ViaSat(VSAT) - 2022 Q4 - Annual Report

Acquisition and Financing - The company is acquiring Inmarsat for a total consideration of $850 million in cash and approximately 46.36 million shares of common stock, with a cash reduction of $299.3 million due to a dividend paid by Inmarsat[15][16]. - Financing commitments of $1.6 billion have been secured for the Inmarsat transaction, with an expected additional indebtedness of $1.3 billion after accounting for the cash reduction[17]. - The company plans to assume $2.1 billion in Inmarsat senior secured bonds and $2.4 billion in senior secured credit facilities[17][18]. - The company completed the acquisition of EBI for approximately $167 million, netting a cash outlay of about $51 million after accounting for EBI's cash on hand[19]. - The company issued 46.36 million unregistered shares of common stock as consideration in the Inmarsat Transaction and 4.0 million shares for the acquisition of RigNet in fiscal year 2022[168]. - The company expects to incur an additional $1.3 billion of indebtedness related to the Inmarsat Transaction, along with assuming $2.1 billion in senior secured bonds[192]. Satellite and Broadband Services - The company has launched a global constellation of three ViaSat-3 class satellites, expected to provide eight times the capacity of the previous satellites, with the first launch anticipated in Q4 of fiscal year 2023[23][26]. - The satellite services segment is expected to grow due to increased demand for high-speed broadband services, driven by the rise in internet users and connected devices[27]. - The commercial networks segment is expected to grow as demand for mobile and fixed broadband connectivity increases globally[32]. - The ViaSat-3 constellation is anticipated to provide approximately eight times the capacity of the ViaSat-1 and ViaSat-2 satellites combined, enabling affordable global connectivity[10]. - The ViaSat-2 satellite supports retail service plans offering data capacity in select markets of up to 100 Mbps, with expectations for the ViaSat-3 satellites to expand service offerings further[38]. - The company’s tactical data link products include market-leading handheld Link 16 radios, enhancing communications and situational awareness capabilities for military operations[38]. Market Demand and Competition - The company experienced increased demand for premium high-speed plans during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also faced a decline in demand for in-flight services due to reduced global air traffic[28]. - Mobile Broadband Satellite Communication Systems continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with global airline traffic not yet recovering to pre-pandemic levels[33]. - The company faces competition from larger telecommunications companies and emerging technologies, which may impact demand for its broadband services[68]. - The competitive landscape is characterized by substantial competition, with many competitors having greater resources and capabilities[138]. Government Contracts and Systems - Approximately 25% of total revenues in fiscal year 2022 came from U.S. Government contracts, with similar contributions in previous years[49]. - Total new awards in the government systems segment grew from $460.9 million in fiscal year 2011 to $1.0 billion in fiscal year 2022, reflecting high demand for military and government products and services[38]. - The company’s government mobile broadband services provide high-speed, real-time connectivity for military and government users, supporting critical operations and emergency responses[35]. - The government systems segment's results are affected by the timing of contract awards and U.S. Government funding availability[108]. - Funding for U.S. Government programs is subject to congressional appropriations, which can lead to delays or reductions in available funds[149]. Research and Development - R&D investments totaled $153.2 million, $115.8 million, and $130.4 million for fiscal years 2022, 2021, and 2020 respectively, focusing on high-capacity satellite technologies[58]. - The company’s R&D efforts are supported by a global workforce of approximately 3,400 engineers, fostering a culture of innovation[10]. Employee and Management - As of March 31, 2022, the company employed approximately 7,000 individuals worldwide, with 84% of the workforce located in the United States[112]. - The company reported a significant majority of employees expressing pride in working at Viasat, indicating positive employee relations[112]. - The company emphasizes the importance of attracting and retaining qualified personnel to ensure future success in a competitive industry[112]. - The executive team includes experienced leaders such as Richard Baldridge, who has been with the company since 1999 and currently serves as President and CEO[116]. - Viasat continues to adapt its strategies to enhance employee engagement and ensure a positive workplace culture[114]. Regulatory and Compliance - The company is subject to various regulatory requirements, including compliance with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the U.S. for operating satellite earth stations[85]. - The company is subject to various federal and state laws regarding consumer privacy and data security, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the California Privacy Rights Act[94]. - The company must comply with U.S. and international export control laws, with violations potentially leading to significant penalties and adverse impacts on business operations[182]. - The company is subject to rigorous audits by U.S. Government agencies, increasing the likelihood of adverse outcomes that could harm its reputation and profitability[183]. Financial Performance and Risks - The company’s operating results have varied significantly from quarter to quarter, influenced by factors such as satellite-related activities, construction delays, and customer payment timing[131]. - The actual operational life of satellites may be shorter than their design life, affecting revenue generation capabilities[133]. - The company may face challenges in obtaining or renewing insurance for satellites, which could impact financial stability[136]. - The company relies on a limited number of key employees, and the loss of these personnel could materially harm business operations[163]. - The company may incur substantial costs related to intellectual property litigation, which could divert management's attention and adversely affect its financial condition[187]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is expanding internationally, leveraging partnerships and the upcoming ViaSat-3 constellation to enhance global broadband service offerings[45]. - The company actively seeks strategic partnerships to enhance its market presence and sales efforts[64]. - The company plans to operate additional regional sales offices in fiscal year 2023 and beyond to enhance its market presence[209]. - The company is working on the design of the next-generation ViaSat-4 satellite system, expected to deliver multiple Terabits per second, significantly enhancing capacity[37].