ViaSat(VSAT) - 2026 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 FY 2026 was $1.2 billion, up approximately 3% year-over-year, reflecting growth in both DAT and communication services [21][22] - Adjusted EBITDA was $387 million, down 2%, primarily due to $10 million of incremental R&D investments related to growth initiatives [23] - Net income improved to $25 million, an increase of $183 million, mainly due to higher interest income recognized during the quarter [22] - Cash flow from operations was $727 million, or $307 million excluding the lump sum payment from Legato, resulting in free cash flow of $444 million [21][23] - The net debt to trailing twelve-month adjusted EBITDA ratio improved to 3.25 times, down from approximately 3.7 times a year ago [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Communication services awards were $671 million, down 11%, reflecting lower aviation awards and the effects of the government shutdown [24] - Maritime awards grew 25%, while revenue was $825 million, up 1%, with solid growth in aviation and government SATCOM [25] - Aviation revenue grew 15%, driven by a 9% increase in commercial aircraft in service [25] - Government SATCOM revenue increased by 4%, indicating strong growth with U.S. and international governments [26] - Fixed services and other revenue declined by 20%, with U.S. fixed broadband subscribers continuing to decrease [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Backlog reached approximately $4 billion, a record for the company, up about 12% or $430 million, largely due to strong awards in the second quarter [22] - The global space economy is projected to grow from $626 billion in 2025 to $1 trillion by 2034, indicating significant market opportunities [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on three key areas for revenue growth: ViaSat-3, multi-orbit systems, and new frontier defense technology [6] - Ongoing capital allocation and strategic initiatives aim to unlock shareholder value while positioning the company to deliver differentiated value in fast-growing space and defense markets [11] - The company is evaluating strategic options, including the potential separation of government and commercial businesses to enhance shareholder value [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strategic direction and operational targets, emphasizing the importance of bringing ViaSat-3 flights 2 and 3 into service [20][32] - The company anticipates that the capabilities of the new satellites will catalyze future growth in both government and commercial franchises [31] - Management acknowledged the impact of the government shutdown on operations and expects similar effects in the fourth quarter [31] Other Important Information - The company is committed to reducing capital intensity while enhancing its reputation for reliable innovation and customer value [12] - The Equatys Mobile Satellite Services partnership is expected to leverage technical innovation and reduce capital costs for targeted business segments [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Flight 2 and Flight 3 launches - Management confirmed that Flight 3 will likely have a shorter orbit raise period of about 2 months compared to Flight 2's 100 days [43] Question: Strategic review process and timing - Management indicated that the successful deployment of Flights 2 and 3, along with macro market conditions, will influence the timing of strategic decisions [45][46] Question: Thoughts on data centers in space and AI - Management noted that the feasibility of data centers in space hinges on power generation efficiency and expressed no plans to enter the data center business [51][52] Question: Addressable markets for competitive advantages - Management identified broadband and L-band markets as key areas for growth, particularly in mobile platforms and government applications [56][57] Question: Evaluation of government assets and potential separation - Management stated that a thorough evaluation is ongoing regarding the management of key dependencies if a separation occurs [85][86]