrants are dilutive when the market price of the common shares at the end of the period exceeds the exercise price of the options and warrants and when the Company generates net earnings.

w)

Provisions

Provisions are recognized when the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. The expense relating to any provision is presented in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income, net of any reimbursement.

x)

Future Accounting Pronouncements

All accounting standards effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2011 have been adopted as part of the transition to IFRS. The following new accounting pronouncements have been issued but are not effective and may have an impact on the Company:

The Company will be required to adopt IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements (“IFRS 10”) effective January 1, 2013, with earlier application permitted. IFRS 10 replaces the consolidation requirements in IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements (“IAS 27”) and interpretation SIC-12 Consolidation—Special Purpose Entities (“SIC-12”). IFRS 10 provides a revised definition of control and related application guidance so that a single control model can be applied to all entities.

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Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

IFRS 10 also enhances disclosures about consolidated and unconsolidated entities to be published in a separate comprehensive disclosure standard related to involvement in other entities. The Company has not early adopted this standard and is currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements.

The Company will be required to adopt IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement (“IFRS 13”) effective January 1, 2013, with earlier application permitted. IFRS 13 sets out a single framework for measuring fair value and requires disclosures about fair value measurements. It does not determine when an asset, a liability or an entity’s own equity instruments is measured at fair value. But, the measurement and disclosure requirements for IFRS 13 apply when another IFRS requires or permits the item to be measured at fair value (with limited exceptions). The Company has not early adopted this standard and is currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements.

The Company will be required to adopt the amendments to IAS 1 Financial Statement Presentation (“IAS 1”) effective January 1, 2013. These amendments improve the presentation of components of other comprehensive income (“OCI”). The amendments to this standard do not change the nature of the items that are currently recognized in OCI, but requires presentational changes. The Company is currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements.

The Company will be required to adopt IFRS 9, Financial Instruments (“IFRS 9”) effective January 1, 2015 with earlier application permitted. This is a result of the first phase of the IASB’s project to replace IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement (“IAS 39”). The new standard replaces the current multiple classification and measurement models for financial assets and liabilities with a single model that has only two classification categories: amortized cost and fair value. IFRS 9 has also been amended not to require the restatement of comparative period financial statements for the initial application of the classification and measuring requirements of IFRS 9, but instead requires modified disclosures on transition to IFRS 9. The Company has not early adopted this standard and is currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements.

22

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

4.  Cost of Sales and Expenses

 

Short-term employee benefits include wages, salaries, bonus, sales commissions, social security contributions, extended health premium, Medical Services Plan, Registered Retirement Savings Plan contribution and vacation accrual.

5.  Business Combination

Acquisition of Sinclair Technologies Holdings Inc.

On January 21, 2011, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Sinclair Technologies Holdings Inc. (“Sinclair”), a private company based in Aurora, Ontario specializing in the manufacture of antenna and radio frequency conditioning products.

The Company believes the acquisition of Sinclair complements the Company’s core businesses and supports the Company’s goal of becoming a premium provider of broadband communication solutions for remote and austere regions. It is expected that Sinclair will help diversify the Company’s markets into the commercial space and into the municipal government level. In addition, the Company believes that combining forces with Sinclair may create opportunities to cross sell its customer base, resell Sinclair’s products using its Microwave Products segment, potentially have target design antennas for its Maritime Solutions and Remote Network Solutions segments, and expose Sinclair’s products to its relationships in Europe and the military markets.

23

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

The identified assets, liabilities, and purchase price below are a result of management’s best estimates and assumptions after taking into account all relevant information available. The Company conducted studies and analysis of the acquired assets and liabilities to arrive at the final purchase price allocation below.

The assessed fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of Sinclair as at January 21, 2011 are as follows:

The Company estimates that all cash flows related to trade and other receivables will be collected.

Purchase consideration

The fair value of the purchase consideration is summarized as follows:

The Company paid cash consideration of $15,962,056, financed from the Company’s cash and cash equivalents in the amount of $3,962,056 and $12,000,000 in debt financing from its principal banker, and contingent consideration of 4,028,932 common shares issued from treasury with a fair value of $2,036,900 and promissory notes with a total face value of $750,000 plus interest at 3% per annum with a fair value of $502,937. The issuance of the common shares and the payment of promissory notes are contingent upon Sinclair achieving certain financial metrics.

24

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

The Company discounted the promissory notes with a total face value of $750,000 using a discount rate of 20% for the duration of its maturity. The 4,028,932 common shares were discounted compared to the acquisition date’s listed stock exchange price using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing model. The assumptions used for the fair value discount of the common shares were as follows:

Risk free interest rate	1.70%
Expected life	1.57 years
Vesting period	Immediately
Expected volatility	60.4%
Expected dividends	nil

The Company paid its principal banker $108,000 in financing fees to acquire the $12,000,000 debt financing.  The $108,000 was capitalized as part of the cost of the debt and is being amortized over the term (Note 13).

The Company incurred approximately $800,000 (2011 - $500,000, 2010 - $300,000) transaction costs to date in relation to the acquisition that has been recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income.

$1,000,000 of the cash consideration is held in escrow and acts as a security for certain events should the Company be subject to any liabilities, claims or similar arising from representation or warranties made by the vendors.  The $1,000,000, less claimed amounts, if any, is releasable to the vendors on January 21, 2013.

The common shares are held in escrow and will be released to the vendors, at a rate of 100%, 75% or 0%, subject to Sinclair achieving certain financial metrics for the year ended December 31, 2011. Based on the financial results, the Company expects to release 100% of the common shares held in escrow to the vendors.

The promissory notes are held in escrow and will be released to the vendors, at a rate of 100%, 75% or 0%, subject to Sinclair achieving certain financial metrics for the year ending December 31, 2012. The Company currently does not have sufficient information to measure the final amount of promissory notes to be released to the vendors. The value of the promissory notes as at December 31, 2011 was $597,226.

The breakdown of consolidated revenue and consolidated net earnings of Norsat International Inc. and Sinclair for the year ended December 31, 2011 were as follows:

The following pro-forma information has been prepared for the Company as if the acquisition occurred on January 1, 2011:

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Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

Goodwill is primarily related to growth expectations, expected future profitability, the substantial skill and expertise of Sinclair’s workforce and expected cost synergies. Goodwill arising on the acquisition of Sinclair is not deductible for tax purposes. The year-to-date change to Goodwill on acquisition of Sinclair is as follows:

6.  Capital Disclosures

The Company's objectives and policies for managing capital are to maintain a strong capital base so as to maintain investor, creditor and market confidence, sustain future development of the business and to safeguard the Company’s ability to support the Company’s normal operating requirements on an ongoing basis.

The capital of the Company consists of the items included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position in the shareholders’ equity section, the promissory note and the operating line of credit (if drawn).  The Company manages its capital structure and makes changes based on economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the Company’s assets.  As at December 31, 2011 shareholder’s equity was $18,677,898

(2010 - $15,833,179, January 1, 2010 - $13,605,042).  

To manage the Company’s capital requirements, the Company has in place a planning and budgeting process which helps determine the funds required to ensure the Company has the appropriate liquidity to meet its operating and growth objectives.  The Company plans to continue to fund its short-term cash requirements through operations, and if required, the Company has an operating line of credit in place that can be drawn upon (Note 12).

During September 2008, the Company entered into an agreement with the Canadian Federal Minister of Industry (the Minister) through the Strategic Aerospace & Defense Initiative (SADI) whereby the Minister will provide funding of 35% of eligible spending related to the research and development of Aerospace & Defense (A&D) technology development projects to a maximum funding amount of Cdn$5,975,200 for eligible costs starting from September 21, 2007 up to and including December 31, 2012 (Note 8).

For the year ended December 31, 2011, there were no changes in the Company's approach to capital management.

As at December 31, 2011 the Company has the following externally imposed capital requirements under its operating line of credit agreements (Note 12) and the acquisition loan agreement (Note 13):

Ø

working capital ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) cannot be less than 1.25:1.00 – calculated quarterly,

Ø

debt to tangible net worth ratio (total liabilities less cash on hand and deferred tax liabilities divided by the sum of share capital, contributed surplus, accumulated other comprehensive income, retained earnings less intangible assets and goodwill) cannot exceed

5.65:1.00 as at December 31, 2011

4.35:1.00 as at March 31, 2012

3.65:1.00 as at June 30, 2012

3.15:1.00 as at September 30, 2012, and

2.50:1.00 thereafter – calculated quarterly

Ø

debt service coverage ratio cannot be less than 1.00. Based on EBITDA less unfunded capital expenditures – calculated annually beginning December 31, 2012, and

Ø

funded debt to EBITDA less unfunded capital expenditures (“Debt to EBITDA Ratio”) cannot exceed 5.45:1.00 for the three months ending March 31, 2012

3.35:1.00 for the three months ending June 30, 2012

3.00:1.00 for the three months ending September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2012, and

2.50:1.00 thereafter – calculated quarterly, on a rolling 12 month basis.

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Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization and is a non-IFRS measure. Unfunded capital expenditures are defined as capital expenditures which are not financed by external sources, such as being financed by the Company’s own cash and cash equivalents.  Funded debt includes only the acquisition loan (Note 13).

As at December 31, 2011, the Company is in compliance with its bank covenants.

7.  Financial Instruments and Risk Exposures

Fair value measurement

The Company’s financial assets include cash and cash equivalents, short term investments, and trade and other receivables.  The Company’s financial liabilities include trade and other accounts payable, accrued liabilities, interest bearing loans and borrowings, and promissory note payable.

The Company has classified its cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, and trade and other receivables, as loans and receivables, measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. Trade and other payables, accrued liabilities, interest bearing loans and borrowings, and promissory note payable are classified as other financial liabilities, measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts the estimated future cash payments or receipts through the expected life of the financial instrument or a shorter period, where appropriate, to the net carrying amount of the financial asset or liability.

The carrying value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities is considered to be a reasonable approximation of fair value due to their immediate or short term maturity, or their ability for liquidation at comparable amounts.

Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk of a financial loss if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its obligations under a contract.  This risk primarily arises from the Company’s receivables from customers.

The Company’s exposure to credit risk is dependent upon the characteristics of each customer. Each customer is assessed for credit worthiness, using third party credit scores and through direct monitoring of their financial well-being on a continual basis.  In some cases, where customers fail to meet the Company's credit worthiness benchmark, the Company may choose to transact with the customer on a prepayment basis.

The Company does not have credit insurance or other financial instruments to mitigate its credit risk as management has determined that the exposure is minimal due to the composition of its customer base.

The Company regularly reviews the collectability of its trade and other receivables and establishes an allowance account for credit losses based on its best estimate of any potentially uncollectible accounts. As at December 31, 2011, the balance of the allowance account for credit losses was $65,553 (2010- $34,910; January 1, 2010 - $52,236).

27

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

Pursuant to their respective terms, net trade and other receivables was aged as follows as at December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010:

There is a possibility of increased customer credit risk due to the ongoing global recessionary trends. As at December 31, 2011, the Company’s trade accounts receivable are made up of approximately 25% (2010 – 39%, January 1, 2010 - $58%) government trade receivables and the balance of the outstanding trade accounts receivable are spread over a large number of customers.  

The Company has recognized $300,985 in contract work-in-progress relating to construction type revenue recognized but not yet billed to the customer.

The Company may also have credit risk relating to cash and cash equivalents, which it manages by dealing with large banks and investing in highly liquid investments. The Company’s objective is to minimize its exposure to credit risk in order to prevent losses on financial assets by placing its investments in highly liquid investments such as guaranteed investment funds. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents carrying value as at December 31, 2011 totaled $4,192,875 (2010- $6,315,043, January 1, 2010- $4,714,644)), and trade and other receivables of $7,935,036 (2010- $4,562,606, January 1, 2010- $5,970,127), representing the maximum exposure to credit risk of these financial assets.

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due.  

The Company has in place a planning and budgeting process which helps determine the funds required to ensure the Company has the appropriate liquidity to meet its operating and growth objectives.

To manage this risk the Company maintains an operating line of credit which provides access funds in Canadian and or United States dollars to meet short-term financing obligations.

As at December 31, 2011, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $4,192,875, short term investments of $67,711 and trade and other receivables of $7,935,036 for a total of $12,195,622 which will cover its short-term financial obligations from its trade and other payables of $5,820,855, accrued liabilities of $1,319,780, provisions of $186,713, annual minimum interest bearing loans and borrowings repayments of $3,000,000 and taxes payable of $642,183 which total $10,929,327. The liquidity and maturity timing of these assets are adequate for the settlement of the short-term financial obligations.

The Company did not have any interest bearing loans and borrowings or promissory note payable at December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010. Accrued liabilities were $1,128,016 and $1,443,254 as at December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 respectively. Trade and other payables were $1,574,336 and $1,396,106 as at December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 respectively.

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Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

Currency risk

Currency risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate due to changes in foreign exchange rates.

The Company is exposed to currency risk as a result of components of cost being denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar, primarily the Canadian dollar. The Company holds cash and has liabilities (primarily trade and other payables, accrued liabilities and provisions) in currencies other than the United States dollar, primarily the Canadian dollar. In addition, the Company also has Canadian dollar denominated trade and other receivables that are subject to currency risk.

The Company manages currency risk by holding cash in foreign currencies to support forecasted foreign currency denominated liabilities and does not use derivative instruments to reduce its exposure to foreign currency risk.

A 1% appreciation (depreciation) in the United States dollar price of Canadian dollars would result in gain (loss) of approximately $177,000 (2010 - $90,000, January 1, 2010 -$79,000).

Interest rate risk

Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The Company’s exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rates relates primarily to the Company’s interest bearing loans and borrowings subject floating interest rates. The Company does not enter into any interest rate swaps to mitigate interest rate risk.

8.  Government Contributions

Strategic Aerospace & Defense Initiative (SADI)

The Company entered into an agreement with the Canadian Federal Minister of Industry (the Minister) through the Strategic Aerospace & Defense Initiative (SADI) in September 2008 and subsequently amended in October 2011, whereby the Minister will provide funding of 35% of eligible spending related to the research and development of Aerospace & Defense (A&D) technology development projects to a maximum funding amount of Cdn$5,975,200 for eligible costs starting from September 21, 2007 up to and including December 31, 2012.

Repayment is contingent on performance benchmarks established at the end of the Company’s fiscal 2012 year end and is capped at 1.5 times the contribution (actual amounts disbursed by the Minister) over a period of 15 years starting in 2013. Annual repayment amounts are calculated based on a percentage of gross business revenue as defined in the agreement multiplied by the adjustment rate (based on the growth of gross business revenue over the previous year).  As at December 31, 2011, the Company did not accrue any liability for repayment as the amount cannot yet be determined.

For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recorded $1,602,199 (2010- $1,086,968; January 1, 2010- $1,324,922) as a reduction to product development expense in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income. The Company also recorded $191,383 (2010- $28,878; January 1, 2010- $12,151) and $68,831 (2010 and January 1, 2010 - $nil) as a reduction to property and equipment costs and software costs, respectively. Total cash received was $1,127,888 for the year ended December 31, 2011 (2010- $1,155,872; January 1, 2010- $1,218,077). As at December 31, 2011, $1,303,490 remains in trade and other receivables (2010- $592,232; January 1, 2010- $599,445).

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Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

Technology Partnerships Canada Funding

On October 17, 2000, the Company entered into an agreement with Technology Partnerships Canada (“TPC”) which was subsequently amended on February 8, 2001 and September 28, 2004 (“TPC Agreements”). Under the TPC Agreements, the Company received funding of one third of eligible spending related to the research and development of a communications Satellite Interactive Terminal (“SIT”) technology development project totaling Cdn$9,999,700 up to the end of 2004, including additional funding of Cdn$620,000 obtained in 2004.

In return for funding, the Company was obligated to issue TPC Cdn$1,000,000 in value of share purchase warrants prior to March 31, 2004. The warrants had a life of five years and were priced at the market price on the date of issue with the number of warrants issued to be determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

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 Cdn$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%. During 2009, the 1,206,811 warrants issued to TPC expired.

In addition, the Company is also obligated to make royalty payments to TPC based on the following terms:

Ø

1.88% on sales of legacy products

Ø

1.28% before and 1.03% after issuance of warrants on sales of new SIT technology products

Ø

The royalty payment period was amended to commence on January 1, 2004 and end on the earliest of the following dates;

o

the date before December 31, 2007, for which cumulative royalties accrued reach Cdn$15 million;

o

on December 31, 2007, or the date after, if by that date the cumulative royalties accrued equal or exceed Cdn$13,171,300; and otherwise on December 31, 2011. As a result, there are no more royalties accruing to the government as of January 1, 2012.

Royalties due under the TPC Agreements are recorded and expensed as the related sales occur.  The royalty is payable annually within 60 days of the year end. During the year ended December 31, 2011, $86,466 royalties were paid based upon revenues generated in fiscal 2010. The total amount of royalties accrued at December 31, 2011 were $91,466 (2010- $86,466; January 1, 2010- $265,074).

9.  Inventories

For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recognized inventories of $21,658,030 (2010- $10,563,010; January 1, 2010- $10,650,278) as expenses.

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Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

Changes in the obsolescence provision of the periods presented are as follows:

On January 21, 2011, obsolescence increased by $697,593 due to the acquisition of Sinclair’s inventories.

10.  Property and Equipment, net

During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company recorded an asset impairment loss of $83,429 and $50,000 relating to equipment and software, respectively, of a particular R&D project. Indicators of impairment were identified and a test of recoverable amount over the equipment and software was performed, resulting in a total impairment loss of $133,429 and a corresponding decrease in carrying value of the related equipment and software. In assessing the recoverable amount, the Company has obtained third party evidence to support the fair value of the equipment. The Company used a discounted cash flow analysis to determine the fair value of the related impaired assets using management best estimates and observable market-based inputs as applicable. The discounted cash flow analysis is based on 5 years of estimated net cash flows and a discount rate based on prevailing market rates.

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Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

11.  Intangible Assets, net

12.  Operating Line of Credit

The Company has a secured operating line of credit with HSBC Bank Canada (the “Bank”) of Cdn$3.5 million or US$2.8 million subject to an interest rate at the Bank’s prime rate plus 1.35% per annum for amounts outstanding in Canadian dollars and/or the bank’s U.S. base rate plus 1.35% per annum for amounts outstanding in U.S. dollars. The operating line of credit is payable upon demand by the Bank. As at December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had no borrowings outstanding with respect to the operating line of credit.

The Company also has an additional revolving demand note with HSBC Bank USA in the principal amount of US$950,000 subject to an interest rate of prime plus 1.5% per annum and payable upon demand. As at December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had no borrowing outstanding with respect to the revolving demand note.

13. Acquisition Loan

On December 22, 2010, the Company secured a non-revolving acquisition loan of Cdn$13,200,000 or US$12,000,000 with the Bank subject to an interest rate at the Bank’s banker’s acceptance rate plus an applicable spread for amounts outstanding in Canadian dollars and/or the Bank’s LIBOR rate plus an applicable spread for amounts outstanding in U.S. dollars. The applicable spread ranges from 1% to 4% depending on the Company’s funded debt to EBITDA ratio determined quarterly on a rolling 12 month basis based on its consolidated financial statements. A portion of the loan is repayable in Canadian dollars and the remaining loan is repayable in U.S. dollars. As at December 30, 2011, the Company’s combined weighted average interest rate was 4.15%.

32

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization and is a non-IFRS measure.

The acquisition loan is repayable in monthly principal repayments of 1/60^th of the original principal balance, together with interest payments. In addition, the Company repays an amount equal to the greater of (a) 5% of the original balance, and (b) 30% of the Company’s net income plus depreciation and amortization, less capital expenditures and less aggregate principal payments made during the relevant fiscal year. The acquisition loan is repayable in full within 48 months of the date of the initial advance, January 21, 2011. The loan is secured by all assets of the Company under a general security assignment.

The Company incurred costs of $108,000 related to the cost of acquiring the loan. These costs were capitalized as part of the cost of the loan and are being amortized over the life of the loan. The unamortized balance of these capitalized costs as at December 31, 2011 was $83,398.

The Company has externally imposed capital requirements under its acquisition loan agreement. Please refer to note 6, Capital Disclosures.

14.  Warranties

A provision is recognized for expected warranty claims on certain products sold during the last two to five years, based on past experience of the level of repairs and returns. It is expected that most of these costs will be incurred in the next financial year and all will have been incurred within two to five years of the reporting date. Assumptions used to calculate the provision for warranties are based on current sales levels and current information available about returns based on the two to five year warranty period.

33

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

15.  Issued Capital

(a)

Authorized

        100,000,000 (2010- 75,000,000) common shares without par value

(b)  Shares issued and outstanding

(b)(i)

The Company obtained regulatory approval to commence a normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”) to purchase up to a maximum of $5,183,949 of its common shares, representing approximately 10% of the public float as of June 30, 2009, through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX"). The Company’s total issued and outstanding common shares were 59,388,305 at June 30, 2009.

The normal course issuer bid commenced on July 6, 2009 and terminated on July 5, 2010. The price paid for any common shares acquired was market price at the time of purchase and all common shares purchased under the normal course issuer have been cancelled.

During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company repurchased 456,500 common shares at a weighted average share price Cdn$0.70 ($0.68) per share, respectively, pursuant to the normal course issuer bid.

The effects of the shares repurchased for the year ended December 31, 2010 are a decrease in share capital of $318,102 and a net increase in retained earnings of $6,278. Fees relating to the normal course issuer bid of $4,689 reduced share capital.

From July 6, 2009 to July 05, 2010 the Company repurchased a total of 1,216,000 shares at a weighted average share price of Cdn$0.71 ($0.68) per share.

On August 26, 2010, the Company obtained another regulatory approval to commence a normal course issuer bid to purchase up to a maximum of 5,269,674 of its common shares, representing approximately 10% of the public float as of August 17, 2010, through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX"). The Company’s total issued and outstanding common shares were 53,440,245 as of August 17, 2010. The normal course issuer bid commenced on August 30, 2010 and terminated on August 29, 2011. 

34

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company repurchased 51,000 common shares at a weighted average share price Cdn$0.53 ($0.55) per share under the terms of normal course issuer bid.  Other than the repurchases described above, there were no other repurchases under the terms of any normal course issuer bids. Fees relating to the normal course issuer bid of $260 reduced share capital. The effects of the shares repurchased during the year ended December 31, 2011 resulted in a decrease in share capital of $35,113 and a net increase in retained earnings of $7,200.

(b)(ii)

On February 26, 2010, the Company issued and received consideration for 245,554 common shares in connection with its ESOP announced on January 18^th, 2010. The Company generated gross proceeds of $133,019 and issued common shares at the price of $0.54 (Cdn$0.555). The Company capitalized share issuance costs of $2,196 to share capital during the year ended December 31, 2010 relating to the ESOP shares and recorded share-based payments of $40,571 and a corresponding increase in contributed surplus.

On February 18, 2011, the Company issued and received consideration for 611,915 common shares (the “Private Placement”) in connection with its Employee Share Ownership Plan ("ESOP") offering under the Employee Investment Act (British Columbia) announced on January 27th, 2011.  The Private Placement was approximately 61% subscribed with participation from employees, senior management, and directors. The Company generated gross proceeds of $348,792 and issued common shares at the price of $0.57 (Cdn$0.568).  The Company’s ESOP offering was open to eligible persons until February 15, 2011. Each eligible employee, full-time contractor and director was offered an equal number of common shares to purchase. The Company's offering under its ESOP was conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange and the Employee Investment Act (British Columbia).All of the common shares are subject to a four-month hold period which ended June 19, 2011. During this period, these securities could neither be traded nor were they freely transferable. Of the securities issued under the Private Placement, 74,329 common shares will be held in escrow until February 18, 2014. The escrow requirement applies to employee shareholders resident in British Columbia, who have elected to receive tax credits under the Employee Investment Act (British Columbia). Employee shareholders may seek government approval for an early release from escrow upon the repayment of any tax credits received.

(b)(iii)

During the year ended December 31, 2010, a total of 222,664 warrants were exercised at an exercise price of $0.48 per share. Proceeds of $106,879 were credited to share capital and $68,470 was reclassified from contributed surplus to share capital.

During the year ended December 31, 2011, 62,776 warrants were exercised at an exercise price of $0.48 per share. Proceeds of $30,132 were credited to share capital and $19,304 was reclassified from contributed surplus to share capital. As at December 31, 2011, all remaining outstanding warrants had expired and no warrants were outstanding. The warrants were held by an employee of the Company and a Director of the Company.

(b)(iv)

During the year ended December 31, 2010, a director of the Company exercised 100,000 of his vested options and elected to exercise these options pursuant to Share Appreciation Rights (“SARs”) attached to these options.  The SARs resulted in the termination of the options upon exercise and in lieu of receiving 100,000 common shares, the director received at no cost 12,886 of the Company’s common shares.  The number of common shares issued was determined by reference to the option exercise price ($0.65) as compared to the weighted average trading price of the Company’s common shares over a specified period before exercise. The Company recognized $9,614 in compensation expense in connection with the issuance of these common shares and $52,546 was reclassified from contributed surplus to share capital.

35

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

(c)   

Share purchase option plan

The Company has reserved 6,306,505 common shares under its 2003 (amended) incentive share option plan of which 3,757,274 common shares remain available. The plan provides for the granting of stock options at the fair market value of the Company at the grant date, with terms to a maximum of ten years and vesting provisions to be determined by the Board of Directors.

Share purchase options outstanding as at December 31, 2011 are as follows:

The following table summarizes information pertaining to the Company’s share purchase options outstanding at December 31, 2011:

	Options outstanding			Options exercisable
Range of exercise prices Cdn$	Number of options outstanding	Weighted average remaining contractual life(years)	Weighted average exercise price Cdn$	Number of options exercisable	Weighted average exercise price Cdn$
$0 to $0.49	421,000	4.96	0.48	-	-
$0.50 to $0.99	1,257,000	3.62	0.73	329,800	0.77
$1.00 to $1.49	114,400	1.25	1.37	114,400	1.37
$1.50 to $1.99	74,500	0.87	1.50	74,500	1.50
$2.50	18,750	0.14	2.50	18,750	2.50
$3.40	18,750	0.14	3.40	18,750	3.40
$4.50	18,750	0.14	4.50	18,750	4.50
$6.15	18,750	0.14	6.15	18,750	6.15
	1,941,900	3.53	0.88	593,700	1.40

36

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

The exercise price of all share purchase options granted during the period are equal to the closing market price at the grant date. The Company calculates share based payment from the vesting of stock options using the Black Scholes Option Pricing Model with assumptions noted below and records related compensation expense as follows for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:

	For the year ended December 31,
		2011		2010
Total compensation   (increase in        contributed  surplus and share based payment)	$	114,237	$	167,076

For the year ended December 31, 2010, share based payment expense also included $9,614 related to shares issued under stock appreciation rights.  

The weighted average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 were:

	2011	2010
Risk free interest rate	1.86%	2.51%
Expected life	3.50	3.37
Vesting period	2 years	2 years
Expected volatility	75%	81%
Expected dividends	nil	nil
Forfeiture rate	14%	14%

A total of 1,146,000 stock purchase options were granted at an average exercise price of Cdn$0.64 and weighted average fair value of Cdn$0.34 during the year ended December 31, 2011:

Options vest in 2 years and expire 5 years from the grant date. A total of 450,000 options were granted to directors and 300,000 to senior management during the year ended December 31, 2011.

Option pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected price volatility. Changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, and therefore the existing models may not necessarily provide a reliable measure of the fair value of the Company’s share purchase options.

37

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

(d) Warrants

The continuity of share purchase warrants with exercise price of $0.48 and expired on January 12, 2011 is as follows:

16. Earnings per Share

The reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations was as follows for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:

 

The calculation of assumed exercise of stock options and warrants includes the effect of the dilutive options and warrants.  Where their effect was anti-dilutive because their exercise prices were higher than the average market price of the Company’s common shares at the end of the periods shown in the table, assumed exercise of those particular stock options and warrants were not included.  

38

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

17.  Income Taxes

a)

Income Tax Expense

The income tax expense differs from the expected expense if the Canadian federal and provincial statutory income tax rates were applied to earnings from operations before income taxes.  The principal factors causing these differences are shown below:

39

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

b)

Deferred Income Tax Assets & Liabilities

The tax effect of the temporary differences that give rise to deferred income tax assets are presented below:

c)

Loss Carry Forwards and Investment Tax Credits

At December 31, 2011, the Company has approximately Cdn$3,206,000 of non-capital loss carryforwards available until 2030 to reduce future years' income for income tax purposes relating to Norsat International Inc.  Also, the Company has federal and provincial investment tax credits of approximately Cdn$2,462,000 and Cdn$1,322,000, respectively, available to reduce Canadian federal and provincial taxes payable.  

The amounts expire as follows:

The Company also has available Cdn$6,775,000 of net capital losses to be applied against future capital gains.  The tax effect of these carry forwards has not been recorded in the consolidated financial statements. In addition, the Company has accumulated a Scientific Research and Development Expenditures pool that is available for an indefinite carry forward period with discretionary deductions of approximately Cdn$18,306,823.

40

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

As at December 31, 2011 the Company has approximately $1,873,000 of net operating losses relating to Norsat International (America), Inc.  The amount consists of losses accumulated from 2006 to 2009 and will expire from 2026 to 2029.

At December 31, 2011, the Company has approximately $598,000 (£385,000) of losses carryforwards accumulated from 2004 to 2011 available to reduce future years' income for income tax purposes relating to Norsat International (United Kingdom) Ltd.

At December 31, 2011, the Company has approximately $2,074,000 (£1,335,000) of losses carry forwards accumulated from 2007 to 2010 available to reduce future years' income for income tax purposes relating to relating to Sinclair Technologies Limited in the United Kingdom.

At December 31, 2011, the Company had approximately $5,370,000 (CHF5,726,000) of loss carryforwards relating to Norsat S.A.  The amount consists of losses accumulated from 2009 and 2010 and will expire from 2016 to 2017.

18.  Segmented Information

The Company’s business operates primarily through three business segments – Antenna and Radio Frequency Conditioning Products (“Sinclair Technologies”), Satellite Solutions and Microwave Products. The Company also has two additional segments which have limited activity – Maritime Solutions and Remote Network Solutions.

These operating segments are monitored by the Company’s chief operating decision makers and strategic decisions are made on the basis of segment operating results.

Sinclair Technologies has over 2,000 different products including Base Station Antennas, Mobile/Transit Antennas, Covert Antennas, Filters, Receiver Multi-couplers, and Accessories.  Sinclair Technologies’ two main product lines are antennas and filters.

The Satellite Solutions segment designs, develops and markets portable satellite systems, related accessories and services.

The Microwave Products segment designs, develops and markets receivers, transmitters and power amplifiers.

These Satellite Solutions and Microwave Products are designed to interoperate with geostationary satellites orbiting the earth. The products permit users to establish a broadband communications link (up to 10 Mbps) between any two points on earth. This broadband communications link is capable of transporting a broad range of content including voice, data and moving video.

The Maritime Solutions segment develops and markets satellite systems, related accessories and services for the marine environment. Similar to Satellite Solutions and Microwave Products, these products establish broadband communications links interoperating with geostationary satellites, but have the additional challenge of needing to accommodate a vessel’s motion and movement.

The Remote Network Solutions segment develops, markets and deploys wireless communications systems that would address a customer’s need to solve connectivity challenges covering an area larger than Wi-Fi solutions.  These solutions are specific technology agnostic and can be based on different protocols such as WiMAX, LTE and/or 4G. The Remote Network Solutions segment did not generate any revenues during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

41

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services.  They are managed separately because each business is in a different stage in its life cycle and they require different marketing strategies.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.   

The following tables set forth sales and gross profit information by operating segments for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. During these periods, the Remote Network Solutions segment did not generate any revenues and hence is not included.

Total assets, property and equipment, and intangible assets are calculated based on the total sales to external customers of each segment (Sinclair Technologies, Satellite Solutions, Microwave Products, and Maritime Solutions) over total consolidated sales.

Substantially all property and equipment and intangible assets are located in Canada.

The Company generated revenues from external customers located in the following geographic locations:

42

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

  

19.  Supplemental cash flow and other disclosure

20.  Related Party Transactions

Compensation of key management personnel including the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and President of a significant subsidiary (2010 – President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) are as follows:

The amounts disclosed in the table are the amounts recognized as an expense during the reporting period related to key management personnel.A substantial portion of the year-over-year increase of short-term employee benefits relates to Sinclair’s variable component of its employee incentive plan based on achievement of certain financial metrics.

43

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

21.  Commitments and Contingencies

Future minimum payments at December 31, 2011 under various loan commitments, purchasing commitments and operating lease obligations for each of the next five calendar years are approximately as follows:

The Company, in the normal course of business, enters into purchase commitments, including inventory purchase obligations as disclosed above. The Company has operating lease commitments that extend to November 2016. In addition, the Company is required to make contingent repayment of government contributions starting in 2013 based on fiscal 2012 performance (Note 8).

22.   Comparative Figures

Certain figures in the prior year consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.

23.  Transition to IFRS

IFRS 1 First Time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards sets forth guidance for the initial adoption of IFRS. Under IFRS 1 the standards are applied retroactively at the transitional statement of financial position date with all adjustments to assets and liabilities taken to retained earnings or if appropriate another category of equity unless certain exemptions are applied. The Company has applied the following exemptions to its opening statement of financial position dated January 1, 2010:

a)

Business Combinations

IFRS 1 indicates that a first-time adopter may elect not to apply IFRS 3 Business Combinations retrospectively to business combinations before the date of transition to IFRS. The Company has elected to use this election and has applied IFRS 3 to business combinations that occurred on or after January 1, 2010.

b)

Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements

According to IFRS 1, if a company elects to apply IFRS 3 Business Combinations retrospectively, IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements must also be applied retrospectively. As the Company elects to apply IFRS 3 prospectively, the Company has also elected to apply IAS 27 prospectively.

c)

Cumulative Translation Differences

IFRS 1 allows a first-time adopter an exemption as it relates to the requirements of IAS 21 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates for cumulative translation differences that existed at the date of transition to IFRS. The Company has chosen to apply this election and has eliminated the cumulative translation difference and adjusted retained earnings by the same amount at the date of transition to IFRS. If subsequent to adoption, a foreign operation is disposed of, the translation differences that arose before the date of transition to IFRS will have no effect on the gain or loss on disposal.

44

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

d)

Share-Based Payments

IFRS 1 encourages, but does not require, first time adopters to apply IFRS 2 Share-Based Payment to equity instruments that were granted on or before November 7, 2002, or equity instruments that were granted subsequent to November 7, 2002 and vested before the later of the date of transition to IFRS and January 1, 2005. The Company has elected to take advantage of the exemption and not apply IFRS 2 to awards that vested prior to January 1, 2010.

IFRS 1 also outlines specific guidance that a first-time adopter must adhere to under certain circumstances. The Company has applied the following guidelines to its opening consolidated statement of financial position dated January 1, 2010.

e)

Estimates

According to IFRS 1, an entity's estimates under IFRS at the date of transition to IFRS must be consistent with estimates made for the same date under previous GAAP, unless there is objective evidence that those estimates were in error. This exemption is to prevent an entity from adjusting previously made accounting estimates for the benefit of hindsight. The Company's IFRS estimates as of January 1, 2010 are consistent with its Canadian GAAP estimates for the same date.

IFRS employs a conceptual framework that is similar to Canadian GAAP, however, significant differences exist in certain matters of recognition, measurement and disclosure. While adoption of IFRS has not changed the Company's actual cash flows, it has resulted in changes to the Company's reported financial position and results of operations and statement of cash flows. In order to allow the users of the financial statements to better understand these changes, the Company's Canadian GAAP Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statement of Earnings/(Loss), Deficit, and Comprehensive Income (Loss), and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as at January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and for the year ended December 31, 2010 have been reconciled to IFRS, with the resulting differences explained in the following section:

(i)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

IFRS 1 allows a first-time adopter to an exemption as it relates to the requirements of IAS 21 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates for cumulative translation differences that existed at the date of transition to IFRS.

The Company has chosen to apply this election and has eliminated the cumulative translation difference of $399,537 in the accumulated other comprehensive income account and adjusted deficit by the same amount at the date of transition to IFRS. If subsequent to adoption, a foreign operation is disposed of, the translation differences that arose before the date of transition to IFRS will have no effect on the gain or loss of disposal.

(ii)

Share-based payment

Under IFRS:

Ø

Each tranche of an award with different vesting dates is considered a separate grant for the calculation of fair value, and the resulting fair value is amortized over the vesting period of the respective tranches.

Ø

Forfeiture estimates are recognized in the period they are estimated, and are revised for actual forfeitures in subsequent periods.

Under Canadian GAAP:

Ø

The fair value of stock-based awards with graded vesting are calculated as one grant and the resulting fair value is recognized on a straight line basis over the vesting period.

45

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

Ø

Forfeitures of awards are recognized as they occur.

Under Canadian GAAP, when share options are forfeited before vesting, all the previous period changes are to be reversed in the period that the options are cancelled using either the estimation or actual method. The Company has previously chosen to reverse such forfeited options using the actual method.

However, IFRS requires those forfeited options to be reversed using an estimation method based on estimated forfeitures.

(iii)

Deferred income tax asset/liability

Under IFRS:

Ø

All deferred income tax assets and liabilities must be classified as non-current.

Under Canadian GAAP:

Ø

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are classified as current or non-current as appropriate.

As a result, the Company reclassified current deferred income tax assets and liabilities to non-current assets and liabilities respectively.

(iv)

Provisions

Under IFRS:

Ø

Provisions are presented separately from accrued liabilities

Under Canadian GAAP:

Ø

Provisions are not required to be presented separately.

Norsat provides standard one year warranty on satellite products, standard three year warranty on microwave products and standard two year warranty on maritime products under which customers are covered for the cost of repairs of any manufacturing defects that become apparent after purchase. The Company accrues on a quarterly basis warranty provision of 0.25% of satellite sales, 1% of microwave sales and 1% of maritime sales based on actual historical experience.

Since IFRS requires that provisions be separately presented from accrued liabilities, the Company has reclassified its warranty provision from accrued liabilities to provisions.

(v)

Statement of cash flows

The transition from Canadian GAAP to IFRS has not had a material impact on the consolidated statement of cash flows.

46

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

The Canadian GAAP Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity at January 1, 2010 have been reconciled to IFRS as follows:

47

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

The Canadian GAAP Statement of Financial Position and Statement of  Changes  in Shareholders’ Equity at December 31, 2010 have been reconciled to IFRS as follows:

 

48

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

The Canadian GAAP Statement of Earnings and Comprehensive Income for the year ended December 31, 2010 has been reconciled to IFRS as follows:

49

Norsat International Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

(Expressed in US dollars)

The Canadian GAAP Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2010 has been reconciled to IFRS as follows:

50