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

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

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). During the third quarter of fiscal year 2019, Viasat Europe Sàrl (formerly known as Euro Broadband Retail Sàrl), which was previously a majority-owned subsidiary, became a wholly owned subsidiary when the Company purchased the remaining 49% interest in the company for an insignificant amount. 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) on the consolidated balance sheets.

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, self-insurance reserves, allowance for doubtful accounts, warranty accruals, 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.

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 equivalents and accounts receivable which are generally not collateralized. The Company limits its exposure to credit loss by placing its cash equivalents 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 26%, 31% and 29% of total revenues for fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Billed accounts receivable to the U.S. government as of March 31, 2019 and 2018 were approximately 32% and 36%, respectively, of total billed receivables. In addition, none of the Company’s commercial customers comprised 10% or more of total revenues for fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017. The Company’s five largest contracts generated approximately 20% of the Company’s total revenues for each of the fiscal years ended March 31, 2019, March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017.

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 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. 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 24 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, of approximately three to seven years. Capitalized costs for internal-use software are included in property and equipment, net in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

Interest expense is capitalized on the carrying value of assets under construction, in accordance with the authoritative guidance for the capitalization of interest (Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 835-20). With respect to the ViaSat-3 class satellites, gateway and networking equipment and other assets under construction, the Company capitalized $39.5 million of interest expense for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019. With respect to the ViaSat-2 satellite, ViaSat-3 class satellites, gateway and networking equipment and other assets under construction, the Company capitalized $58.9 million and $49.7 million of interest expense during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, respectively.

The Company owns three satellites in service: ViaSat-2 (its second-generation high-capacity Ka-band spot-beam satellite, which was placed into service in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018), ViaSat-1 (its first-generation high-capacity Ka-band spot-beam satellite, which was placed into service in January 2012) and WildBlue-1 (which was placed into service in March 2007). The Company also has two third-generation ViaSat-3 class satellites that have entered the phase of full construction, and in January 2019 it signed an agreement to proceed for a third ViaSat-3 class satellite. The Company also has an exclusive prepaid lifetime capital lease of Ka-band capacity over the contiguous United States on Telesat Canada’s Anik F2 satellite (which was placed into service in April 2005) and owns related earth stations and networking equipment for all of its satellites. The Company periodically reviews the remaining estimated useful life of its satellites to determine if revisions to estimated lives are necessary. The Company procures indoor and outdoor CPE units leased to subscribers under a retail leasing program as part of the Company’s satellite services segment, which are reflected in investing activities and property and equipment 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 and equipment, net, as of March 31, 2019 were $373.4 million and $142.6 million, respectively. The total cost and accumulated depreciation of CPE units included in property and equipment, net, as of March 31, 2018 were $298.7 million and $129.0 million, respectively.

On June 1, 2017, the Company’s second-generation ViaSat-2 satellite was successfully launched into orbit. In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018, shortly before the launch of commercial broadband services on the satellite, the Company reported an antenna deployment issue. The Company worked with the satellite manufacturer to determine the root cause of the antenna deployment issue, potential correcting measures, and resulting damage. In the second quarter of fiscal year 2019, the root cause analysis was completed. Based on that analysis, during the second quarter of fiscal year 2019, the Company recorded a reduction to the carrying value of the ViaSat-2 satellite of $177.4 million, with a corresponding insurance receivable of $177.4 million, based on the Company’s estimated ViaSat-2 output capabilities as compared to the anticipated, potential and configured capacity of the ViaSat-2 satellite. During fiscal year 2019, the Company received $185.7 million in insurance recovery proceeds related to such claims. The Company recorded an insurance receivable of $2.3 million as of March 31, 2019 with respect to probable remaining ViaSat-2 related insurance claims. As a result, during fiscal year 2019, the Company recorded a $7.5 million gain related to ViaSat-2 insurance claims in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses in its satellite services segment in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive incomes (loss). The ViaSat-2 satellite was primarily financed by the Company’s direct loan facility with the Export-Import Bank of the United States for ViaSat-2 (the Ex-Im Credit Facility) (see Note 5 — Senior Notes and Other Long-Term Debt for more information). Pursuant to the terms of the Ex-Im Credit Facility, insurance proceeds received from such claims were used to pay down outstanding borrowings under the Ex-Im Credit Facility.

Occasionally, the Company may enter into capital lease arrangements for various machinery, equipment, computer-related equipment, software, furniture or fixtures. The Company records amortization of assets leased under capital lease arrangements within depreciation expense.

Capitalized interest policy

Goodwill and intangible assets

The authoritative guidance for business combinations (ASC 805) requires that all business combinations be accounted for using the purchase method. The authoritative guidance for business combinations also 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 of $3.2 million related to patents were included in other assets as of March 31, 2019 and 2018. The Company capitalized costs of $22.9 million and $15.4 million related to acquiring and obtaining orbital slots and other licenses included in other assets as of March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Accumulated amortization related to these assets was $3.0 million and $2.5 million as of March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Amortization expense related to these assets was an insignificant amount for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2019, March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017. If a patent, orbital slot or orbital license is rejected, abandoned or otherwise invalidated, the unamortized cost is expensed in that period. During fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, 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. During fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, $12.2 million, $9.8 million and $6.1 million, respectively, of debt issuance costs were capitalized. 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. Debt issuance costs related to the Revolving Credit Facility are recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets and 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 5.625% Senior Notes due 2025 (the 2025 Notes), the Company’s 5.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2027 (the 2027 Notes) and the Company’s direct loan facility with the Ex-Im Credit Facility are recorded as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt, consistent with debt discounts, in accordance with the authoritative guidance for imputation of interest (ASC 835-30).

Software development

Costs of developing software for sale are charged to research and development 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. Capitalized costs, net, of $244.4 million and $246.8 million related to software developed for resale were included in other assets as of March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company capitalized $43.5 million and $75.6 million of costs related to software developed for resale for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Amortization expense for software development costs was $45.9 million, $32.5 million and $32.5 million during fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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. No material impairments were recorded by the Company for fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017.

The Company accounts for its goodwill under the authoritative guidance for goodwill and other intangible assets (ASC 350) and the provisions of ASU 2011-08, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (ASC 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment, which simplifies how the Company tests goodwill for impairment. Current authoritative guidance allows the Company to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step 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. If it is more likely than not that the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, the Company compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, a second step is performed in which the implied fair value of goodwill is compared to its carrying value. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value, goodwill must be written down to its implied fair value, resulting in goodwill impairment. 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.

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.

Based on the Company’s qualitative assessment performed during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019, the Company concluded that it was more likely than not that the estimated fair value of the Company’s reporting units exceeded their carrying values as of March 31, 2019, and therefore, determined it was not necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. No impairments were recorded by the Company related to goodwill and other intangible assets for fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017.

Warranty reserves

The Company provides limited warranties on its products for periods of up to five years. The Company records a liability for its warranty obligations when the Company ships the products or they are included in long-term construction contracts based upon an estimate of expected warranty costs. Amounts expected to be incurred within 12 months are classified as accrued liabilities and amounts expected to be incurred beyond 12 months are classified as other liabilities in the consolidated financial statements. For mature products, the Company estimates the warranty costs based on historical experience with the particular product. For newer products that do not have a history of warranty costs, the Company bases its estimates on its experience with the technology involved and the types of failures that may occur. It is possible that the Company’s underlying assumptions will not reflect the actual experience, and in that case, the Company will make future adjustments to the recorded warranty obligation (see Note 13).

Self-insurance 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 internal 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 $5.4 million and $4.5 million in accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2019 and 2018, 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 liabilities in accordance with the estimated timing of the projected payments.

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, 2019 and 2018, 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, separately 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.

Investments in unconsolidated affiliate - equity method

Investments in unconsolidated affiliate — equity method

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) on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company records its share of the results of such entities within equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliate, net on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The Company monitors such investments for other-than-temporary impairment by considering factors including the current economic and market conditions and the operating performance of the entities and records reductions in carrying values when necessary. The fair value of privately held investments is estimated using the best available information as of the valuation date, including current earnings trends, undiscounted cash flows, quoted stock prices of comparable public companies, and other company specific information, including recent financing rounds.

Derivatives

The Company enters into foreign currency forward and option contracts from time to time to hedge certain forecasted foreign currency transactions. Gains and losses arising from foreign currency forward and option contracts not designated as hedging instruments are recorded in other income (expense) as gains (losses) on derivative instruments. Gains and losses arising from the effective portion of foreign currency forward and option contracts 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.

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 within Viasat, Inc. stockholders’ equity.

Other comprehensive loss related to the effects of foreign currency translation adjustments attributable to Viasat, Inc. during fiscal year 2019 was $11.8 million, or $10.0 million net of tax. Other comprehensive income related to the effects of foreign currency translation adjustments attributable to Viasat, Inc. during fiscal year 2018 was $22.8 million, or $15.8 million net of tax. Other comprehensive loss related to the effects of foreign currency translation adjustments attributed to Viasat, Inc. during fiscal year 2017 was $2.4 million and the related tax effect was insignificant.

Revenue recognition

Effective April 1, 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (commonly referred to as ASC 606). This update established ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and ASC 340-40, Other Assets and Deferred Costs – Contracts with Customers.

In order to assess the impact of the new accounting standards, the Company applied the new standards to all open contracts existing as of April 1, 2018. The Company elected the practical expedient to reflect the aggregate effect of all contract modifications occurring before April 1, 2018 when identifying the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations, determining the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations. The aggregated effect of applying this practical expedient did not have a significant impact on the Company’s conclusions.

To reflect the adoption of the new standards, the Company and its equity method investment investee elected to use the “modified retrospective method,” which resulted in the Company recording the retrospective cumulative effect to the opening balance of retained earnings. The following table presents the summary of the impact of adopting the new standards:

	As of March 31, 2018		Adjustments Due to ASC 606			As of April 1, 2018
	(In thousands)
Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Accounts receivable, net	$	267,665	$	(5,664	)	$	262,001
Inventories		196,307		1,623			197,930
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		77,135		18,098			95,233
Other assets		686,134		19,107			705,241
Accrued liabilities		263,676		5,916			269,592
Retained earnings		285,960		27,248			313,208

The key impact of adoption is the deferral of commissions primarily in the Company’s satellite services segment, which were historically expensed as incurred as further described below.

The Company applied the five-step model under ASC 606 to its contracts with its customers to determine the impact of the new standard. 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.

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 including leasing of related broadband equipment. 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). From a recognition perspective, the leasing of broadband equipment is evaluated in accordance with the authoritative guidance for leases (ASC 840). The Company’s accounting for equipment leases involves specific determinations under ASC 840, which may involve complex provisions and significant judgments. In accordance with ASC 840, the Company applies the following criteria to determine the nature of the lease (e.g., as an operating or sales type lease): (1) review for transfers of ownership of the equipment to the lessee by the end of the lease term, (2) review of the lease terms to determine if it contains an option to purchase the leased equipment for a price which is sufficiently lower than the expected fair value of the equipment at the date of the option, (3) review of the lease term to determine if it is equal to or greater than 75% of the economic life of the equipment, and (4) review of the present value of the minimum lease payments to determine if they are equal to or greater than 90% of the fair market value of the equipment at the inception of the lease. Additionally, the Company considers the cancelability of the contract and any related uncertainty of collections or risk in recoverability of the lease investment at lease inception. Revenue from sales type leases is recognized at the inception of the lease or when the equipment has been delivered and installed at the customer site, if installation is required. Revenues from equipment rentals under operating leases are recognized as earned over the lease term, which is generally on a straight-line basis.

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 vast majority of the Company’s revenues from long-term contracts to develop and deliver complex equipment built to customer specifications are derived from contracts with the U.S. government (including foreign military sales contracted through the U.S. government). 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. 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 Contracting Management Agency (DCMA), the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), and other U.S. government agencies, as well as negotiations with U.S. government representatives. The Company’s incurred cost audits by the DCAA have not been concluded for fiscal year 2019. As of March 31, 2019, the DCAA had completed its incurred cost audit for fiscal years 2004 and 2016 and approved the Company’s incurred costs for those fiscal years, as well as approved the Company’s incurred costs for fiscal years 2005 through 2015, 2017 and 2018 without further audit based on a determination of low risk. Although the Company has recorded contract revenues subsequent to fiscal year 2018 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. As of March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018, the Company had $4.9 million and $1.6 million, 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 12).

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 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 satellite 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 in-flight connectivity (IFC) service contracts in its satellite 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, 2019, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations was $1.9 billion, of which the Company expects to recognize a little over half over the next twelve months, with the balance recognized thereafter.

Disaggregation of revenue

The Company operates and manages its business in three reportable segments: satellite services, commercial networks and government systems. Revenue is disaggregated by products and services, customer type, contract type, and geographic area, respectively, 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.

The following sets forth disaggregated reported revenue by segment and product and services for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019:

	Fiscal year Ended March 31, 2019
	Satellite Services		Commercial Networks		Government Systems		Total Revenues
	(In thousands)
Product revenues	$	—	$	383,547	$	709,144	$	1,092,691
Service revenues		684,205		44,857		246,505		975,567
Total revenues	$	684,205	$	428,404	$	955,649	$	2,068,258

Revenues from the U.S. government as an individual customer comprised approximately 26% of total revenues for fiscal year ended March 31, 2019, mainly reported within the government systems segment. The Company’s commercial customers, mainly reported within the commercial networks and satellite services segments, comprised approximately 74% of total revenues for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019.

The Company’s satellite services segment revenues are primarily derived from the Company’s fixed broadband services, IFC services and worldwide managed network services.

Revenues in the Company’s commercial networks and government systems segments are primarily derived from three types of contracts: fixed-price, cost-reimbursement and time-and-materials contracts. Fixed-price contracts (which require the Company to provide products and services under a contract at a specified price) comprised approximately 90% of the Company’s total revenues for these segments for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019. The remainder of the Company’s revenues in these segments 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) and from time-and-materials contracts (under which the Company is reimbursed 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 the Company’s revenues in its 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. Revenues for the Company’s funded development from its customer contracts were approximately 19% of its total revenues for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019.

Revenues by geographic area for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019 were as follows:

		Fiscal year Ended
		March 31, 2019
	(In thousands)
U.S. customers		$	1,836,304
Non U.S. customers (each country individually insignificant)			231,954
Total revenues		$	2,068,258

The Company distinguishes revenues from external customers by geographic area based on customer location.

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 or deferred revenues, is recorded. Reductions in the collections in excess of revenues or deferred revenues will be recorded as the Company satisfies the performance obligations.

The following table presents contract assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2019 and April 1, 2018:

	As of March 31, 2019		As of April 1, 2018
	(In thousands)
Unbilled accounts receivable	$	83,743	$	79,492
Collections in excess of revenues and deferred revenues		125,540		127,355
Deferred revenues, long-term portion		71,230		77,831

Unbilled accounts receivable increased $4.3 million during fiscal year 2019, primarily driven by revenue recognized in the Company’s satellite services segment in excess of billings.

Collections in excess of revenues and deferred revenues decreased $1.8 million during fiscal year 2019, primarily driven by revenue recognized in excess of advances on goods or services received in the Company’s government systems segment.

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019, the Company recognized revenue of $100.0 million related to the Company’s collections in excess of revenues and deferred revenues at April 1, 2018.

Other assets and deferred costs – contracts with customers

The adoption of ASU 2014-09 also included the establishment of ASC 340-40, Other Assets and Deferred Costs – Contracts with Customers. The new standard requires the recognition of 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. Adoption of the standard has resulted in the recognition of an asset related to commission costs incurred primarily in the Company’s satellite services segment, and recognition of 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 $52.0 million and $9.9 million as of March 31, 2019, respectively. Of the Company’s total deferred customer contract acquisition costs and costs to fulfill contracts, $20.6 million was included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and $41.3 million was included in other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2019. 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 $41.6 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019.

Advertising costs

In accordance with the authoritative guidance for advertising costs (ASC 720-35), advertising costs are expensed as incurred and included in SG&A expenses. Advertising expenses for fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017 were $37.8 million, $14.4 million and $4.8 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 restricted stock units and stock options is recognized on a straight-line basis over the employee’s requisite service period. Expense for total shareholder return (TSR) performance stock options that vest is recognized regardless of the actual TSR outcome achieved and is recognized on a graded-vesting basis. Effective April 1, 2017, the Company adopted a change in accounting policy in accordance with ASU 2016-09, Compensation — Stock Compensation (ASC 718) to account for forfeitures as they occur. Prior to April 1, 2017, forfeitures were estimated at the date of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differed from those estimates.

Independent research and development

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 programs.

Rent expense, deferred rent obligations and deferred lease incentives

The Company leases all of its facilities under operating leases. Some of these lease agreements contain tenant improvement allowances funded by landlord incentives, rent holidays and rent escalation clauses. The authoritative guidance for leases (ASC 840) requires rent expense to be recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The difference between the rent due under the stated periods of the lease compared to that of the straight-line basis is recorded as deferred rent within other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

For purposes of recognizing landlord incentives and minimum rental expenses on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases, the Company uses the date that it obtains the legal right to use and control the leased space to begin recording rent expense, which is generally when the Company enters the space and begins to make improvements in preparation of occupying new space. For tenant improvement allowances funded by landlord incentives and rent holidays, the Company records a deferred lease incentive liability in accrued and other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and amortizes the deferred liability as a reduction to rent expense on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) over the term of the lease.

Certain lease agreements contain rent escalation clauses which provide for scheduled rent increases during the lease term or for rental payments commencing at a date other than the date of initial occupancy. Such increasing rent expense is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

At March 31, 2019 and 2018, deferred rent included in other long-term liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets was $16.8 million and $13.8 million, respectively.

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. The authoritative guidance for accounting for uncertainty in income taxes 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. In addition, the Company’s evaluation considered other factors, including the Company’s contractual backlog, history of positive earnings, current earnings trends assuming the Company’s satellite services segment continues to grow, taxable income adjusted for certain items, and forecasted income by jurisdiction. The Company also considered the period over which these net deferred tax assets can be realized and the Company’s history of not having federal tax loss carryforwards expire unused.

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. Potential common stock includes options granted (including TSR performance stock options) and restricted stock units awarded under the Company’s equity compensation plan which are included in the earnings per share calculations using the treasury stock method, 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’s reporting segments, namely its satellite services, commercial networks and government systems segments, are primarily distinguished by the type of customer and the related contractual requirements. The Company’s satellite services segment provides satellite-based broadband services to customers, enterprises, commercial airlines and mobile broadband customers. The Company’s commercial networks segment develops and offers advanced satellite and wireless broadband platforms, ground networking equipment, radio frequency and advanced microwave solutions, Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) chip design, satellite payload development and space-to-earth connectivity systems, some of which are ultimately used by the Company’s satellite services segment. The Company’s government systems segment develops and offers network-centric, Internet Protocol (IP)-based fixed and mobile secure government communications systems, products, services and solutions and provides global mobile broadband service and product offerings. The more regulated government environment is subject to unique contractual requirements and possesses economic characteristics which differ from the satellite services and commercial networks segments. 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 (see Note 14).

Recent authoritative guidance

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to a customer. This guidance replaced most existing revenue recognition guidance and became effective for the Company in fiscal year 2019, including interim periods within that reporting period, based on the FASB decision in July 2015 (ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers — Deferral of the Effective Date) to delay the effective date of the new revenue recognition standard by one year, but providing entities a choice to adopt the standard as of the original effective date. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), which clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, which clarifies the implementation guidance on identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, which provides practical expedient for contract modifications and clarification on assessing the collectability criterion, presentation of sales taxes, measurement date for non-cash consideration and completed contracts at transition. In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides for correction or improvement to the guidance previously issued in ASU 2014-09. These standards permit the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company adopted this standard effective as of April 1, 2018 utilizing the “modified retrospective method.” For additional information see Note 1 – Revenue recognition.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (ASC 825-10). ASU 2016-01 requires that most equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method for accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) be measured at fair value, with subsequent changes in fair value recognized in net income (loss). The new guidance also impacts financial liabilities under the fair value option and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. The new guidance was required to be applied by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-03, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Financial Instruments – Overall (ASC 825-10), which clarified certain aspects of the guidance issued in ASU 2016-01. ASU 2016-01 became effective for the Company in fiscal year 2019. The Company adopted the guidance in ASU 2016-01 beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019 on a modified retrospective basis and adopted the guidance in ASU 2018-03 beginning in the second quarter of fiscal year 2019. The guidance in both ASU 2016-01 and ASU 2018-03 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (ASC 842). ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets as lease liabilities with corresponding right-of-use assets and eliminates certain real estate-specific provisions. In January 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-01, Leases (ASC 842). ASU 2018-01 permits an entity to elect an optional transition practical expedient to not evaluate land easements that exist or expired before the entity’s adoption of ASC 842 and that were not previously accounted for as leases under ASC 840. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-10, Codification Improvements to ASC 842, Leases, which was issued to provide more detailed guidance and additional clarification for implementing ASU 2016-02. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases (ASC 842): Targeted Improvements, which provides an additional (and optional) transition method whereby the new lease standard is applied at the adoption date and recognized as an adjustment to retained earnings. In December 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-20, Leases (ASC 842): Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors, and in March 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-01 (ASC 842): Codification Improvements, both of which provide certain amendments that affect narrow aspects of the guidance issued in ASU 2016-02. The new guidance will become effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company expects to adopt the new guidance using the optional transition method. Therefore, it is expected that periods prior to the effective date of adoption will continue to be reported under the current authoritative guidance for leases (ASC 840). Upon adoption, the Company expects a material impact to its consolidated balance sheet due to the recognition of lease liabilities and right-of-use assets. The Company does not expect the new guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) or statement of cash flows.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (ASC 326). ASU 2016-13 requires credit losses on most financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain other instruments to be measured using an expected credit loss model (referred to as the current expected credit loss (CECL) model). It also modifies the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and provides for a simplified accounting model for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration since their origination. Subsequently, in November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (ASC 326), which clarifies that impairment of receivables arising from operating leases should be accounted for in accordance with ASC 842, Leases. The new guidance will become effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2021, with early adoption permitted. The new guidance is required to be applied on a modified-retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (ASC 230). ASU 2016-15 makes eight targeted changes to how companies present and classify certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows. The new standard requires adoption on a retrospective basis unless it is impracticable to apply, in which case the Company would be required to apply the amendments prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. The Company early adopted the guidance on a retrospective basis in the second quarter of fiscal year 2018 and as a result cash payments for debt prepayment and extinguishment are classified as cash outflows for financing activities. Otherwise the adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (ASC 740). ASU 2016-16 requires that an entity should recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs as opposed to when the asset has been sold to an outside party. The new standard became effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. The new standard requires adoption on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period. The Company adopted this guidance beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019 on a modified retrospective basis and the guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash (ASC 230). The amendments address diversity in practice that exists in the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash and require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2017, the Company early adopted this standard on a retrospective basis. The guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business (ASC 805). ASU 2017-01 clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The definition of a business affects many areas of accounting including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill, and consolidation. The new standard became effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. The Company adopted this guidance beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019 on a prospective basis and the guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (ASC 350). ASU 2017-04 removes Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The standard will become effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2021, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-05, Other Income — Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (ASC 610-20): Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets. ASU 2017-05 clarifies the scope and accounting of a financial asset that meets the definition of an “in-substance nonfinancial asset” and defines the term “in-substance nonfinancial asset.” ASU 2017-05 also adds guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. The standard became effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. The Company adopted this guidance beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019 on a prospective basis and the guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, Receivables — Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (ASC 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities. ASU 2017-08 amends the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. The amendments require the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The standard will become effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation — Stock Compensation (ASC 718): Scope of Modification Accounting. ASU 2017-09 provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting. The standard became effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. The Company early adopted this standard beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018 and the guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (ASC 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. ASU 2017-12 improves the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements and make certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of the hedge accounting guidance in current GAAP. The amendments in this update better align an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and presentation of hedge results. In October 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-16, Derivatives and Hedging (ASC 815): Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index SWAP (OIS) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes. ASU 2018-16 permits use of the OIS rate based on SOFR as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes. These standards will become effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (ASC 220) which permits a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the newly enacted federal corporate income tax rate under H.R.1, informally known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was enacted into law on December 22, 2017 (the Tax Reform). During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018, the Company early adopted this standard and elected to reclassify the stranded tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. Adoption of this standard resulted in a reclassification of $2.2 million from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings, which is reflected as a separate line within the Company’s consolidated statements of equity.

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation – Stock Compensation (ASC 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting. ASU 2018-07 simplifies the accounting for nonemployee share-based payment transactions. Consequently, the accounting for share-based payments to nonemployees and employees will be substantially aligned. The Company early adopted the guidance in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019 and the guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-09, Codification Improvements, which is related to a project by the FASB to facilitate codification updates for technical corrections, clarifications and other minor improvements. The new standard contains amendments that affect a wide variety of topics in the ASC. The effective date of the standard is dependent on the facts and circumstances of each amendment. Some amendments do not require transition guidance and were effective upon the issuance of this standard. A majority of the amendments in ASU 2018-09 will become effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures, however this standard has not and is not expected to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (ASC 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which modifies the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by removing, modifying, or adding certain disclosures. The new standard will become effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2021, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (ASC 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract, which aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). The Company early adopted the guidance in the second quarter of fiscal year 2019 on a prospective basis and the adoption of the guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

Fair value measurements

In accordance with the authoritative guidance for financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (ASC 820), the Company determines fair value based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants, and prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value from market-based assumptions to entity specific assumptions:

•

Level 1 — Inputs based on quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets at the measurement date.

•

Level 2 — Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

•

Level 3 — Inputs which reflect management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. The inputs are unobservable in the market and significant to the instrument’s valuation.

The Company had no assets and an insignificant amount of liabilities (Level 2) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2019, and had an insignificant amount of assets (Level 1) and no liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2018.

The following section describes the valuation methodologies the Company uses to measure financial instruments at fair value:

Cash equivalents — The Company’s cash equivalents consist of money market funds. Money market funds are valued using quoted prices for identical assets in an active market with sufficient volume and frequency of transactions (Level 1).

Foreign currency forward contracts — The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage foreign currency risk relating to foreign exchange rates. The Company does not use these instruments for speculative or trading purposes. The Company’s objective is to reduce the risk to earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Derivative instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and are measured at fair value. Gains and losses resulting from changes in the fair values of those derivative instruments are recorded to earnings or other comprehensive income (loss) depending on the use of the derivative instrument and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting. The Company’s foreign currency forward contracts are valued using standard calculations/models that are primarily based on observable inputs, such as foreign currency exchange rates, or can be corroborated by observable market data (Level 2).

Long-term debt — The Company’s long-term debt consists of borrowings under its Revolving Credit Facility and Ex-Im Credit Facility (collectively, the Credit Facilities), as well as $700.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 2025 Notes and $600.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 2027 Notes. Long-term debt related to the Revolving Credit Facility is reported at the outstanding principal amount of borrowings, while long-term debt related to the Ex-Im Credit Facility, 2025 Notes and 2027 Notes is reported at amortized cost. However, for disclosure purposes, the Company is required to measure the fair value of outstanding debt on a recurring basis. The fair value of the Company’s outstanding long-term debt as of March 31, 2019 related to the 2027 Notes approximates its carrying amount due to the proximity of the closing of the 2027 Notes compared to the reporting date. As of March 31, 2019 and 2018, the estimated fair value of the Company’s outstanding long-term debt related to the 2025 Notes was determined based on actual or estimated bids and offers for the 2025 Notes in an over-the-counter market (Level 2) and was $670.3 million and $674.0 million, respectively. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt related to the Revolving Credit Facility approximates its carrying amount due to its variable interest rate, which approximates a market interest rate. As of March 31, 2019 and 2018, the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt related to the Ex-Im Credit Facility was determined based on a discounted cash flow analysis using observable market interest rates for instruments with similar terms (Level 2) and was approximately $134.9 million and $347.4 million, respectively.

Satellite performance incentive obligations — The Company’s contracts with the manufacturers of the ViaSat-1 and ViaSat-2 satellites require the Company to make monthly in-orbit satellite performance incentive payments, including interest, through approximately fiscal year 2028, subject to the continued satisfactory performance of the applicable satellites. The Company records the net present value of these expected future payments as a liability and as a component of the cost of the satellites. However, for disclosure purposes, the Company is required to measure the fair value of outstanding satellite performance incentive obligations on a recurring basis. The fair value of the Company’s outstanding satellite performance incentive obligations is estimated to approximate their carrying value based on current rates (Level 2). As of March 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company’s estimated satellite performance incentive obligations relating to the ViaSat-1 and ViaSat-2 satellites, including accrued interest, were $28.2 million and $21.0 million, respectively.

Other acquired intangible assets

Other acquired intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of two to ten years.

Operating leases

The Company leases office and other facilities under non-cancelable operating leases which expire between fiscal year 2020 and fiscal year 2033 with initial terms ranging from one to 15 years and which provide for pre-negotiated fixed rental rates during the terms of the lease. Certain of the Company’s facilities leases contain option provisions which allow for extension of the lease terms.

For operating leases, minimum lease payments, including minimum scheduled rent increases, are recognized as rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term as that term is defined in the authoritative guidance for leases including any option periods considered in the lease term and any periods during which the Company has use of the property but is not charged rent by a landlord (rent holiday). Leasehold improvement incentives paid to the Company by a landlord are recorded as a liability and amortized as a reduction of rent expense over the lease term. Total rent expense was $53.5 million, $41.2 million and $34.0 million in fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Estimated loss contingency

An estimated loss contingency is accrued when it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company regularly evaluates current information available to determine whether such accruals should be adjusted and whether new accruals are required.