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The Company and a Summary of Its Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2025

The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the assets, liabilities and results of operations of Viasat, its wholly owned subsidiaries and its majority-owned subsidiary, TrellisWare Technologies, Inc. (TrellisWare). In fiscal year 2024, the Company completed the acquisition of Connect Topco Limited, a private company limited by shares and incorporated in Guernsey (Inmarsat Holdings and, together with its subsidiaries, are referred to herein as Inmarsat, and such acquisition, the Inmarsat Acquisition). The Inmarsat Acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and accordingly, the consolidated financial statements include the operating results of Inmarsat from the date of acquisition.

All significant intercompany amounts have been eliminated. Investments in entities in which the Company can exercise significant influence, but does not own a majority equity interest or otherwise control, are accounted for using the equity method and are included as investment in unconsolidated affiliate in other assets (long-term) in the consolidated balance sheets.

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

Discontinued Operations

On October 1, 2022, the Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement to sell certain assets and assign certain liabilities comprising the Company’s Link-16 Tactical Data Links business (the Link-16 TDL Business), part of the Company’s defense and advanced technologies segment, to L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (L3Harris) in exchange for approximately $1.96 billion in cash, subject to certain adjustments (the Link-16 TDL Sale). In accordance with the authoritative guidance for discontinued operations (Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 205-20), the Company determined that the Link-16 TDL Business met held-for sale and discontinued operations accounting criteria at the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2023. Accordingly, the Company classified the results of the Link-16 TDL Business as discontinued operations in its consolidated statements of operations for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. On January 3, 2023, the Company completed the Link-16 TDL Sale. See Note 5 — Discontinued Operations for additional information.

Management estimates and assumptions

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates have been prepared on the basis of the most current and best available information and actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates made by management include revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, allowance for doubtful accounts, valuation of goodwill and other intangible assets, patents, orbital slots and other licenses, software development, property, equipment and satellites, long-lived assets, derivatives, contingencies and income taxes including the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets.

Cash equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase, with a significant portion held in U.S. government-backed securities and treasuries.

Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts

The Company records any unconditional rights to consideration as receivables at net realizable value including an allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the Company’s assessment of the collectability of customer accounts. The Company regularly reviews the allowance by considering factors such as historical experience, credit quality, the age of accounts receivable balances and current economic conditions that may affect a customer’s ability to pay. Amounts determined to be uncollectible are charged or written off against the reserve. Historically, the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts has been minimal primarily because a significant portion of its sales has been to the U.S. Government or with respect to its satellite services commercial business, the Company bills and collects in advance.

Concentration of risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, derivative financial instruments and accounts receivable which are generally not collateralized. The Company limits its exposure to credit loss by placing its cash equivalents and derivative financial instruments with high credit quality financial institutions and investing in high quality short-term debt instruments. The Company establishes customer credit policies related to its accounts receivable based on historical collection experiences within the various markets in which the Company operates, historical past due amounts and any specific information that the Company becomes aware of such as bankruptcy or liquidity issues of customers.

Revenues from the U.S. Government as an individual customer comprised approximately 18%, 17% and 17% of total revenues for fiscal years 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Billed accounts receivable to the U.S. Government as of March 31, 2025 and 2024 were approximately 11% and 13%, respectively, of total billed receivables. In addition, none of the Company’s commercial customers comprised 10% or more of total revenues for fiscal years 2025, 2024 and 2023. The Company's five largest contracts generated approximately 18%, 16% and 17% of the Company’s total revenues for fiscal years 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

The Company relies on a limited number of contract manufacturers to produce its products.

Inventory

Inventory is valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value, cost being determined by the weighted average cost method.

Property, equipment and satellites

Satellites and other property and equipment, including internally developed software, 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 incentives expected to be payable to 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. The Company also constructs earth stations, network operations systems and other assets to support its satellites, and those construction costs, including interest, are capitalized as incurred. At the time satellites are placed in commercial service, the Company estimates the useful life of its 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. The Company periodically reviews the remaining estimated useful life of its satellites to determine if revisions to estimated useful lives are necessary. Costs incurred for additions to property, equipment and satellites, together with major renewals and betterments, are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining life of the underlying asset. Costs incurred for maintenance, repairs and minor renewals and betterments are charged to expense as incurred. When assets are sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation or amortization are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in operations, which for the periods presented, primarily related to losses incurred for unreturned customer premise equipment (CPE). The Company computes depreciation using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets ranging from two to 38 years. Leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or the life of the improvement.

Costs related to internally developed software for internal uses are capitalized after the preliminary project stage is complete and are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are approximately three to seven years. Capitalized costs for internal-use software are included in property, equipment and satellites, net in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Interest expense is capitalized on the carrying value of assets under construction, in accordance with the authoritative guidance for the capitalization of interest (ASC 835-20). With respect to the construction of satellites, gateway and networking equipment and other assets under construction, the Company capitalized $215.4 million, $227.5 million and $159.7 million of interest expense during fiscal years 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

The Company's complementary fleet of 23 in service or operational satellites spans the Ka-, L- and S- bands, with 13 Ka-band satellites, eight high-availability L-band satellites (three of which are contingency L-band satellites that are operational but not currently in commercial service), an S-band satellite that supports the European Aviation Network (EAN) to provide in-flight connectivity (IFC) services to commercial airlines in Europe, and an Inmarsat-6 class hybrid Ka-/L-band satellite (the I-6 F1 satellite). In late July 2024, the ViaSat-3 F1 satellite completed in-orbit testing and was integrated into the Company's existing satellite fleet covering the Americas. In May 2025, subsequent to fiscal year end, two Ka-band highly-elliptical earth orbit satellite payloads (GX10A and GX10B) were put in service to provide polar coverage for government customers, with commercial maritime and aviation services anticipated to follow during fiscal year 2026. Furthermore, the Company has eight additional geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellites under development: two additional high-capacity Ka-band GEO satellites (ViaSat-3 F2 and ViaSat-3 F3), three additional adaptive Ka-band GEO satellites (GX 7, GX 8 and GX 9) and three Inmarsat-8 L-band GEO safety service satellites. In addition to the Company's satellite fleet, the Company has purchased capacity on and has access to additional regional partner satellites. In addition, the Company owns related earth stations and networking equipment for all of its satellites. The Company procures CPE units leased to customers in order to connect to the Company's satellite network as part of the Company’s communication services segment, which are reflected in investing activities and property, equipment and satellites, net in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The Company depreciates the satellites, earth stations and networking equipment, CPE units and related installation costs over their estimated useful lives. The total cost and accumulated depreciation of CPE units included in property, equipment and satellites, net, as of March 31, 2025 were $526.0 million and $328.0 million, respectively. The total cost and accumulated depreciation of CPE units included in property, equipment and satellites, net, as of March 31, 2024 were $567.5 million and $267.4 million, respectively.

As part of the Company's continued integration of its networks and related satellite portfolio, in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, the Company determined that it would exit from certain locations in EMEA markets, dispose of certain related assets and terminate certain related long-term contracts. As a result, the Company recorded $169.4 million of impairment charges and other liabilities related to such exit activities in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025 in selling, general and administrative expenses in its communication services segment in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

The Company launched the first of its third-generation ViaSat-3 class satellites, ViaSat-3 F1, into orbit on April 30, 2023. On July 12, 2023, the Company reported a reflector deployment issue that materially impacted the performance of the ViaSat-3 F1 satellite. The Company and the reflector provider conducted a rigorous review of the development and deployment of the affected reflector to determine its impact and potential remedial measures. In connection with the root cause analysis, the Company determined that while the satellite payload is functional, the Company will recover less than 10% of the planned throughput on the ViaSat-3 F1 satellite.

On August 24, 2023, the Company reported that the I-6 F2 satellite, which was launched on February 18, 2023, suffered a power subsystem anomaly during its orbit raising phase. The Company and Airbus, the satellite's manufacturer, performed a root cause analysis of the anomaly and concluded the satellite would not operate as intended. The Company determined that the full carrying value of the I-6 F2 satellite is not recoverable. The I-6 F2 anomaly does not impact ongoing customer services. The I-6 F1 satellite, which was launched in December 2021, is operational and continues to perform as expected.

During fiscal year 2024, as a result of the anomalies that occurred with respect to the ViaSat-3 F1 and I-6 F2 satellites as well as the impact of integration efforts related to the Inmarsat Acquisition, the Company undertook extensive analysis of its existing integrated satellite fleet and ongoing satellites under construction projects, taking into account its anticipated future capacity needs, projected capital investment profile and access to third party satellites under existing bandwidth arrangements. Based on the impairment analysis performed during the second quarter of fiscal year 2024, as a result of the anomalies experienced in the two satellites and integration impact related to the Inmarsat Acquisition, the Company recorded a reduction to the carrying value of satellites under construction (including capitalized interest) for fiscal year 2024 of approximately $1.67 billion (based on the Company's originally estimated ViaSat-3 F1 satellite output capabilities compared to the anticipated potential and configured capacity of the ViaSat-3 F1 satellite, the full value of the I-6 F2 satellite and the ViaSat-4 satellite program, each a separate asset group), which was partially offset by total insurance claim receivables of approximately $770.0 million. As a result, the Company recorded a net loss of approximately $905.5 million during fiscal year 2024, including liabilities associated with the termination of certain subcontractor agreements, in selling, general and administrative expenses in its communication services segment in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). During fiscal years 2025 and 2024, the Company received approximately $251.5 million and $508.6 million, respectively, in insurance recovery proceeds related to such claims. Subsequent to fiscal year 2025, approximately $10.0 million in additional insurance recovery proceeds were received, marking the full receipt of all insurance recovery proceeds related to such claims.

Occasionally, the Company may enter into finance lease arrangements for various machinery, equipment, computer-related equipment, software, furniture, fixtures, or satellites. The Company records amortization of assets leased under finance lease arrangements (upon lease commencement) within depreciation expense (see Note 1 — The Company and a Summary of Its Significant Accounting Policies — Leases and Note 7 — Leases for more information).

Capitalized interest policy

Interest expense is capitalized on the carrying value of assets under construction, in accordance with the authoritative guidance for the capitalization of interest (ASC 835-20).

Cloud computing arrangements

The Company enters into certain cloud-based software hosting arrangements that are accounted for as service contracts. Costs incurred for these arrangements are capitalized for application development activities, if material, and immediately expensed for preliminary project activities and postimplementation activities. The Company amortizes the capitalized development costs straight-line over the fixed, non-cancellable term of the associated hosting arrangement plus any reasonably certain renewal periods. The capitalized costs are included in other current assets within the prepaid expenses and other current assets caption, and other assets (long-term) on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

The Company has entered into several cloud computing arrangements that are hosted services contracts mainly as part of projects related to the continuous transformation of technology, integration and implementation of an ERP system. As of March 31, 2025 and 2024, gross capitalized implementation costs incurred in cloud computing arrangements was $88.7 million and $63.6 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2025 and 2024, the related accumulated amortization was $18.4 million and $9.5 million, respectively. The Company recognized amortization of capitalized implementation costs of $8.8 million, $4.2 million, and an insignificant amount during fiscal years 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Lessee Accounting

Lessee accounting

In accordance with the authoritative guidance for leases (ASC 842), the Company assesses at contract inception whether the contract is, or contains, a lease. Generally, the Company determines that a lease exists when (1) the contract involves the use of a distinct identified asset, (2) the Company obtains the right to substantially all economic benefits from use of the asset, and (3) the Company has 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 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, the Company recognizes 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 the Company’s 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 the Company’s 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.

Lessor Accounting

Lessor accounting

For broadband equipment leased to customers in conjunction with the delivery of connectivity services, the Company has 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 with ASC 606. The Company is 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 authoritative guidance for business combinations (ASC 805) requires that all business combinations be accounted for using the purchase method. The purchase price for business combinations is allocated to the estimated fair values of acquired tangible and intangible assets, and assumed liabilities, where applicable. The Company recognizes 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.

Goodwill and intangible assets

The authoritative guidance for business combinations (ASC 805) specifies criteria for recognizing and reporting intangible assets apart from goodwill; however, acquired workforce must be recognized and reported in goodwill. The authoritative guidance for goodwill and other intangible assets (ASC 350) requires that intangible assets with an indefinite life should not be amortized until their life is determined to be finite. All other intangible assets must be amortized over their useful life. The authoritative guidance for goodwill and other intangible assets prohibits the amortization of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, but instead requires these assets to be tested for impairment at least annually and more frequently upon the occurrence of specified events. In addition, all goodwill must be assigned to reporting units for purposes of impairment testing.

Patents, orbital slots and other licenses

The Company capitalizes the costs of obtaining or acquiring patents, orbital slots and other licenses. Amortization of intangible assets that have finite lives is provided for by the straight-line method over the shorter of the legal or estimated economic life. Total capitalized costs related to patents, orbital slots and other licenses of $129.4 million and $120.9 million were included in other assets as of March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Accumulated amortization related to these assets was $10.2 million and $8.4 million as of March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Amortization expense related to these assets was $1.9 million for fiscal year 2025, and an insignificant amount for each of fiscal years 2024 and 2023. If a patent, orbital slot or other license is rejected, abandoned or otherwise invalidated, the unamortized cost is expensed in that period. During fiscal years 2025, 2024 and 2023, the Company did not write off any significant costs due to abandonment or impairment.

Debt issuance costs

Debt issuance costs are amortized and recognized as interest expense using the effective interest rate method, or, when the results are not materially different, on a straight-line basis over the expected term of the related debt. The Company capitalized $35.6 million, $53.9 million and zero debt issuance costs during fiscal years 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Unamortized debt issuance costs related to extinguished debt are expensed at the time the debt is extinguished and recorded in loss on extinguishment of debt in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). If the terms of a financing obligation are amended and accounted for as a debt modification by the Company, fees incurred directly with the lending institution are capitalized and amortized over the remaining contractual term using the effective interest method. Fees incurred with other parties are expensed as incurred. Debt issuance costs related to the Company's revolving credit facilities (collectively, the Revolving Credit Facilities) are recorded in other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets in accordance with the authoritative guidance for imputation of interest (ASC 835-30). Debt issuance costs related to the Company’s senior secured and senior unsecured notes (collectively, the Notes) and senior secured term loan credit facilities (together with the Revolving Credit Facilities, the Credit Facilities) are recorded as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt, consistent with debt discounts, in accordance with ASC 835-30.

Software development

Costs of developing software for sale are charged to independent research and development (IR&D) expense when incurred, until technological feasibility has been established. Software development costs incurred from the time technological feasibility is reached until the product is available for general release to customers are capitalized and reported at the lower of unamortized cost or net realizable value. Once the product is available for general release, the software development costs are amortized based on the ratio of current to future revenue for each product with an annual minimum equal to straight-line amortization over the remaining estimated economic life of the product, generally within five years. As of March 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company had $780.3 million and $723.9 million, respectively, of capitalized costs related to software developed for resale. Accumulated amortization related to these assets was $515.8 million and $483.3 million as of March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The Company capitalized $78.4 million and $77.5 million of costs related to software developed for resale during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Amortization expense for capitalized software development costs was $54.5 million, $59.1 million and $54.4 million during fiscal years 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Amortization expense related to these assets is expected to be in the range of approximately $60 million to $30 million over each of the next five fiscal years (with the higher end of the range in the earlier fiscal years), estimated based on annual minimum straight-line amortization.

Impairment of long-lived and other long-term assets (property, equipment, and satellites, and other assets, including goodwill)

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), the Company assesses potential impairments to 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. An impairment loss is recognized 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 the Company's exit from certain locations in EMEA markets, disposal of certain related assets and termination of certain related long-term contracts in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, the impairment related to certain of the Company's satellites under construction and satellite programs (as discussed in Note 1 — The Company and a Summary of Its Significant Accounting Policies — Property, equipment and satellites above) 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 the Company for fiscal years 2025, 2024 and 2023. See Note 7 — Leases for additional information.

The Company accounts for its goodwill under ASC 350. Current authoritative guidance allows the Company to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. If, after completing the qualitative assessment, the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value is greater than the carrying value, the Company concludes that no impairment exists. Alternatively, if the Company determines in the qualitative assessment that it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than its carrying value, then the Company performs 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. The Company tests 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, the Company assesses 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 its competitive environment since the acquisition date, (3) changes in the overall economy, its 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.

Furthermore, in addition to qualitative analysis, the Company believes it is appropriate to conduct a quantitative analysis periodically as a prudent review of its reporting unit goodwill fair values. The Company's quantitative analysis estimates the fair values of the reporting units using discounted cash flows and other indicators of fair value. The forecast of future cash flow is based on the Company's best estimate of each reporting unit’s future revenue and operating costs, based primarily on existing firm orders, expected future orders, contracts with suppliers, labor resources, general market conditions, successful launch of its satellites currently under construction and other relevant factors. Based on a quantitative analysis for fiscal year 2025, the Company concluded that estimated fair values of its reporting units exceed their respective carrying values.

Based on the Company’s qualitative and quantitative assessment performed during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, the Company concluded that it was more likely than not that the estimated fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units exceeded their related carrying value as of March 31, 2025. No impairments were recorded by the Company related to goodwill and other intangible assets for fiscal years 2025, 2024 and 2023.

Fair value of financial instruments

The carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, approximate their fair values due to their short-term maturities. The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term borrowings, other long-term interest bearing liabilities and interest rate cap contracts is determined by using available market information for those securities or similar financial instruments (see Note 3 — Fair Value Measurements).

Self-insurance and post-retirement medical benefit liabilities

The Company has self-insurance plans to retain a portion of the exposure for losses related to employee medical benefits and workers’ compensation. The self-insurance plans include policies which provide for both specific and aggregate stop-loss limits. The Company utilizes actuarial methods as well as other historical information for the purpose of estimating ultimate costs for a particular plan year. Based on these actuarial methods, along with currently available information and insurance industry statistics, the Company has recorded self-insurance liability for its plans of $5.9 million and $6.5 million as of March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The Company’s estimate, which is subject to inherent variability, is based on average claims experience in the Company’s industry and its own experience in terms of frequency and severity of claims, including asserted and unasserted claims incurred but not reported, with no explicit provision for adverse fluctuation from year to year. This variability may lead to ultimate payments being either greater or less than the amounts presented above. Self-insurance liabilities have been classified as a current liability in accrued and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets in accordance with the estimated timing of the projected payments.

As a part of the Inmarsat Acquisition, the Company assumed a post-retirement medical benefit plan for retired employees (and their dependents) who were employed by Inmarsat before January 1, 1998. The plan is funded by the Company and there are no plan assets from which the costs are paid. The cost of providing these benefits is actuarially determined and accrued over the service period of the active employee groups. The annual increase in Inmarsat's contribution to post-retirement medical liability is capped at the United Kingdom Consumer Price Index +1%.

Indemnification provisions

In the ordinary course of business, the Company includes indemnification provisions in certain of its contracts, generally relating to parties with which the Company has commercial relations. Pursuant to these agreements, the Company will indemnify, hold harmless and agree to reimburse the indemnified party for losses suffered or incurred by the indemnified party, including but not limited to losses relating to third-party intellectual property claims. To date, there have not been any material costs incurred in connection with such indemnification clauses. The Company’s insurance policies do not necessarily cover the cost of defending indemnification claims or providing indemnification, so if a claim was filed against the Company by any party that the Company has agreed to indemnify, the Company could incur substantial legal costs and damages. A claim would be accrued when a loss is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. At March 31, 2025 and 2024, no such amounts were accrued related to the aforementioned provisions.

Noncontrolling interests

A noncontrolling interest represents the equity interest in a subsidiary that is not attributable, either directly or indirectly, to the Company and is reported as equity of the Company, separate from the Company’s controlling interest. Revenues, expenses, gains, losses, net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss) are reported in the consolidated financial statements at the consolidated amounts, which include the amounts attributable to both the controlling and noncontrolling interest.

On August 15, 2022, TrellisWare, a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company, completed the repurchase of shares of its common stock from participating stockholders for a total purchase price of approximately $30.0 million. The Company did not elect to participate in the share repurchase, and accordingly, the Company's ownership percentage of TrellisWare increased to slightly over 60% as a result of the share repurchase.

The following table summarizes the effect of the change in the Company's percentage ownership interest in TrellisWare on the Company's equity for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023:


	Fiscal Years Ended
	March 31, 2025			March 31, 2024			March 31, 2023
	(In thousands)
Net income (loss) attributable to Viasat, Inc.	$	(574,962	)	$	(1,068,904	)	$	1,084,806
Transfers to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(11,783	)
Change from net income (loss) attributable to Viasat, Inc. and transfers from (to) noncontrolling interest	$	(574,962	)	$	(1,068,904	)	$	1,073,023

Derivatives

As a result of the Inmarsat Acquisition (see Note 4 — Acquisition for more information), the Company assumed interest rate cap contracts to hedge the variable interest rate under Inmarsat's senior secured term loan facilities. The interest rate cap contracts provided protection from Compound SOFR rates over 2%, covered the total nominal amount of Inmarsat's senior secured term loan facilities of $1.6 billion, and matured in February 2025. At the time of the acquisition, the Company continued to account for the interest rate cap contracts as cash-flow hedges. Upon amendment of Inmarsat's senior secured term loan facilities on March 28, 2024 (see Note 8 — Senior Notes and Other Long-Term Debt for more information), the portion of the interest rate cap contracts related to Inmarsat's $1.3 billion senior secured term loan facility (the 2024 Inmarsat Term Loan Facility) continued to be accounted for as cash-flow hedges, as the interest rate cap contracts remained in place with their original maturity date.

The Company did not use this instrument, or these types of instruments in general, for speculative or trading purposes. The Company’s objective was to reduce the risk to earnings and cash flows associated with changes in debt with variable interest rates. Derivative instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and are measured at fair value. The value of a hedging derivative is classified as a non-current asset or liability if the cash flows are due to be received in greater than 12 months, and as a current asset or liability if the cash flows are due to be received in less than 12 months.

Gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value of derivative instruments which are designated as cash-flow hedging instruments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments until the underlying transaction affects the Company’s earnings, at which time they are then recorded in the same income statement line as the underlying transaction. The Company may designate a derivative with periodic cash settlements and a non-zero fair value at hedge inception as the hedging instrument in a qualifying cash flow hedging relationship. The non-zero fair value of cash flow hedges on the designation date is recognized into income under a systematic and rational method over the life of the hedging instrument and in the same line item in the consolidated statements of operations as the earnings of the hedge item, with the offset recorded to other comprehensive income (loss).

During fiscal years 2025 and 2024, the Company recognized a gain of $1.2 million (and related tax expense of an insignificant amount) and a gain of $20.2 million (and related tax expense of $5.1 million), respectively, in other comprehensive income arising from changes in the fair value of the interest rate cap contracts (designated as cash-flow hedging instruments) related to Inmarsat's senior secured term loan facilities. During fiscal years 2025 and 2024, the Company recorded a decrease of $15.9 million (and related tax benefit of $4.0 million) and a decrease of $5.5 million (and related tax benefit of $1.4 million), respectively, to other comprehensive income and interest expense, net of the recognition into income of the non-zero hedge inception fair value (based on the nature of the underlying transaction). During fiscal years 2025 and 2024, the Company received $46.3 million and $45.6 million in cash, respectively, as a result of periodic cash settlements, which are included in operating cash flows in the consolidated statements of cash flows. As of March 31, 2024, the fair value of the Company's interest rate cap contracts recorded in other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets was $44.5 million.

Foreign currency

In general, the functional currency of a foreign operation is deemed to be the local country’s currency. Consequently, assets and liabilities of operations outside the United States are generally translated into U.S. dollars, and the effects of foreign currency translation adjustments are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within Viasat, Inc. stockholders’ equity.

Other comprehensive income or loss related to the effects of foreign currency translation adjustments attributable to Viasat, Inc. during fiscal years 2025, 2024 and 2023 was a loss of $9.3 million (net of an insignificant amount of tax), a gain of $3.0 million (net of an insignificant amount of tax), and a loss of $13.1 million (net of an insignificant amount of tax), respectively.

Revenue recognition

In accordance with the authoritative guidance for revenue from contracts with customers (ASC 606), the Company applies the five-step model to its contracts with its customers. Under this model the Company (1) identifies the contract with the customer, (2) identifies its performance obligations in the contract, (3) determines the transaction price for the contract, (4) allocates the transaction price to its performance obligations and (5) recognizes revenue when or as it satisfies its 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 the Company’s revenues, such as sales taxes and value added taxes, are excluded from net sales.

Furthermore, from time to time, the Company participates in U.S. federal and state programs under which the government funds part of the costs of providing services in targeted locations such as unserved or under-served high cost or rural areas, or for certain types of customers. The Company accounts for funds received from the government by analogy to International Accounting Standards (IAS) 20, Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosure of Government Assistance, and recognizes funds received in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) when there is reasonable assurance that it will comply with the conditions associated with the grant and the grant will be received. Recognition occurs on a systematic basis over the periods in which the entity recognizes as expenses the related costs for which the grant is intended to compensate. During the fiscal years ended March 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, the amounts recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements related to these types of arrangements were not material.

Performance obligations

The timing of satisfaction of performance obligations may require judgment. The Company derives a substantial portion of its revenues from contracts with customers for services, primarily consisting of connectivity services. These contracts typically require advance or recurring monthly payments by the customer. The Company’s obligation to provide connectivity services 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). The Company evaluates whether broadband equipment provided to its customers as part of the delivery of connectivity services represents a lease in accordance with ASC 842. As discussed above under “Leases - Lessor accounting”, for broadband equipment leased to customers in conjunction with the delivery of connectivity services, the Company accounts for the lease and non-lease components of connectivity service arrangements as a single performance obligation as the connectivity services represent the predominant component.

The Company also derives a portion of its 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, the Company considers indicators that include, but are not limited to, whether (1) the Company has 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.

The Company’s 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 the Company’s U.S. Government fixed-price contracts, the customer pays the Company 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, the Company’s U.S. Government fixed-price contracts generally result in revenue recognized in excess of billings which the Company presents as unbilled accounts receivable on the balance sheet. Amounts billed and due from the Company’s 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 the Company’s U.S. Government cost-type contracts, the customer generally pays the Company for its actual costs incurred within a short period of time. For non-U.S. Government contracts, the Company typically receives interim payments as work progresses, although for some contracts, the Company may be entitled to receive an advance payment. The Company recognizes a liability for these advance payments in excess of revenue recognized and presents 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 the Company 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 the Company and the Company has 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. The Company generally uses the cost-to-cost measure of progress for its contracts because that best depicts the transfer of control to the customer which occurs as the Company incurs costs on its 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.

Contract costs on U.S. Government contracts are subject to audit and review by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), and other U.S. Government agencies, as well as negotiations with U.S. Government representatives. As of March 31, 2025, the DCMA had approved the Company’s incurred costs through fiscal year 2022. The DCAA is currently auditing the Company's fiscal year 2024 recurring incurred cost submissions. The Company's cost accounting practices are examined for compliance with the applicable Cost Accounting Standards (CAS). Although the Company has recorded contract revenues subsequent to fiscal year 2022 based upon an estimate of costs that the Company believes will be approved upon final audit or review, the Company does not know the outcome of any ongoing or future audits or reviews and adjustments and if future adjustments exceed the Company’s estimates, its profitability would be adversely affected. The Company had $14.8 million and $16.6 million as of March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024, respectively, in contract-related reserves for its estimate of potential refunds to customers for potential cost adjustments on several multi-year U.S. Government cost reimbursable contracts (see Note 15 — Contingencies for more information).

Evaluation of transaction price

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 the Company’s performance obligations, the estimation of total revenue, and, where applicable, the cost at completion, is complex, subject to many variables and requires significant judgment. The Company’s 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. The Company estimates variable consideration at the amount to which it expects to be entitled. The Company includes 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. The Company’s estimates of variable consideration and determination of whether to include estimated amounts in the transaction price are based largely on an assessment of the Company’s anticipated performance and all information (historical, current and forecasted) that is reasonably available to the Company. In the event an agreement includes embedded financing components, the Company recognizes 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. The Company has elected the practical expedient not to adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component if the Company expects, at contract inception, that the period between when the Company transfers 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, the Company utilizes the observable price of a good or service when the Company sells that good or service separately in similar circumstances and to similar customers. If a standalone selling price is not directly observable, the Company estimates 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.

Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations

The Company’s remaining performance obligations represent the transaction price of firm contracts and orders for which work has not been performed. The Company includes in its remaining performance obligations only those contracts and orders for which it has accepted purchase orders. Remaining performance obligations associated with the Company’s subscribers for fixed consumer and business broadband services in its communication services segment exclude month-to-month service contracts in accordance with a practical expedient and are estimated using a portfolio approach in which the Company reviews all relevant promotional activities and calculates the remaining performance obligation using the average service component for the portfolio and the average time remaining under the contract. The Company’s future recurring IFC service contracts in its communication services segment do not have minimum service purchase requirements and therefore are not included in the Company’s remaining performance obligations. As of March 31, 2025, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations was $3.6 billion, of which the Company expects to recognize approximately half over the next 12 months, with the balance recognized thereafter.

Disaggregation of revenue

The Company operates and manages its business in two reportable segments: communication services and defense and advanced technologies. Revenue is disaggregated by products and services, customer type, contract type, business line and geographic area, as the Company believes this approach best depicts how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of its revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. See Note 16 — Segment Information for disaggregation of revenue by business line and additional disaggregated revenue disclosures.

The following sets forth disaggregated reported revenue by segment and products and services for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023:


	Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2025
	Communication Services		Defense and Advanced Technologies		Total Revenues
	(In thousands)
Service revenues	$	3,022,346	$	203,430	$	3,225,776
Product revenues		276,139		1,017,656		1,293,795
Total revenues	$	3,298,485	$	1,221,086	$	4,519,571

	Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2024
	Communication Services		Defense and Advanced Technologies		Total Revenues
	(In thousands)
Service revenues	$	2,798,512	$	206,082	$	3,004,594
Product revenues		343,028		936,136		1,279,164
Total revenues	$	3,141,540	$	1,142,218	$	4,283,758

	Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2023
	Communication Services		Defense and Advanced Technologies		Total Revenues
	(In thousands)
Service revenues	$	1,435,649	$	166,383	$	1,602,032
Product revenues		269,126		685,000		954,126
Total revenues	$	1,704,775	$	851,383	$	2,556,158

Revenues from the U.S. Government as an individual customer comprised approximately 18%, 17% and 17% of total revenues for fiscal years 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Revenues from the U.S. Government were attributable to each of the communication services segment and defense and advanced technologies segment, with approximately half of such revenues reported within each of these two segments for fiscal years 2025 and 2024, while the majority of revenues from the U.S. Government was attributable to the defense and advanced technologies segment for fiscal year 2023.

The Company’s revenues are primarily derived from two types of contracts: fixed-price and cost-reimbursement contracts. Fixed-price contracts (which require the Company to provide products and services under a contract at a specified price) comprised approximately 96%, 95% and 93% of the Company's total revenues for fiscal years 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively, a majority of which were reported in the Company's communication services segment. The remainder of the Company’s revenues for such periods was derived primarily from cost-reimbursement contracts (under which the Company is 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), which contracts are mainly reported within the Company's defense and advanced technologies segment.

Historically, a portion of the Company’s revenues 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. Revenues for the Company’s funded development from its customer contracts were approximately 11%, 12% and 16% of its total revenues for fiscal years 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively, mainly reported within the Company's defense and advanced technologies segment.

Contract balances

Contract balances consist of contract assets and contract liabilities. A contract asset, or with respect to the Company, an unbilled accounts receivable, is recorded when revenue is recognized in advance of the Company’s right to bill and receive consideration, typically resulting from sales under long-term contracts. Unbilled accounts receivable are generally expected to be billed and collected within one year. The unbilled accounts receivable will decrease as provided services or delivered products are billed. The Company receives payments from customers based on a billing schedule established in the Company’s contracts.

When consideration is received in advance of the delivery of goods or services, a contract liability, or with respect to the Company, collections in excess of revenues and deferred revenues, is recorded. Reductions in the collections in excess of revenues and deferred revenues will be recorded as the Company satisfies the performance obligations.

The following table presents contract assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024:


	As of March 31, 2025		As of March 31, 2024
	(In thousands)
Unbilled accounts receivable	$	180,871	$	156,322
Collections in excess of revenues and deferred revenues		294,034		260,264
Deferred revenues, long-term portion		786,710		896,402

Unbilled accounts receivable increased by $24.5 million during fiscal year 2025, primarily driven by revenue recognized in excess of billings primarily in the Company's communication services segment revenues.

Collections in excess of revenues and deferred revenues increased by $33.8 million during fiscal year 2025, driven by advances on goods or services received in excess of revenue recognized in each of the Company's segments.

During fiscal year 2025, the Company recognized revenue of $238.6 million that was previously included in the Company’s collections in excess of revenues and deferred revenues at March 31, 2024. During fiscal year 2024, the Company recognized revenue of $97.8 million that was previously included in the Company’s collections in excess of revenues and deferred revenues at March 31, 2023.

Other assets and deferred costs – contracts with customers

Per ASC 340-40, Other Assets and Deferred Costs – Contracts with Customers, the Company recognizes an asset from the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if the Company expects to recover those costs. The incremental costs of obtaining a contract are those costs that the Company incurs to obtain a contract with a customer that it 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 the Company can specifically identify, (2) the costs generate or enhance resources of the Company 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. In accordance with the guidance, the Company recognizes an asset related to commission costs incurred, primarily in the Company’s communication services segment, and recognizes 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, the Company elected the practical expedient and expenses incremental costs immediately. The Company’s deferred customer contract acquisition costs and costs to fulfill contract balances were $13.0 million and $56.4 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2025. Of the Company’s total deferred customer contract acquisition costs and costs to fulfill contracts, $15.2 million was included in other current assets within the prepaid expenses and other current assets caption on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and $54.2 million was included in other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2025. The Company’s deferred customer contract acquisition costs and costs to fulfill contract balances were $23.1 million and $55.1 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2024. Of the Company’s total deferred customer contract acquisition costs and costs to fulfill contracts, $20.2 million was included in other current assets within the prepaid expenses and other current assets caption on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and $58.0 million was included in other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2024. For total deferred customer contract acquisition costs and contract fulfillment costs, the Company’s amortization and reduction of carrying value associated with contract termination was $33.1 million, $40.4 million and $48.2 million for fiscal years 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Advertising costs

In accordance with the authoritative guidance for advertising costs (ASC 720-35), advertising costs are expensed as incurred and included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Advertising expenses for fiscal years 2025, 2024 and 2023 were $19.2 million, $26.4 million and $22.8 million, respectively.

Stock-based compensation

In accordance with the authoritative guidance for share-based payments (ASC 718), the Company measures stock-based compensation cost at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award. Expense for RSUs and stock options is recognized on a straight-line basis over the employee’s requisite service period. Expense for performance-based RSUs (PSUs) with a market condition (such as a stock price milestone) (market condition PSUs) that vest is recognized regardless of the actual outcome achieved and is recognized on a graded-vesting basis. Expense for PSUs with a performance condition (such as an operational milestone) (performance condition PSUs) that vest is recorded each period based on a probability assessment of the expected outcome of the performance metric with a final adjustment upon measurement at the end of the performance period and is recognized regardless of the actual outcome achieved and is recognized on a graded-vesting basis. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur. The Company recognizes excess tax benefits or deficiencies on vesting or settlement of awards as discrete items within income tax benefit or provision within net income (loss) and the related cash flows are classified within operating activities. See Note 9 — Common Stock and Stock Plans to the Company's consolidated financial statements for more information.

Independent research and development

IR&D, which is not directly funded by a third party, is expensed as incurred. IR&D expenses consist primarily of salaries and other personnel-related expenses, supplies, prototype materials and other expenses related to research and development (R&D) programs.

Income taxes

Accruals for uncertain tax positions are provided for in accordance with the authoritative guidance for accounting for uncertainty in income taxes (ASC 740). The Company 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. ASC 740 also provides guidance on 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. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest expense and penalties related to income tax matters as a component of income tax expense.

A deferred income tax asset or liability is established for the expected future tax consequences resulting from differences in the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and for the expected future tax benefit to be derived from tax credit and loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

The Company’s 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.

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is computed based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and potential common stock, if dilutive during the period, which are included in the earnings per share calculations using the treasury stock method. Potential common stock includes options granted (including market-based performance stock options), RSUs (other than PSUs), market condition PSUs and performance condition PSUs awarded under the Company’s equity compensation plan, common shares expected to be issued under the Company’s employee stock purchase plan, and shares potentially issuable under the Viasat 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan in connection with the Company’s decision to pay a discretionary match in common stock or cash.

Segment reporting

The Company reports its results in two separate segments consisting of communication services and defense and advanced technologies. The Company's segments are determined consistent with the way management currently organizes and evaluates financial information internally for making operating decisions and assessing performance. The Company’s reportable segments (communication services and defense and advanced technologies) have been determined based upon their market and economic characteristics while also giving consideration to the structure and management of various business lines. The reportable segments are primarily determined based upon industry categories and core competencies relating to product or service end market distribution, operations, and servicing and distinguished by the type of customer and, to a lesser extent, the related contractual requirements.

The Company’s communication services segment provides a wide range of broadband and narrowband communications solutions across government and commercial mobility markets, as well as for residential and enterprise fixed broadband customers. The Company’s defense and advanced technologies segment develops and offers a diverse array of resilient, vertically integrated solutions to government and commercial customers, leveraging the Company’s technical competencies in encryption, cyber security, tactical gateways, modems and waveforms. The more regulated government environment for defense, encryption and other products is subject to unique contractual requirements and possesses economic characteristics that differ from the communication services segment.

Recent authoritative guidance

In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions. ASU 2022-03 clarifies that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered in measuring the security's fair value. The standard also requires certain disclosures for equity securities that are subject to contractual restrictions. The Company adopted the new guidance in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025 and the guidance did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-01, Leases (Topic 842) – Common Control Agreements. The amendments in this update that apply to public business entities clarify the accounting for leasehold improvements associated with common control leases. The Company adopted the new guidance in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025 and the guidance did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative. This ASU amends certain disclosure and presentation requirements for a variety of topics within the FASB ASC. These amendments will also align the requirements in the ASC with the SEC's regulations. The effective date for each amended topic in the ASC is the date on which the SEC’s removal of the related disclosure requirement from Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K becomes effective, and will not be effective if the SEC has not removed the applicable disclosure requirements by June 30, 2027. Early adoption is prohibited. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. This ASU requires public entities to enhance disclosures about their reportable segments' significant expenses on an interim and annual basis. Beginning with the annual reporting of fiscal year 2025, the Company adopted the new guidance on a retrospective basis. See Note 16 — Segment Information for additional information.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. ASU 2023-09 enhances income tax disclosures by requiring disclosure of specific categories in the income tax rate reconciliation table and disaggregation of income taxes paid. The new standard will become effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2026. Early adoption is permitted and the new standard should be applied prospectively, however retrospective application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In March 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-02, Codification Improvements – Amendments to Remove References to the Concepts Statements. This update contains amendments to the Codification that remove references to various Concepts Statements. The amendments in this update are not intended to result in significant accounting changes for most entities. The amendments in this update are effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2026. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income – Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. This ASU requires additional disclosures about certain categories of costs and expenses in the notes to financial statements. As clarified in ASU 2025-01, Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income – Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Clarifying the Effective Date, the new standard will become effective for the Company’s annual disclosures beginning in fiscal year 2028 and for interim disclosures beginning in fiscal year 2029. Early adoption is permitted and the amendments should be applied either prospectively to financial statements issued for reporting periods after the effective date of the ASU or retrospectively to any or all periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

Other acquired intangible assets

Other acquired intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of two to 12 years (which approximates the economic pattern of benefit).