VIASAT INC (VSAT) FY 2024 MD&A
This page reproduces the company's own Item 7 MD&A text from the linked SEC filing. It is filer text, not grepcent analysis, scoring, or investment advice.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Company Overview
We are an innovative, global provider of communications technologies and services, focused on making connectivity accessible, available and secure for current and future customers worldwide. Our end-to-end multi-band platform of satellites, ground infrastructure and user terminals enables us to provide a wide array of cost-effective, high-quality broadband, narrowband and other connectivity solutions to aviation, maritime, enterprise, consumer, military and government users around the globe, whether on the ground, in the air or at sea. In addition, our government business includes a portfolio of communications gateways; situational awareness and command and control products and services; satellite communication products and services across various frequency bands; and cybersecurity and information assurance products and services. We believe that our diversification strategy—anchored in a broad portfolio of customer-centric products and services and supported by our fleet of broadband and narrowband satellites—our vertical integration and our ability to effectively cross-deploy technologies between government and commercial applications and segments as well as across different geographic markets, provide us with a strong foundation to sustain and enhance our leadership in advanced communications and networking technologies. We conduct our business through three segments: satellite services, commercial networks and government systems. In May 2024, certain organizational changes were made that are expected to impact our future internal reporting and reportable segments. The new segment reporting structure is expected to better reflect our strategy following the Inmarsat Acquisition, diverse global end markets, and certain organizational and leadership changes, that allow us to better assess the operational performance of and allocate resources to our multiple product lines. Commencing with the first quarter of fiscal year 2025 we will have two reportable segments: communication services and defense and advanced technologies. See Note 17 — Subsequent Event to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Satellite Services
Our satellite services segment provides a wide range of satellite-based broadband and narrowband services around the globe using our multi-band fleet of satellites in service as well as leased capacity on third party satellites. The primary services offered by our satellite services segment include:
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Aviation services, including industry-leading IFC services, W-IFE services and narrowband safety services, as well as complementary aviation software services.
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Maritime services, which offer high-quality, resilient satellite-based broadband and narrowband communications services around the globe to commercial shipping fleets, offshore service vessel operators and commercial fishing companies.
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Fixed broadband services, which offer high-speed, high-quality, reliable broadband internet services to businesses and residential users (primarily in the United States as well as in various countries in Europe and Latin America), as well as enterprise connectivity solutions.
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Energy services, which include secure, reliable networking and connectivity solutions for remote sites and operations, and industry-leading machine learning analytics.
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IoT and other narrowband services, including L-band managed services and analytics.
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Community internet services, which offer innovative, affordable internet services through satellite-based community hotspots in areas with little or no access to the internet. We provide community internet services in Mexico and Brazil.
Commercial Networks
Our commercial networks segment develops and sells a wide array of advanced satellite and wireless products, antenna systems and network and terminal solutions that support or enable the provision of fixed and mobile broadband and narrowband services. We design, develop and produce space system solutions for multiple orbital regimes, including GEO, HEO, MEO and LEO. The primary products, systems, solutions and services offered by our commercial networks segment are comprised of:
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Mobile satellite communication systems, designed for use in aircraft, land-mobile and seagoing vessels.
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Fixed satellite communication systems, including next-generation satellite network infrastructure, ground terminals and design and implementation for customer telecommunication systems.
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Antenna systems, including state-of-the-art ground and airborne terminals, antennas and gateways for terrestrial and satellite customer applications, mobile satellite communication, Ka-band earth stations and other multi-band/multi-function antennas.
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Space systems design and satellite networking development, including the design and development of the architecture of high-capacity Ka-band geosynchronous satellites and the associated satellite payload and antenna technologies (both for our own satellite fleet as well as for third parties), and special purpose LEO and MEO satellites and other small satellite platforms, as well as semiconductor design for ASIC and MMIC chips. Satellite networking development includes specialized design and technology services covering all aspects of satellite communication system architecture, networks and technology.
Government Systems
Our government systems segment offers a broad array of products and services, including:
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Government mobile broadband products and services, which provide military and government users with high-speed, real-time broadband and multimedia connectivity in key regions of the world, as well as LOS and BLOS Intelligence and ISR missions.
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Government narrowband products and services, which provide military and government users with L-band products and services such as L-TAC communications, L-band airborne ISR services and LACE terminals.
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Government satellite communication systems, which offer an array of portable, mobile and fixed broadband modems, terminals, network access control systems and antenna systems, and include products designed for manpacks, aircraft, UAVs, seagoing vessels, ground-mobile vehicles, space-based systems and fixed applications.
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Secure networking, cybersecurity and information assurance products and services, which provide advanced, high-speed IP-based “Type 1” and HAIPE-compliant encryption solutions that enable military and government users to communicate information securely, and that protect the integrity of data stored on computers and storage devices, and include our MOJO expeditionary tactical gateway family of products.
Factors and Trends Affecting our Results of Operations
We believe that the performance of our business and our results of operations in a given period are driven by various factors, including:
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the timing and impact of acquisitions and divestitures (such as the Inmarsat Acquisition) and transaction-related or integration costs and any incurrence or repayment of indebtedness in connection therewith;
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the extent and stage of our satellite design, construction and launch activities, the associated level of investment required, the impact of any construction or launch delays, operational or launch failures or satellite anomalies or deployment issues, and the impact of bringing newly launched satellites into commercial service and associated ramp-up activities and costs (see the discussion below under “Satellite-Related Activities”);
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our ability to manage available bandwidth ahead of new satellites entering commercial service;
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our ability to maintain the health, capacity, control and level of service of our satellite fleet, or the existence or occurrence of any malfunctions or anomalies in or other disruptions to our satellites;
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changes in the levels of our R&D spending, including the effects of associated tax credits;
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the uptake of our in-flight services by commercial airlines and number of aircraft retrofitted or installed with our IFC systems, and the rate of revenue growth in our IFC-related businesses in our satellite services and commercial networks segments, as well as the impact of the grounding or slowdown in manufacture of aircraft related to aircraft safety, maintenance or other issues;
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the rate of growth in worldwide demand for mobile and fixed broadband connectivity, including growth in the number of aircraft and vessels in service, passengers, internet users, applications and connected devices;
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the rate of technological innovation and change in the industries in which we operate, and the introduction of new competing technologies, products and services by new and existing competitors;
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seasonal effects related to the timing of contract awards, the timing and availability of U.S. Government funding, and the timing of product deliveries and customer acceptance in our government systems segment, as well as increased demand for IFC services from airline passengers during peak holiday and summer travel periods and subscriber activity for our fixed broadband services related to traditional retail selling periods in our satellite services segment;
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the marketing and pricing strategies of our competitors with respect to competing technologies, products and services;
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our ability to implement (on a timely basis) our technology roadmap and the associated investments and costs, as well as market acceptance and the timing of availability of our new products and services;
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the timing, quantity and mix of products and services sold in each of our segments;
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the complex and lengthy procurement process for most of our commercial networks and government systems customers and potential customers, the impact of a failure to receive an expected order or a deferral of an order to a later period, and the timing of or effect of delays in obtaining government product certifications;
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the difficulty in estimating costs over the life of a contract, which may require adjustment in future periods, and the impact of cost overruns (due to inflation or otherwise) on fixed-price development contracts;
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the timing of customer payments under significant contracts;
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our reliance on a few significant customers, particularly agencies of the U.S. Government, for a significant percentage of our revenues, as a result of which the loss or decline in business with any of these customers may negatively impact our revenue and collectability of related accounts receivable;
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our reliance on a global supply chain, including contract manufacturers and single-source or limited groups of suppliers; the impact of supply chain bottlenecks, and our ability to purchase component parts that are periodically subject to shortages or supply chain disruptions resulting from surges in demand, natural disasters, wars and other conflicts or other events;
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varying subscriber addition, churn and average revenue per user (ARPU) rates for our fixed broadband businesses and mix of wholesale and retail subscribers;
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one-time charges to operating income arising from items such as costs and expenses, relating to acquisitions or divestitures, impairment of assets and write-offs of assets related to customer non-payments or obsolescence;
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changes in laws, regulations and interpretations affecting our business, including changes affecting spectrum availability or permitted uses;
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our ability to generate sufficient cash flows to repay our indebtedness; and
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the impact of public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, general economic and political conditions, and other trends that affect the industries in which we operate, and the return to normalization after associated disruptions, such as the timing of return to normalization of government acquisition processes and pre-pandemic global airline traffic levels following COVID-19-related disruptions.
We may see some negative impacts on revenues and operating cash flows from our aviation businesses in fiscal year 2025 and potentially beyond, as a result of the impacts of regulatory oversight, approvals for new model aircraft and lingering global supply chain issues on the timely deliveries of aircraft to our commercial airline customers. The extent of global economic challenges (including lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic) on our business in fiscal year 2025 and potentially beyond will depend on many factors, including the extent of effects on important global, regional and local supply chains, overall supply and demand, global air travel, consumer confidence, discretionary spending levels and levels of economic activity.
See also “Business–Segments” in Part I, Item 1 of this report for a discussion of what we believe to be key drivers for future growth in each of our segments.
Inmarsat Acquisition
On May 30, 2023, we purchased all of the issued and outstanding shares of Connect Topco Limited, a private company limited by shares and incorporated in Guernsey (Inmarsat Holdings and, together with its subsidiaries, Inmarsat), in exchange for approximately $550.7 million in cash and 46.36 million shares of our common stock (the Inmarsat Acquisition). In connection with the closing of the Inmarsat Acquisition, we entered into the 2023 Term Loan Facility and Bridge Facility, which were fully drawn at closing. On September 28, 2023, we replaced the Bridge Facility with the 2031 Notes, in the same principal amount and at the same interest rate.
The assets and results of operations of Inmarsat's commercial business are primarily included in our satellite services segment (with an insignificant amount included in our commercial networks segment) and Inmarsat's government business included in our government systems segment for the period following the closing of the Inmarsat Acquisition on May 30, 2023.
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Other Transactions
On January 3, 2023, we completed the sale of certain assets and assigned certain liabilities comprising our Link-16 TDL Business to L3Harris in exchange for approximately $1.96 billion in cash, subject to certain adjustments. Unless otherwise noted, discussion throughout this Item 7 relates to our continuing operations only and excludes the Link-16 TDL Business. See Note 5 — Discontinued Operations to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
On April 30, 2021, we completed our acquisition of the remaining 51% interest in EBI, a satellite broadband internet service provider in EMEA, from Eutelsat. We paid approximately $167.0 million in cash, net of approximately $22.0 million of purchase price consideration received during the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 and $121.7 million of EBI’s cash on hand, resulting in a cash outlay of approximately $29.0 million.
On April 30, 2021, we completed our acquisition of RigNet, a leading provider of ultra-secure, intelligent networking solutions and specialized applications. In connection with the acquisition, we issued approximately 4.0 million shares of our common stock to RigNet former shareholders, paid down $107.3 million of outstanding borrowings of RigNet’s revolving credit facility, and retained approximately $20.6 million of RigNet’s cash on hand.
The assets and results of operations of EBI and RigNet are primarily included in our satellite services segment, with insignificant amounts included in our commercial networks segment.
Satellite-Related Activities
We launched the first of our third-generation ViaSat-3 class satellites, ViaSat-3 F1, into orbit on April 30, 2023. On July 12, 2023, we reported a reflector deployment issue that materially impacted the performance of the ViaSat-3 F1 satellite, and on August 24, 2023, we reported the I-6 F2 satellite (which was launched prior to the closing of the Inmarsat Acquisition) suffered a power subsystem anomaly during its orbit raising phase and concluded that the satellite would not operate as intended (see Note 1 — The Company and a Summary of Its Significant Accounting Policies — Property, equipment and satellites to our consolidated financial statements for more information).
We currently have ten GEO and HEO satellites under development: two additional high-capacity Ka-band GEO satellites (ViaSat-3 F2 ViaSat-3 F3), three additional adaptive Ka-band GEO satellites (Inmarsat GX 7, GX 8 and GX 9), two Ka-band HEO satellite payloads intended to provide polar coverage (Inmarsat GX 10a and GX 10b) and three Inmarsat-8 L-band GEO safety service satellites. The ViaSat-3 F1 satellite is expected to enter into commercial service in mid calendar year 2024. The ViaSat-3 F2 satellite is anticipated to be placed into commercial service by late calendar year 2025, with the ViaSat-3 F3 satellite expected to go into commercial service mid to late calendar year 2025.
We expect to continue to invest in IR&D as we continue our focus on leadership and innovation in satellite and space technologies, including for the development of any new generation satellite designs and next-generation satellite network solutions. The level of our investment in a given fiscal year will depend on a variety of factors, including the stage of development of our satellite projects, new market opportunities and our overall operating performance.
As we continue to build and expand our global network and satellite fleet, from time to time we enter into satellite construction agreements for the construction and purchase of additional satellites and (depending on the satellite design) the integration of our payload and technologies into the satellites. See Note 14 — Commitments to our consolidated financial statements for information as of March 31, 2024 regarding our future minimum payments under our satellite construction contracts and other satellite-related purchase commitments (including satellite performance incentive obligations relating to the ViaSat-1 and ViaSat-2 satellites) for the next five fiscal years and thereafter. The total project cost to bring a new satellite into service will depend, among other things, on the scope and timing of the earth station infrastructure roll-out and the method used to procure fiber or other access to the earth station infrastructure. Our total cash funding of a satellite project may be reduced through third-party agreements, such as potential joint service offerings and other strategic partnering arrangements.
In connection with the launch of any new satellite and the commencement of commercial service on the satellite, we expect to incur additional operating costs that negatively impact our financial results. For example, when ViaSat-2 was placed in commercial service in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018, this resulted in additional operating costs in our satellite services segment during the ramp-up period prior to service launch and in the fiscal year following service launch. These increased operating costs included depreciation, amortization of capitalized software development, earth station connectivity, marketing and advertising costs, logistics, customer care and various support systems. In addition, interest expense increased during fiscal year 2019 as we no longer capitalized the interest expense relating to the debt incurred for the construction of ViaSat-2 and the related gateway and networking equipment once the satellite was in commercial service. As services using the new satellite scaled, however, our revenue base for broadband services expanded and we gained operating cost efficiencies, which together yielded incremental segment earnings contributions. We anticipate that
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we will incur a similar cycle of increased operating costs and constrained bandwidth supply as we prepare for and launch commercial services on future satellites, including our ViaSat-3 constellation, followed by increases in revenue base and in scale. However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in significantly increasing revenues or achieving or maintaining operating profit in our satellite services segment, and any such gains may also be offset by investments in our global business. In addition, in fiscal years 2024 and 2023 we experienced (and we may in the future experience) capacity constraints on our existing satellites in the lead-up to the commencement of commercial service on new satellites.
Sources of Revenues
Our satellite services segment revenues are primarily derived from our in-flight services, fixed broadband services, maritime services (including narrowband and safety of communication capabilities primarily acquired through the Inmarsat Acquisition) and energy services.
Revenues in our commercial networks and government systems segments are primarily derived from three types of contracts: fixed-price contracts (which require us to provide products and services under a contract at a specified price), cost-reimbursement contracts (under which we are reimbursed for all actual costs incurred in performing the contract to the extent such costs are within the contract ceiling and allowable under the terms of the contract, plus a fee or profit), and time-and-materials contracts (which reimburse us for the number of labor hours expended at an established hourly rate negotiated in the contract, plus the cost of materials utilized in providing such products or services).
Historically, a significant portion of our revenues in our commercial networks and government systems segments has been derived from customer contracts that include the development of products. The development efforts are conducted in direct response to the customer’s specific requirements and, accordingly, expenditures related to such efforts are included in cost of sales when incurred and the related funding (which includes a profit component) is included in revenues. See Note 1 — The Company and a Summary of Its Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
To date, our ability to grow and maintain our revenues in our commercial networks and government systems segments has depended on our ability to identify and target markets where the customer places a high priority on the technology solution, and our ability to obtain additional sizable contract awards. Due to the nature of this process, it is difficult to predict the probability and timing of obtaining awards in these markets.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations discusses our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We consider the policies discussed below to be critical to an understanding of our financial statements because their application places the most significant demands on management’s judgment, with financial reporting results relying on estimation about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. We describe the specific risks for these critical accounting policies in the following paragraphs. For all of these policies, we caution that future events rarely develop exactly as forecast, and even the best estimates routinely require adjustment.
Revenue recognition
We apply the five-step revenue recognition model under Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (commonly referred to as ASC 606) to our contracts with our customers. Under this model, we (1) identify the contract with the customer, (2) identify our performance obligations in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price for the contract, (4) allocate the transaction price to our performance obligations and (5) recognize revenue when or as we satisfy our performance obligations. These performance obligations generally include the purchase of services (including broadband capacity and the leasing of broadband equipment), the purchase of products, and the development and delivery of complex equipment built to customer specifications under long-term contracts. Taxes imposed by governmental authorities on our revenues, such as sales taxes and value added taxes, are excluded from net sales.
The timing of satisfaction of performance obligations may require judgment. We derive a substantial portion of our revenues from contracts with customers for services, primarily consisting of connectivity services. These contracts typically require advance or recurring monthly payments by the customer. Our obligation to provide connectivity services
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is satisfied over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided. The measure of progress over time is based upon either a period of time (e.g., over the estimated contractual term) or usage (e.g., bandwidth used/bytes of data processed). We evaluate whether broadband equipment provided to our customers as part of the delivery of connectivity services represents a lease in accordance with the authoritative guidance for leases (ASC 842). As discussed in Note 1 — The Company and a Summary of Its Significant Accounting Policies — Leases to our consolidated financial statements, for broadband equipment leased to customers in conjunction with the delivery of connectivity services, we account for the lease and non-lease components of connectivity service arrangements as a single performance obligation as the connectivity services represent the predominant component.
We also derive a portion of our revenues from contracts with customers to provide products. Performance obligations to provide products are satisfied at the point in time when control is transferred to the customer. These contracts typically require payment by the customer upon passage of control and determining the point at which control is transferred may require judgment. To identify the point at which control is transferred to the customer, we consider indicators that include, but are not limited to, whether (1) we have the present right to payment for the asset, (2) the customer has legal title to the asset, (3) physical possession of the asset has been transferred to the customer, (4) the customer has the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the asset, and (5) the customer has accepted the asset. For product revenues, control generally passes to the customer upon delivery of goods to the customer.
Our contracts with the U.S. Government typically are subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and are priced based on estimated or actual costs of producing goods or providing services. The FAR provides guidance on the types of costs that are allowable in establishing prices for goods and services provided under U.S. Government contracts. The pricing for non-U.S. Government contracts is based on the specific negotiations with each customer. Under the typical payment terms of our U.S. Government fixed-price contracts, the customer pays us either performance-based payments (PBPs) or progress payments. PBPs are interim payments based on quantifiable measures of performance or on the achievement of specified events or milestones. Progress payments are interim payments based on a percentage of the costs incurred as the work progresses. Because the customer can often retain a portion of the contract price until completion of the contract, our U.S. Government fixed-price contracts generally result in revenue recognized in excess of billings which we present as unbilled accounts receivable on the balance sheet. Amounts billed and due from our customers are classified as receivables on the balance sheet. The portion of the payments retained by the customer until final contract settlement is not considered a significant financing component because the intent is to protect the customer. For our U.S. Government cost-type contracts, the customer generally pays us for our actual costs incurred within a short period of time. For non-U.S. Government contracts, we typically receive interim payments as work progresses, although for some contracts, we may be entitled to receive an advance payment. We recognize a liability for these advance payments in excess of revenue recognized and present it as collections in excess of revenues and deferred revenues on the balance sheet. An advance payment is not typically considered a significant financing component because it is used to meet working capital demands that can be higher in the early stages of a contract and to protect us from the other party failing to adequately complete some or all of its obligations under the contract.
Performance obligations related to developing and delivering complex equipment built to customer specifications under long-term contracts are recognized over time as these performance obligations do not create assets with an alternative use to us and we have an enforceable right to payment for performance to date. To measure the transfer of control, revenue is recognized based on the extent of progress towards completion of the performance obligation. The selection of the method to measure progress towards completion requires judgment and is based on the nature of the products or services to be provided. We generally use the cost-to-cost measure of progress for our contracts because that best depicts the transfer of control to the customer which occurs as we incur costs on our contracts. Under the cost-to-cost measure of progress, the extent of progress towards completion is measured based on the ratio of costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs at completion of the performance obligation. Estimating the total costs at completion of a performance obligation requires management to make estimates related to items such as subcontractor performance, material costs and availability, labor costs and productivity and the costs of overhead. When estimates of total costs to be incurred on a contract exceed total estimates of revenue to be earned, a provision for the entire loss on the contract is recognized in the period the loss is determined. A one percent variance in our future cost estimates on open fixed-price contracts as of March 31, 2024 would change our income (loss) before income taxes by an insignificant amount.
The evaluation of transaction price, including the amounts allocated to performance obligations, may require significant judgments. Due to the nature of the work required to be performed on many of our performance obligations, the estimation of total revenue, and, where applicable, the cost at completion, is complex, subject to many variables and requires significant judgment. Our contracts may contain award fees, incentive fees, or other provisions, including the potential for significant financing components, that can either increase or decrease the transaction price. These amounts, which are sometimes variable, can be dictated by performance metrics, program milestones or cost targets, the timing of payments, and customer discretion. We estimate variable consideration at the amount to which we expect to be entitled.
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We include estimated amounts in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. Our estimates of variable consideration and determination of whether to include estimated amounts in the transaction price are based largely on an assessment of our anticipated performance and all information (historical, current and forecasted) that is reasonably available to us. In the event an agreement includes embedded financing components, we recognize interest expense or interest income on the embedded financing components using the effective interest method. This methodology uses an implied interest rate which reflects the incremental borrowing rate which would be expected to be obtained in a separate financing transaction. We have elected the practical expedient not to adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component if we expect, at contract inception, that the period between when we transfer a promised good or service to a customer and when the customer pays for that good or service will be one year or less.
If a contract is separated into more than one performance obligation, the total transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation in an amount based on the estimated relative standalone selling prices of the promised goods or services underlying each performance obligation. Estimating standalone selling prices may require judgment. When available, we utilize the observable price of a good or service when we sell that good or service separately in similar circumstances and to similar customers. If a standalone selling price is not directly observable, we estimate the standalone selling price by considering all information (including market conditions, specific factors, and information about the customer or class of customer) that is reasonably available.
Deferred costs to obtain or fulfill contract
Under ASC 340-40, Other Assets and Deferred Costs — Contracts with Customers, we recognize an asset from the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if we expect to recover those costs. The incremental costs of obtaining a contract are those costs that we incur to obtain a contract with a customer that we would not have incurred if the contract had not been obtained. ASC 340-40 also requires the recognition of an asset from the costs incurred to fulfill a contract when (1) the costs relate directly to a contract or to an anticipated contract that we can specifically identify, (2) the costs generate or enhance our resources that will be used in satisfying (or in continuing to satisfy) performance obligations in the future, and (3) the costs are expected to be recovered. We recognize an asset related to commission costs incurred primarily in our satellite services segment and recognize an asset related to costs incurred to fulfill contracts. Costs to acquire customer contracts are amortized over the estimated customer contract life. Costs to fulfill customer contracts are amortized in proportion to the revenue to which the costs relate. For contracts with an estimated amortization period of less than one year, we expense incremental costs immediately.
Property, equipment and satellites
Property, equipment and satellites, net includes our owned and leased satellites and the associated earth stations and networking equipment, as well as the customer premise equipment units which are leased to customers as part of our satellite services segment.
Satellites and other property and equipment are recorded at cost or in the case of certain satellites and other property acquired, the fair value at the date of acquisition, net of accumulated depreciation. Capitalized satellite costs consist primarily of the costs of satellite construction and launch, including launch insurance and insurance during the period of in-orbit testing, the net present value of performance incentive payments expected to be payable to the satellite manufacturers (dependent on the continued satisfactory performance of the satellites), costs directly associated with the monitoring and support of satellite construction, and interest costs incurred during the period of satellite construction. We also construct earth stations, network operations systems and other assets to support our satellites, and those construction costs, including interest, are capitalized as incurred. At the time satellites are placed in commercial service, we estimate the useful life of our satellites for depreciation purposes based upon an analysis of each satellite’s performance against the original manufacturer’s orbital design life, estimated fuel levels and related consumption rates, as well as historical satellite operating trends. We periodically review the remaining estimated useful life of our satellites to determine if revisions to the estimated useful lives are necessary.
Leases
In accordance with ASC 842, we assess at contract inception whether the contract is, or contains, a lease. Generally, we determine that a lease exists when (1) the contract involves the use of a distinct identified asset, (2) we obtain the right to substantially all economic benefits from use of the asset, and (3) we have the right to direct the use of the asset. A lease is classified as a finance lease when one or more of the following criteria are met: (1) the lease transfers ownership of the asset by the end of the lease term, (2) the lease contains an option to purchase the asset that is reasonably certain to be exercised, (3) the lease term is for a major part of the remaining useful life of the asset, (4) the
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present value of the lease payments equals or exceeds substantially all of the fair value of the asset or (5) the asset is of such a specialized nature that it is expected to have no alternative use to the lessor at the end of the lease term. A lease is classified as an operating lease if it does not meet any of these criteria.
At the lease commencement date, we recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases, except short-term leases with an original term of 12 months or less. The right-of-use asset represents the right to use the leased asset for the lease term. The lease liability represents the present value of the lease payments under the lease. The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, which primarily comprises the initial amount of the lease liability, less any lease incentives received. All right-of-use assets are periodically reviewed for impairment in accordance with standards that apply to long-lived assets. The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, discounted using an estimate of our incremental borrowing rate for a collateralized loan with the same term as the underlying leases.
Lease payments included in the measurement of lease liabilities consist of (1) fixed lease payments for the noncancelable lease term, (2) fixed lease payments for optional renewal periods where it is reasonably certain the renewal option will be exercised, and (3) variable lease payments that depend on an underlying index or rate, based on the index or rate in effect at lease commencement. Certain of our real estate lease agreements require variable lease payments that do not depend on an underlying index or rate established at lease commencement. Such payments and changes in payments based on a rate or index are recognized in operating expenses when incurred.
Lease expense for operating leases consists of the fixed lease payments recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term plus variable lease payments as incurred. Lease expense for finance leases consists of the depreciation of assets obtained under finance leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term and interest expense on the lease liability based on the discount rate at lease commencement. For both operating and finance leases, lease payments are allocated between a reduction of the lease liability and interest expense.
For broadband equipment leased to customers in conjunction with the delivery of connectivity services, we have made an accounting policy election not to separate the broadband equipment from the related connectivity services. The connectivity services are the predominant component of these arrangements. The connectivity services are accounted for in accordance ASC 606. We are also a lessor for certain insignificant communications equipment. These leases meet the criteria for operating lease classification. Lease income associated with these leases is not material.
Business combinations
The purchase price for business combinations is allocated to the estimated fair values of acquired tangible and intangible assets, and assumed liabilities, where applicable. Additionally, we recognize technology, contracts and customer relationships, orbital slots and spectrum assets, trade names and other as identifiable intangible assets, which are recorded at fair value as of the transaction date. Goodwill is recorded when consideration transferred exceeds the fair value of identifiable assets and liabilities. Measurement-period adjustments to assets acquired and liabilities assumed with a corresponding offset to goodwill are recorded in the period they occur, which may include up to one year from the acquisition date. Contingent consideration is recorded at fair value at the acquisition date.
Impairment of long-lived and other long-term assets (property, equipment and satellites, and other assets, including goodwill)
In accordance with the authoritative guidance for impairment or disposal of long-lived assets (ASC 360), we assess potential impairments to our long-lived assets, including property, equipment and satellites and other assets, when there is evidence that events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. We recognize an impairment loss when the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by an asset (or group of assets) are less than the asset’s carrying value. Any required impairment loss would be measured as the amount by which the asset’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, and would be recorded as a reduction in the carrying value of the related asset and charged to results of operations. Except for the impairment related to certain of our satellites under construction and satellite programs (discussed in Note 1 — The Company and a Summary of Its Significant Accounting Policies — Property, equipment and satellites below) in the second and third quarters of fiscal year 2024 and the impairment of certain right-of-use assets in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023, no other material impairments were recorded by us for fiscal years 2024, 2023 and 2022. See Note 7 — Leases to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
We account for our goodwill under the authoritative guidance for goodwill and other intangible assets (ASC 350). Current authoritative guidance allows us to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. If, after completing the qualitative assessment, we determine that it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value is greater than the carrying value, we conclude that no impairment exists.
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Alternatively, if we determine in the qualitative assessment that it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than its carrying value, then we perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test to identify both the existence of an impairment and the amount of impairment loss, by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, then a goodwill impairment charge will be recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. We test goodwill for impairment during the fourth quarter every fiscal year and when an event occurs or circumstances change such that it is reasonably possible that an impairment may exist.
In accordance with ASC 350, we assess qualitative factors to determine whether goodwill is impaired. The qualitative analysis includes assessing the impact of changes in certain factors including: (1) changes in forecasted operating results and comparing actual results to projections, (2) changes in the industry or our competitive environment since the acquisition date, (3) changes in the overall economy, our market share and market interest rates since the acquisition date, (4) trends in the stock price and related market capitalization and enterprise values, (5) trends in peer companies’ total enterprise value metrics, and (6) additional factors such as management turnover, changes in regulation and changes in litigation matters.
Based on our qualitative assessment performed during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024, we concluded that it was more likely than not that the estimated fair value of each of our reporting units exceeded their related carrying value as of March 31, 2024.
Income taxes and valuation allowance on deferred tax assets
Management evaluates the realizability of our deferred tax assets and assesses the need for a valuation allowance on a quarterly basis to determine if the weight of available evidence suggests that an additional valuation allowance is needed. In accordance with the authoritative guidance for income taxes (ASC 740), net deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on all the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In the event that our estimate of taxable income is less than that required to utilize the full amount of any deferred tax asset, a valuation allowance is established, which would cause a decrease to income in the period such determination is made.
Our analysis of the need for a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets considered historical as well as forecasted future operating results, the reversal of temporary differences, taxable income in prior carryback years (if permitted), and the availability of tax planning strategies. Additionally, in our analysis, we also considered the fact that ASC 740 places more weight on the objectively verifiable evidence of current pre-tax losses and recent events than forecasts of future profitability.
Accruals for uncertain tax positions are provided for in accordance with the authoritative guidance for accounting for uncertainty in income taxes (ASC 740). Under the authoritative guidance, we may recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position should be measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The authoritative guidance addresses the derecognition of income tax assets and liabilities, classification of deferred income tax assets and liabilities, accounting for interest and penalties associated with tax positions, and income tax disclosures.
We are subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. In the ordinary course of business, there are calculations and transactions where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. In addition, changes in tax laws and regulations as well as adverse judicial rulings could adversely affect the income tax provision. We believe we have adequately provided for income tax issues not yet resolved with federal, state and foreign tax authorities. However, if these provided amounts prove to be more than what is necessary, the reversal of the reserves would result in tax benefits being recognized in the period in which we determine that provision for the liabilities is no longer necessary. If an ultimate tax assessment exceeds our estimate of tax liabilities, an additional charge to expense would result.
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Results of Operations
The following table presents, as a percentage of total revenues, income statement data of our continuing operations for the periods indicated:
| Fiscal Years Ended | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 31, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | March 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
| Revenues: | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | ||||||
| Product revenues | 30 | 37 | 36 | |||||||||
| Service revenues | 70 | 63 | 64 | |||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||
| Cost of product revenues | 23 | 29 | 29 | |||||||||
| Cost of service revenues | 45 | 43 | 42 | |||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative (including satellite impairment and related charges, net — see Note 1 — The Company and a Summary of Its Significant Accounting Policies — Property, equipment and satellites to our consolidated financial statements) | 44 | 28 | 27 | |||||||||
| Independent research and development | 4 | 5 | 6 | |||||||||
| Amortization of acquired intangible assets | 5 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||
| Income (loss) from continuing operations | (21 | ) | (6 | ) | (5 | ) | ||||||
| Interest (expense) income, net | (7 | ) | — | (1 | ) | |||||||
| Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes | (28 | ) | (6 | ) | (6 | ) | ||||||
| (Provision for) benefit from income taxes from continuing operations | 3 | (2 | ) | 2 | ||||||||
| Net income (loss) from continuing operations | (24 | ) | (8 | ) | (4 | ) | ||||||
| Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | — | 51 | 4 | |||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to Viasat, Inc. | (25 | ) | 42 | (1 | ) |
Fiscal Year 2024 Compared to Fiscal Year 2023
Revenues
| Fiscal Years Ended | Dollar | Percentage | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In millions, except percentages) | March 31, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | Increase (Decrease) | Increase (Decrease) | ||||||||||||
| Product revenues | $ | 1,279.2 | $ | 954.1 | $ | 325.0 | 34 | % | ||||||||
| Service revenues | 3,004.6 | 1,602.0 | 1,402.6 | 88 | % | |||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 4,283.8 | $ | 2,556.2 | $ | 1,727.6 | 68 | % |
Our total revenues grew by $1,727.6 million as a result of a $1,402.6 million increase in service revenues and a $325.0 million increase in product revenues, which increases reflect ten months of contribution from the Inmarsat Acquisition in fiscal year 2024. The service revenue increase was due to increases of $931.0 million in our satellite services segment, $461.8 million in our government systems segment, and $9.7 million in our commercial networks segment. The increase in product revenue was driven primarily by a $169.5 million increase in our government systems segment and a $155.5 million increase in our commercial networks segment.
Cost of revenues
| Fiscal Years Ended | Dollar | Percentage | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In millions, except percentages) | March 31, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | Increase (Decrease) | Increase (Decrease) | ||||||||||||
| Cost of product revenues | $ | 973.4 | $ | 736.4 | $ | 236.9 | 32 | % | ||||||||
| Cost of service revenues | 1,928.7 | 1,098.3 | 830.4 | 76 | % | |||||||||||
| Total cost of revenues | $ | 2,902.1 | $ | 1,834.8 | $ | 1,067.3 | 58 | % |
Cost of revenues increased by $1,067.3 million due to an increase of $830.4 million in cost of service revenues and $236.9 million in cost of product revenues. The cost of service revenues increase was primarily due to increased service
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revenues across each of our segments, causing a $961.6 million increase in cost of service revenues on a constant margin basis. The increase in cost of service revenues was partially offset by higher margins, primarily driven by our government systems and satellite services segments. The cost of product revenue increase was primarily due to increased product revenues, mainly from our government systems and commercial networks segments, causing a $230.3 million increase in cost of product revenues on a constant margin basis, prior to the effects of product revenues related to the Acacia litigation (see Note 15 — Contingencies to our consolidated financial statements for more information). The increase in cost of product revenues was further increased by lower margins, primarily driven by our government systems and commercial networks segments.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
| Fiscal Years Ended | Dollar | Percentage | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In millions, except percentages) | March 31, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | Increase (Decrease) | Increase (Decrease) | ||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | $ | 1,893.7 | $ | 718.6 | $ | 1,175.0 | 164 | % |
The $1,175.0 million increase in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses was driven primarily by a net loss of approximately $905.5 million related to satellite impairment, including liabilities associated with the termination of certain subcontractor agreements, net of estimated insurance claim receivables recorded in our satellite service segment, and also reflected acquisition and integration costs associated with the Inmarsat Acquisition. See Note 1 — The Company and a Summary of Its Significant Accounting Policies — Property, equipment and satellites to our consolidated financial statements for more information. Additionally, we experienced an increase in support costs of $212.6 million, reflected across all three of our segments, which reflects the inclusion of ten months of support costs relating to the Inmarsat business for the period following the Inmarsat Acquisition. The increase in SG&A expenses was also driven by $59.5 million in higher selling costs, reflected primarily in our satellite services and government systems segments. SG&A expenses consisted primarily of personnel costs and expenses for business development, marketing and sales, bid and proposal, acquisition and transaction related expenses, facilities, finance, contract administration and general management.
Independent research and development
| Fiscal Years Ended | Dollar | Percentage | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In millions, except percentages) | March 31, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | Increase (Decrease) | Increase (Decrease) | ||||||||||||
| Independent research and development | $ | 150.7 | $ | 128.9 | $ | 21.7 | 17 | % |
The $21.7 million increase in IR&D expenses was mainly the result of a $17.1 million increase in our government systems segment (primarily related to the inclusion of IR&D expenses relating to the Inmarsat business for the period following the Inmarsat Acquisition, tactical satcom radio products and information assurance projects). The increase in our government systems segment was partially offset by a decrease in IR&D expenses related to advancement of integrated government satellite communications platforms. This overall increase in IR&D expenses was also due to a $4.6 million increase in our commercial networks segment (primarily related to the inclusion of IR&D expenses relating to the Inmarsat business for the period following the Inmarsat Acquisition, mobile satellite communication systems for commercial airline platforms and antenna systems). The increase in our commercial networks segment was partially offset by a decrease in IR&D expenses related to next-generation consumer broadband integrated technologies and next-generation satellite payload technologies.
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Amortization of acquired intangible assets
We amortize our acquired intangible assets from prior acquisitions over their estimated useful lives, which range from two to 20 years. The $197.4 million increase in amortization of acquired intangible assets in fiscal year 2024 compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily related to the amortization of new intangibles acquired as a result of the Inmarsat Acquisition in May 2023. Expected amortization expense for acquired intangible assets for each of the following periods is as follows:
| Amortization | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | |||
| Expected for fiscal year 2025 | $ | 269,313 | |
| Expected for fiscal year 2026 | 269,161 | ||
| Expected for fiscal year 2027 | 269,161 | ||
| Expected for fiscal year 2028 | 269,161 | ||
| Expected for fiscal year 2029 | 268,416 | ||
| Thereafter | 1,199,255 | ||
| $ | 2,544,467 |
Interest income
The $76.7 million increase in interest income for fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023 was primarily due to the interest earned on the invested portion of the cash related to proceeds of approximately $1.96 billion received from L3Harris in the Link-16 TDL Sale as well as cash acquired as part of the Inmarsat Acquisition.
Interest expense
The $373.6 million increase in interest expense in fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023 was primarily the result of the effects of increased interest expense arising from our increased level of indebtedness following the closing of the Inmarsat Acquisition on May 30, 2023. The increase in interest expense was partially offset by an increase in the amount of interest capitalized during fiscal year 2024 compared to the prior year period.
Income taxes
The income tax benefit in fiscal year 2024 primarily reflected the tax benefit from our loss before income taxes, partially offset by a valuation allowance recorded against our U.S. net deferred tax assets. The income tax provision in fiscal year 2023 primarily reflected the establishment of a valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset for California R&D tax credits and the expense for tax deficiencies upon settlement of stock-based compensation during the period, partially offset by the benefit of federal R&D tax credits. Our valuation allowance against deferred tax assets increased from $150.0 million at March 31, 2023 to $353.6 million at March 31, 2024. The valuation allowance relates to federal, state, and foreign net operating loss carryforwards, federal and state R&D tax credit carryforwards and foreign tax credit carryforwards.
Segment Results for Fiscal Year 2024 Compared to Fiscal Year 2023
Satellite services segment
Revenues
| Fiscal Years Ended | Dollar | Percentage | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In millions, except percentages) | March 31, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | Increase (Decrease) | Increase (Decrease) | ||||||||||||
| Segment product revenues | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | — | % | ||||||||
| Segment service revenues | 2,141.8 | 1,210.7 | 931.0 | 77 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment revenues | $ | 2,141.8 | $ | 1,210.7 | $ | 931.0 | 77 | % |
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The increase of $931.0 million in our satellite services segment revenues for fiscal year 2024 compared to the prior fiscal year was primarily due to ten months of contribution from the Inmarsat Acquisition in fiscal year 2024 and an increase in revenues from our in-flight services business compared to the prior fiscal year. The Inmarsat Acquisition contributed approximately $932.3 million of service revenues (nearly half from maritime services), while our in-flight services business service revenue increased $147.0 million as the number of commercial aircraft receiving our in-flight services through IFC systems and passenger air traffic both continued to increase. The increase in our satellite services segment revenues was partially offset by lower fixed broadband revenues in the United States as we continued to allocate a greater proportion of our bandwidth to our IFC business due to bandwidth constraints.
Segment operating profit (loss)
| Fiscal Years Ended | Dollar | Percentage | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In millions, except percentages) | March 31, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | (Increase) Decrease | (Increase) Decrease | ||||||||||||
| Segment operating profit (loss) | $ | (770.9 | ) | $ | (41.0 | ) | $ | (729.8 | ) | (1,778 | )% | |||||
| Percentage of segment revenues | (36 | )% | (3 | )% |
The increase in our satellite services segment operating loss is primarily due to the recording of satellite impairment and related charges, net of estimated insurance claim receivables of approximately $905.5 million in fiscal year 2024, as well as higher SG&A costs of $131.4 million, mostly related to the Inmarsat Acquisition, partially offset by increased earnings contributions of $306.1 million, mainly due to ten months of revenue contribution from the Inmarsat Acquisition in fiscal year 2024 and improved margins from our in-flight services business as it continued to scale.
Commercial networks segment
Revenues
| Fiscal Years Ended | Dollar | Percentage | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In millions, except percentages) | March 31, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | Increase (Decrease) | Increase (Decrease) | ||||||||||||
| Segment product revenues | $ | 685.9 | $ | 530.4 | $ | 155.5 | 29 | % | ||||||||
| Segment service revenues | 92.0 | 82.3 | 9.7 | 12 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment revenues | $ | 777.8 | $ | 612.6 | $ | 165.2 | 27 | % |
Our commercial networks segment revenues increased by $165.2 million, due to a $155.5 million increase in product revenues and a $9.7 million increase in service revenues. The increase in product revenues was primarily the result of an increase in revenues recognized as a result of settlement payments from the Acacia litigation (see Note 15 — Contingencies to our consolidated financial statements for more information). The increase in product revenues was also driven by increases of $52.1 million in mobile satellite communication systems products related to higher IFC terminal shipments, $30.5 million in antenna systems products, $20.3 million in satellite payload technology development programs, and $6.6 million in fixed satellite networks. The increase in service revenues was primarily driven by increases in mobile satellite communication systems services.
Segment operating profit (loss)
| Fiscal Years Ended | Dollar | Percentage | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In millions, except percentages) | March 31, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | (Increase) Decrease | (Increase) Decrease | ||||||||||||
| Segment operating profit (loss) | $ | (135.0 | ) | $ | (145.3 | ) | $ | 10.4 | 7 | % | ||||||
| Percentage of segment revenues | (17 | )% | (24 | )% |
The $10.4 million decrease in our commercial networks segment operating loss was driven primarily by an increase in earnings contributions of $43.3 million, partially offset by higher SG&A costs of $28.4 million and an increase of $4.6 million in IR&D expenses (primarily related to the inclusion of IR&D expenses relating to the Inmarsat business for the period following the Inmarsat Acquisition, mobile satellite communication systems for commercial airline platforms and antenna systems, partially offset by a decrease in IR&D expenses related to next-generation consumer broadband integrated technologies and next-generation satellite payload technologies.
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Government systems segment
Revenues
| Fiscal Years Ended | Dollar | Percentage | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In millions, except percentages) | March 31, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | Increase (Decrease) | Increase (Decrease) | ||||||||||||
| Segment product revenues | $ | 593.3 | $ | 423.8 | $ | 169.5 | 40 | % | ||||||||
| Segment service revenues | 770.8 | 309.0 | 461.8 | 149 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment revenues | $ | 1,364.1 | $ | 732.8 | $ | 631.4 | 86 | % |
Our government systems segment revenues increased by $631.4 million due to increases of $461.8 million in service revenues, and $169.5 million in product revenues. The service revenue increase was primarily due to ten months of contribution from the Inmarsat Acquisition in fiscal year 2024 and increases of $15.8 million in government mobile broadband services and $4.4 million in tactical satcom radio services. The Inmarsat Acquisition contributed approximately $431.1 million of service revenues in our government systems segment following the closing of the acquisition. The product revenue increase was primarily driven by a $113.1 million increase in cybersecurity and information assurance products, a $50.2 million increase due to the Inmarsat Acquisition, and a $17.1 million increase in tactical satcom radio products.
Segment operating profit (loss)
| Fiscal Years Ended | Dollar | Percentage | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In millions, except percentages) | March 31, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | Increase (Decrease) | Increase (Decrease) | ||||||||||||
| Segment operating profit (loss) | $ | 243.2 | $ | 60.2 | $ | 183.0 | 304 | % | ||||||||
| Percentage of segment revenues | 18 | % | 8 | % |
The $183.0 million increase in our government systems segment operating profit was primarily driven by higher earnings contributions of $310.9 million, primarily due to increased revenues due to ten months of contribution from the Inmarsat Acquisition in fiscal year 2024. The increase in operating profit was partially offset by a $110.7 million increase in SG&A costs, of which $93.3 million related to the Inmarsat Acquisition, and a $17.1 million increase in IR&D expenses (primarily related to the inclusion of IR&D expenses relating to the Inmarsat business for the period following the Inmarsat Acquisition, tactical satcom radio products and information assurance projects partially offset by a decrease in IR&D expenses related to advancement of integrated government satellite communications platforms).
Fiscal Year 2023 Compared to Fiscal Year 2022
For a discussion of our results of operations for fiscal year 2023 as compared to fiscal year 2022, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023.
Backlog
Our firm and funded backlog as of March 31, 2024 is reflected in the table below.
| As of March 31, 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| (In millions) | |||
| Firm backlog | |||
| Satellite services segment | $ | 1,731.9 | |
| Commercial networks segment | 647.7 | ||
| Government systems segment | 1,316.4 | ||
| Total | $ | 3,696.0 | |
| Funded backlog | |||
| Satellite services segment | $ | 1,731.9 | |
| Commercial networks segment | 575.1 | ||
| Government systems segment | 1,175.4 | ||
| Total | $ | 3,482.4 |
The firm backlog does not include contract options. As of March 31, 2024, a little less than half of the firm backlog is expected to be delivered during the next 12 months, with the balance delivered thereafter. We include in our backlog only
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those orders for which we have accepted purchase orders, and not anticipated purchase orders and requests. In our satellite services segment, our backlog includes fixed broadband service revenues under our subscriber agreements, but does not include future recurring IFC service revenues under our agreements with commercial airlines. As of March 31, 2024, our IFC systems were installed and in service on approximately 3,720 commercial aircraft, of which approximately 70 were inactive at fiscal year end (mostly due to standard aircraft maintenance). We anticipate that approximately 1,360 additional commercial aircraft will be put into service with our IFC systems under existing customer agreements with commercial airlines. Due to the nature of commercial airline contracts, there can be no assurance that all anticipated purchase orders and requests will be placed or that anticipated IFC services will be activated on all such additional commercial aircraft.
Our total new awards which exclude future revenue under recurring consumer commitment arrangements were approximately $4.2 billion for fiscal year 2024 and $3.2 billion (of which $384.4 million was attributable to discontinued operations related to the Link-16 TDL Business) for fiscal year 2023.
Backlog is not necessarily indicative of future sales. A majority of our contracts can be terminated at the convenience of the customer. Orders are often made substantially in advance of delivery, and our contracts typically provide that orders may be terminated with limited or no penalties. In addition, purchase orders may present product specifications that would require us to complete additional product development. A failure to develop products meeting such specifications could lead to a termination of the related contract.
Firm backlog amounts are comprised of funded and unfunded components. Funded backlog represents the sum of contract amounts for which funds have been specifically obligated by customers to contracts. Unfunded backlog represents future amounts that customers may obligate over the specified contract performance periods. Our customers allocate funds for expenditures on long-term contracts on a periodic basis. Our ability to realize revenues from contracts in backlog is dependent upon adequate funding for such contracts. Although we do not control the funding of our contracts, our experience indicates that actual contract funding has ultimately been approximately equal to the aggregate amounts of the contracts.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
We have financed our operations to date primarily with cash flows from operations, bank line of credit financing, debt financing, export credit agency financing and equity financing. At March 31, 2024, we had $1.9 billion in cash and cash equivalents, $2.2 billion in working capital, no outstanding borrowings and borrowing availability of $591.5 million under the Viasat Revolving Credit Facility, and no outstanding borrowings and borrowing availability of $550.0 million under the Inmarsat Revolving Credit Facility. At March 31, 2023, we had $1.4 billion in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, $1.3 billion in working capital, and no outstanding borrowings and borrowing availability of $657.4 million under the Viasat Revolving Credit Facility. We invest our cash in excess of current operating requirements in short-term, highly liquid bank money market funds primarily investing in U.S. government-backed securities and treasuries.
The general cash needs of our satellite services, commercial networks and government systems segments can vary significantly and our future capital requirements will depend upon many factors, including cash required for our satellite projects and any future broadband satellite projects we may engage in, expansion of our IR&D and marketing efforts, and the nature and timing of orders. In particular:
•
The cash needs of our satellite services segment tend to be driven by the timing and amount of capital expenditures (e.g., payments under satellite construction and launch contracts and investments in ground infrastructure roll-out), investments in joint ventures, strategic partnering arrangements, network expansion activities, investments to obtain STCs to enable the retrofit installation of our IFC and W-IFE equipment and investments in platforms and software to support our services and entry into new markets, as well as the quality of customer, type of contract and payment terms, and timing and amount of recoveries under satellite insurance claims.
•
In our commercial networks segment, cash needs tend to be driven primarily by the type and mix of contracts in backlog, the nature and quality of customers, the timing and amount of investments in IR&D activities (including with respect to next-generation satellite payload technologies) and the payment terms of customers (including whether advance payments are made or customer financing is required).
•
In our government systems segment, the primary factors determining cash needs tend to be the type and mix of contracts in backlog (e.g., product or service, development or production) and timing of payments (including restrictions on the timing of cash payments under U.S. Government procurement regulations). Other factors affecting the cash needs of our commercial networks and government systems segments include contract
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duration and program performance. For example, if a program is performing well and meeting its contractual requirements, then its cash flow requirements are usually lower.
Additionally, we will continue to evaluate other possible acquisitions of, or investments in complementary businesses, products and technologies which may require the use of cash or additional financing.
As a result of the divestiture of the Link-16 TDL Business, we have taken measures to mitigate the impact of stranded costs and to right-size our remaining businesses by reducing discretionary spending and by undertaking cost-reduction measures, including reducing our real estate footprint and workforce, which measures resulted in approximately $40 million of expenses during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023, primarily recorded in our SG&A.
In November 2023, we announced an important milestone in our integration program following our Inmarsat Acquisition. As part of our ongoing strategy to streamline operations and better serve our growing customer base, we completed our work on the rationalization of roles in our global business, which is intended to achieve both operational and cost efficiencies. As part of the role rationalization, we reduced our global workforce by approximately 800 positions, or approximately 10%, and recorded total costs (primarily related to employee severance payments, benefits and related termination costs) of approximately $48 million during fiscal year 2024. These one-time costs were recorded within operating expenses in our consolidated statements of operations across all three of our segments, with insignificant amounts remaining to be incurred and paid.
To further enhance our liquidity position or to finance the construction and launch of any future satellites, acquisitions, strategic partnering arrangements, joint ventures or other business investment initiatives, we may obtain additional financing, which could consist of debt, convertible debt or equity financing from public and/or private credit and capital markets. From time to time, we file universal shelf registration statements with the SEC for the future sale of an unlimited amount of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, depositary shares and warrants, which securities may be offered from time to time, separately or together, directly by us, by selling security holders, or through underwriters, dealers or agents at amounts, prices, interest rates and other terms to be determined at the time of the offering. Additionally, we consider strategic divestitures from time to time, such as the Link-16 TDL Sale that was completed in January 2023 for approximately $1.96 billion in cash, subject to adjustments.
Although we can give no assurances concerning our future liquidity, we believe that we have adequate sources of funding to meet our anticipated operating requirements for the next 12 months, which include, but are not limited to, cash on hand, borrowing capacity, and cash expected to be provided by operating activities.
Cash flows
Cash provided by operating activities for fiscal year 2024 was $688.2 million compared to $367.9 million for fiscal year 2023. This $320.3 million increase was driven by our operating results (net income (loss) adjusted for depreciation, amortization and other non-cash charges) which resulted in $648.1 million of higher cash provided by operating activities year-over-year, partially offset by a $327.7 million year-over-year increase in cash used to fund net operating assets. The increase in cash used to fund net operating assets during fiscal year 2024 when compared to the prior year period was primarily due to timing of payments related to our accrued liabilities and accounts payables, and the timing of deferred revenue recognized under certain long-term contracts acquired through the Inmarsat Acquisition in our satellite services segment.
Cash used in investing activities for fiscal year 2024 was $1.3 billion compared to cash provided by investing activities for fiscal year 2023 of $768.0 million. Cash used in investing activities for fiscal year 2024 reflects approximately $719 million in cash (net of cash acquired) used for the Inmarsat Acquisition in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024 and cash used for Inmarsat capital expenditures following the date of acquisition, partially offset by $508.6 million of cash receipts related to satellite insurance claim proceeds received during fiscal year 2024. Cash provided by investing activities for fiscal year 2023 reflected $1.9 billion recorded as cash proceeds in our consolidated statement of cash flows for fiscal year 2023 received from the Link-16 TDL Sale in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023. The remaining cash used for capital expenditures (excluding cash used for Inmarsat capital expenditures following the date of acquisition) remained relatively flat year-over-year.
Cash provided by financing activities for fiscal year 2024 was $1.1 billion compared to cash used in financing activities of $66.1 million for fiscal year 2023. Cash provided by financing activities for fiscal year 2024 was primarily comprised of proceeds from debt borrowings of approximately $1.3 billion incurred in connection with the Inmarsat Acquisition, partially offset by approximately $139 million in debt repayments. Cash used in financing activities for fiscal year 2023 was primarily comprised of debt repayments of $576.5 million and a payment of $30.0 million by our majority-owned subsidiary, TrellisWare Technologies, Inc., to repurchase shares of its common stock from its stockholders in the second quarter of fiscal year 2023 (see Note 1 — The Company and a Summary of Its Significant Accounting Policies — Noncontrolling interests to our consolidated financial statements for further information), partially offset by proceeds from debt borrowings of $540.0 million.
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Capital Expenditures and IR&D Investments
Capital expenditures in fiscal year 2024 of $1.5 billion were 32% higher than fiscal year 2023, primarily due to the inclusion of Inmarsat's expenditures for the period following the closing of the Inmarsat Acquisition. Our total capital expenditures in fiscal year 2025 are expected to decline compared to fiscal year 2024 as the majority of the capital expenditures related to the ViaSat-3 constellation have been completed. We remain committed to meaningfully reducing aggregate capital expenditures as part of our Inmarsat integration strategy and as satellites currently under construction are completed. See Note 14 — Commitments to our consolidated financial statements for information as of March 31, 2024 regarding our future minimum payments under our satellite construction contracts and other satellite-related purchase commitments (including satellite performance incentive obligations relating to the ViaSat-1 and ViaSat-2 satellites) for the next five fiscal years and thereafter.
We also incur IR&D expenses, which are not directly funded by a third party. IR&D expenses consist primarily of salaries and other personnel-related expenses, supplies, prototype materials, testing and certification related to R&D projects. Our IR&D investments are expected to continue through fiscal year 2025 and beyond to support our growth, acceleration of new opportunities and entry into new markets (for example direct-to-device). IR&D expenses were approximately 4%, 5% and 6% of total revenues in fiscal years 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As a government contractor, we are able to recover a portion of our IR&D expenses pursuant to our government contracts.
Long-Term Debt
As of March 31, 2024, the aggregate principal amount of our total outstanding indebtedness was $7.5 billion, which was comprised of (1) $700.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Viasat's 5.625% Senior Notes due 2025 (the 2025 Notes), $600.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Viasat's 5.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2027 (the 2027 Notes), $400.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Viasat's 6.500% Senior Notes due 2028 (the 2028 Notes), $733.4 million in aggregate principal amount of Viasat's 7.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 (the 2031 Notes) and $2.08 billion in aggregate principal amount of Inmarsat's 6.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 (the Inmarsat 2026 Notes), (2) $687.8 million in principal amount of outstanding borrowings under Viasat's $700.0 million senior secured term loan facility (the 2022 Term Loan Facility), $613.6 million in principal amount of outstanding borrowings under Viasat's $616.7 million senior secured term loan facility (the 2023 Term Loan Facility), $1.6 billion in principal amount of outstanding borrowings under Inmarsat's $1.6 billion senior secured term loan facilities (the Inmarsat Term Loan Facilities and, together with the Inmarsat Revolving Credit Facility, the Inmarsat Secured Credit Facilities), no outstanding borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facilities, and $39.3 million in principal amount of outstanding borrowings under the Ex-Im Credit Facility, and (3) $26.8 million of finance lease obligations. For information regarding our outstanding indebtedness, refer to Note 8 — Senior Notes and Other Long-Term Debt to our consolidated financial statements.
Contractual Obligations
The following table sets forth a summary of certain material cash requirements for known contractual obligations and commitments at March 31, 2024:
| (In thousands, including interest where applicable) | Next 12 months | Thereafter | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating leases | $ | 115,777 | $ | 857,760 | |||
| Senior notes and other long-term debt (1) | 646,651 | 9,457,788 | |||||
| Purchase commitments including satellite- related agreements | 1,210,729 | 1,013,832 | |||||
| Total | $ | 1,973,157 | $ | 11,329,380 |
(1) To the extent that the interest rate on any long-term debt is variable, amounts reflected represent estimated interest payments on the applicable current outstanding balance based on the interest rate at March 31, 2024 until the applicable maturity date, net of interest rate cap contracts (maturing in February 2025) set up to hedge the variable interest rates under the Inmarsat Term Loan Facilities. The interest rate cap contracts provide protection from Compound SOFR rates over 2% and covered the total nominal amount of the Inmarsat Term Loan Facilities of $1.6 billion.
We purchase components from a variety of suppliers and use several subcontractors and contract manufacturers to provide design and manufacturing services for our products. During the normal course of business, we enter into agreements with subcontractors, contract manufacturers and suppliers that either allow them to procure inventory based upon criteria defined by us or that establish the parameters defining our requirements. We also enter into agreements and purchase commitments with suppliers for the construction, launch, and operation of our satellites. In certain instances, these agreements allow us the option to cancel, reschedule and adjust our requirements based on our business needs prior to firm orders being placed. Consequently, only a portion of our reported purchase commitments arising from these agreements are firm, non-cancelable and unconditional commitments. We may also cancel, reschedule or adjust our requirements based on business needs after firm orders are placed at a cost, which may be material.
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Our consolidated balance sheets included $2.5 billion and $218.5 million of “other liabilities” as of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, respectively, which primarily consisted of deferred income taxes and the long-term portion of deferred revenues. These remaining liabilities have been excluded from the above table as the timing and/or the amount of any cash payment is uncertain.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We had no material off-balance sheet arrangements at March 31, 2024 as defined in Regulation S-K Item 303(b) other than as discussed under “Contractual Obligations” above or disclosed in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in this report.
Recent Authoritative Guidance
For information regarding recently adopted and issued accounting pronouncements, see Note 1 — The Company and a Summary of Its Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements.