SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

		NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

Meeting Information

Dear Fellow Stockholder:

You are cordially invited to attend our 2019 annual meeting of stockholders, which will be held on September 4, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. Pacific Time at the corporate offices of Viasat located at 2501 Gateway Road, Pacific Conference Room, Carlsbad, California. We are holding the annual meeting for the following purposes:

These items are fully described in the proxy statement, which is part of this notice. We have not received notice of other matters that may be properly presented at the annual meeting.

All stockholders of record as of July 8, 2019, the record date, are entitled to vote at the annual meeting. Your vote is very important. Whether or not you expect to attend the annual meeting in person, please sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card as soon as possible to ensure that your shares are represented at the annual meeting. If your shares are held in “street name,” which means your shares are held of record by a broker, bank or other financial institution, you must provide your broker, bank or financial institution with instructions on how to vote your shares.

How to Vote

Carlsbad, California

July 18, 2019

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT.

WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING IN PERSON,

PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY CARD.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2019 Proxy Statement            i

The Board of Directors of Viasat, Inc. is soliciting the enclosed proxy for use at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on September 4, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. Pacific Time at the corporate offices of Viasat located at 2501 Gateway Road, Pacific Conference Room, Carlsbad, California, and at any adjournments or postponements of the meeting, for the purposes set forth in the notice of annual meeting of stockholders.

GENERAL INFORMATION

About the Annual Meeting and Voting

Why am I receiving this proxy statement?

We sent you this proxy statement and the enclosed proxy card because Viasat’s Board of Directors is soliciting your proxy to vote at the 2019 annual meeting of stockholders. This proxy statement summarizes the information you need to know to vote at the annual meeting. All stockholders who find it convenient to do so are cordially invited to attend the annual meeting in person. However, you do not need to attend the meeting to vote your shares. Instead, you may simply sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card.

We intend to begin mailing this proxy statement, the attached notice of our annual meeting and the enclosed proxy card on or about July 18, 2019 to all stockholders who owned Viasat common stock on the record date, July 8, 2019, and are thus entitled to vote at the annual meeting. On this record date, there were approximately 61,277,039 shares of Viasat common stock outstanding. Common stock is our only class of stock entitled to vote. Along with this proxy statement we are also sending our fiscal year 2019 annual report, which includes our financial statements.

What am I voting on?

The items of business scheduled to be voted on at the annual meeting are:

We will also consider any other business that properly comes before the annual meeting.

How does the Board recommend that I vote?

Our Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote:

How many votes do I have?

You are entitled to one vote for every share of Viasat common stock that you own as of July 8, 2019.

2019 Proxy Statement            1

GENERAL INFORMATION  •  About the Annual Meeting and Voting

How do I vote by proxy?

Your vote is important. Whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting in person, we urge you to sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card as soon as possible to ensure that your vote is recorded promptly. Returning the proxy card will not affect your right to attend the annual meeting or vote your shares in person.

If you complete and submit your proxy card, the persons named as proxies will vote your shares in accordance with your instructions. If you submit a proxy card but do not fill out the voting instructions on the proxy card, your shares will be voted in accordance with the recommendations made by the Board of Directors.

If any other matters are properly presented for voting at the annual meeting, or any adjournments or postponements of the annual meeting occur, the proxy card will confer discretionary authority on the individuals named as proxies to vote your shares in accordance with their best judgment. As of the date of this proxy statement, we have not received notice of other matters that may properly be presented for voting at the annual meeting.

May I revoke my proxy?

If you give us your proxy, you may revoke it at any time before your proxy is voted at the annual meeting. You may revoke your proxy in any of the following three ways:

If your shares are held in “street name,” which means your shares are held of record by a broker, bank or other financial institution, you must contact your broker, bank or financial institution to revoke any prior instructions.

How do I vote in person?

If you plan to attend the annual meeting and wish to vote in person, we will give you a ballot when you arrive. Even if you plan to attend the annual meeting, we recommend that you also vote by proxy as described above so that your vote will be counted if you later decide not to attend the meeting.

What if my shares are held by a broker, bank or other financial institution?

If you are the beneficial owner of shares held by a broker, bank or other financial institution, then your shares are held in “street name” and the organization holding your shares is considered to be the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the annual meeting. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker, bank or other financial institution regarding how to vote your shares. You are also invited to attend the annual meeting. However, since you are not the stockholder of record, you may not vote in person at the meeting unless you bring to the meeting a “legal proxy” from the record holder of the shares (your broker, bank or other financial institution). The legal proxy will give you the right to vote the shares at the meeting.

Can I vote via the internet or by telephone?

If your shares are registered in the name of a broker, bank or other financial institution, you may be eligible to vote your shares electronically over the internet or by telephone. A large number of banks and brokerage firms offer internet and telephone voting. If the broker, bank or other financial institution holding your shares does not offer internet or telephone voting information, please complete and return your proxy card or voting instruction card in the self-addressed, postage-paid envelope provided.

How can I attend the annual meeting?

You are entitled to attend the annual meeting only if you were a Viasat stockholder or joint holder as of the record date, July 8, 2019, or you hold a valid proxy for the annual meeting. You should be prepared to present valid government issued photo identification for admittance. If you are a stockholder of record, your name will be verified against the list of stockholders of record on the record date prior to your admission to the annual meeting. If you are not a stockholder of record but hold shares in street name, you should provide proof of beneficial ownership by bringing either a copy of the voting instruction card provided by your broker or a copy of a brokerage statement showing your share ownership as of July 8, 2019. If you do not provide photo identification or comply with the other procedures outlined above, you will not be admitted to the annual meeting. The use of cell phones, smartphones, pagers, recording and photographic equipment and/or computers is not permitted at the annual meeting.

2            

GENERAL INFORMATION  •  About the Annual Meeting and Voting

What constitutes a quorum?

A quorum is present when at least a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote are represented at the annual meeting either in person or by proxy. This year, approximately 30,638,521 shares must be represented to constitute a quorum at the meeting and permit us to conduct our business.

What vote is required to approve each proposal?

In the election of directors, the two nominees for director who receive the highest number of affirmative votes will be elected as directors. All other proposals require the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on that proposal. Voting results will be tabulated and certified by our transfer agent, Computershare.

What will happen if I abstain from voting or fail to vote?

Shares held by persons attending the annual meeting but not voting, and shares represented by proxies that reflect abstentions as to a particular proposal will be counted as present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum.

Similarly, shares represented by proxies that reflect a “broker non-vote” will be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum exists. A broker non-vote occurs when a broker, bank or other financial institution holding shares in street name for a beneficial owner has not received instructions from the beneficial owner and does not have discretionary authority to vote the shares for a particular proposal. Under the rules of various national and regional securities exchanges, the organization that holds your shares in street name has discretionary authority to vote only on routine matters and cannot vote on non-routine matters. The only proposal at the meeting that is considered a routine matter under applicable rules is the proposal to ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers as Viasat’s independent registered public accounting firm for the 2020 fiscal year. Therefore, unless you provide voting instructions to the broker, bank or other financial institution holding shares on your behalf, they will not have discretionary authority to vote your shares on any of the other proposals described in this proxy statement. Please vote your proxy or provide voting instructions to the broker, bank or other financial institution holding your shares so your vote on the other proposals will be counted.

In tabulating the voting results for each proposal, neither abstentions nor shares that constitute broker non-votes are considered votes cast on that proposal. Because abstentions and broker non-votes will not be considered votes cast, abstentions and broker non-votes will not affect the outcome of any matter being voted on at the meeting, assuming that a quorum is obtained.

What are the costs of soliciting these proxies?

We will pay the entire cost of soliciting these proxies, including the preparation, assembly, printing and mailing of this proxy statement and any additional solicitation material that we may provide to stockholders. In addition to the mailing of the notices and these proxy materials, the solicitation of proxies or votes may be made in person, by telephone or by electronic communication by our directors, officers and employees, who will not receive any additional compensation for such solicitation activities. We will reimburse brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for forwarding proxy and solicitation materials to stockholders.

I share an address with another stockholder, but we received only one paper copy of the proxy materials. How may I obtain an additional copy of the proxy materials?

If you share an address with another stockholder, you may receive only one set of proxy materials unless you have provided contrary instructions. The rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, permit companies, brokers, banks or other financial institutions to deliver a single copy of a proxy statement and annual report to households at which two or more stockholders reside. This practice, known as “householding,” is designed to reduce duplicate mailings, save significant printing and postage costs, and conserve natural resources. Stockholders will receive only one copy of our proxy statement and annual report if they share an address with another stockholder, have been previously notified of householding by their broker, bank or other financial institution, and have consented to householding, either affirmatively or implicitly by not objecting to householding. If you would like to opt out of householding for future mailings, or if you currently receive multiple copies of our annual reports and proxy statements and would prefer to receive a single copy in the future, please contact your broker, bank or financial institution. You may also obtain a separate annual report or proxy statement without charge by sending a written request to Viasat, Inc., Attention: Investor Relations, 6155 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, California 92009, by email at ir@viasat.com or by telephone at (760) 476-2633. We will promptly send additional copies of the annual report or proxy statement upon receipt of such request.

2019 Proxy Statement            3

GENERAL INFORMATION  •  About the Annual Meeting and Voting

Important notice regarding the availability of proxy materials for the Viasat annual meeting of stockholders to be held on September 4, 2019

Under rules adopted by the SEC, we are also furnishing proxy materials to our stockholders via the internet. This process is designed to expedite stockholders’ receipt of proxy materials, lower the cost of the annual meeting and help conserve natural resources. This proxy statement and our annual report to stockholders are available on the Investor Relations section of our website at investors.viasat.com. If you are a stockholder of record, you can elect to access future proxy statements and annual reports electronically by marking the appropriate box on your proxy card. Choosing to receive your future proxy materials electronically will help us conserve natural resources and reduce the costs of printing and distributing our proxy materials. If you choose this option, your choice will remain in effect until you notify our transfer agent, Computershare, by mail that you wish to resume mail delivery of these documents. If you hold your shares in street name, please refer to the information provided by your broker, bank or other financial institution for instructions on how to elect this option.

4            

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES AND BOARD MATTERS

We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of business integrity. It is our belief that adherence to sound principles of corporate governance, through a system of checks, balances and personal accountability is vital to protecting Viasat’s reputation, assets, investor confidence and customer loyalty. Above all, the foundation of Viasat’s integrity is our commitment to sound corporate governance. Our corporate governance guidelines and Guide to Business Conduct can be found on the Investor Relations section of our website at investors.viasat.com.

Board Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities

The Board of Directors is the company’s governing body and is responsible for assuring that the long-term interests of the stockholders are being served. The Board of Directors is also responsible for overseeing Viasat’s Chief Executive Officer and other senior management in the competent and ethical operation of the company on a day-to-day basis. To satisfy its duties, directors are expected to take a proactive, focused approach to their position, and set standards to ensure that the company is committed to business success by maintaining the highest standards of responsibility and ethics.

Risk Oversight

We take a comprehensive approach to risk management which is reflected in the reporting processes by which our management provides timely and comprehensive information to the Board to support the Board’s role in oversight, approval and decision-making.

2019 Proxy Statement            5

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES AND BOARD MATTERS  •  Board Leadership and Independence

Board Leadership and Independence

Enhanced Board Leadership Structure. The Board leadership structure is currently comprised of (1) a combined Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and (2) a Lead Independent Director. Mark Dankberg, our Chief Executive Officer, serves as the Chairman of the Board. In February 2019, we appointed Sean Pak to the newly created position of Lead Independent Director. The role of Lead Independent Director provides strong independent leadership for the Board. The Lead Independent Director’s responsibilities include presiding over all meetings of the Board at which the Chairman is not present, calling meetings of independent directors and functioning as a liaison with the Chairman. Mr. Pak is an active and engaged director, who is well positioned to work collaboratively with Mr. Dankberg, while providing strong independent oversight.

The Board regularly evaluates its leadership structure, and currently believes that the use of a Lead Independent Director, coupled with the combined Chairman and Chief Executive Officer positions, provides the most efficient and effective leadership model for Viasat. As the individual primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the company’s business operations, our Chief Executive Officer is best positioned to provide clear insight and direction of business strategies and plans to both the Board and management. A single person, acting in the capacities of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, promotes unity of vision and leadership, which allows for a single, clear focus for management to execute the company’s business strategies and plans. Coupled with a Lead Independent Director, this leadership structure allows the Board to exercise independent oversight while enabling the Board to have direct access to information related to the day-to-day management of Viasat’s business operations. Moreover, we believe that the combined Chairman and Chief Executive Officer role is appropriately counterbalanced and enhanced by sound corporate governance principles, the leadership of the Lead Independent Director, the effective oversight of management by non-employee directors and the strength of Viasat’s independent directors.

Majority Independent Board. The criteria established by The Nasdaq Stock Market, or Nasdaq, for director independence include various objective standards and a subjective test. The subjective test requires that each independent director not have a relationship which, in the opinion of the Board, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. Under the objective standards, a member of the Board is not considered independent if, for example, he or she is (1) an employee of Viasat, or (2) a partner in, or a controlling stockholder or an executive officer of, an entity to which Viasat made, or from which Viasat received, payments in the current or any of the past three fiscal years that exceed 5% of the recipient’s consolidated gross revenues for that year.

None of our existing directors were disqualified from independent status under the objective standards, other than Mr.

Dankberg and Richard Baldridge, who do not qualify as independent because they are Viasat employees. The subjective evaluation of director independence by the Board of Directors was made in the context of the objective standards by taking into account the standards in the objective tests, and reviewing and discussing additional information provided by the directors and the company with regard to each director’s business and personal activities as they may relate to Viasat and Viasat’s management.

As a result of this evaluation, the Board of Directors affirmatively determined that each existing member of the Board other than Mr. Dankberg and Mr. Baldridge is independent under the criteria established by Nasdaq for director independence. In addition to the Board level standards for director independence, all members of the Audit Committee, Compensation and Human Resources Committee, and Nomination, Evaluation and Corporate Governance Committee qualify as independent directors as defined by Nasdaq.

6            

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES AND BOARD MATTERS  •  Board Committee Composition

Board Committee Composition

As of the date of this proxy statement, our Board of Directors has the following four standing committees: (1) Audit Committee, (2) Compensation and Human Resources Committee, (3) Nomination, Evaluation and Corporate Governance Committee, and (4) Banking and Finance Committee. The membership during the last fiscal year and the function of each of the committees are described below. Each of the committees operates under a written charter which can be found on the Investor Relations section of our website at investors.viasat.com. During our fiscal year ended March 31, 2019, the Board held seven meetings. During this period, all of the directors attended or participated in at least 75% of the aggregate of the total number of meetings of the Board, and the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board, on which each such director served. Although we do not have a formal policy regarding attendance by members of our Board at our annual meeting of stockholders, we encourage the attendance of our directors and director nominees at our annual meeting, and historically more than a majority have done so. Nine of our directors attended last year’s annual meeting of stockholders.

Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing the professional services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm, the independence of such independent registered public accounting firm from our management, and our annual and quarterly financial statements. The Audit Committee also reviews such other matters with respect to our accounting, auditing and financial reporting practices and procedures as it may find appropriate or that may be brought to the attention of the Audit Committee. The Board of Directors has determined that each of the members of our Audit Committee is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the rules of the SEC. The responsibilities and activities of the Audit Committee are described in greater detail in the Audit Committee Report.

Compensation and Human Resources Committee. The Compensation and Human Resources Committee is responsible for designing and evaluating our compensation plans, policies and programs, including the compensation of our executive officers. In carrying out these responsibilities, the Compensation and Human Resources Committee is responsible for advising and consulting with the officers regarding managerial personnel and development, and for reviewing and, as appropriate, recommending to the Board of Directors, policies, practices and procedures relating to the compensation of non-employee directors, executive officers and other managerial employees. The objectives of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee are to encourage high performance, promote accountability and assure that employee interests are aligned with the interests of our stockholders. For additional information concerning the role and responsibilities of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee, see the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy statement.

Nomination, Evaluation and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nomination, Evaluation and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for developing and recommending to the Board a set of corporate governance guidelines and principles, providing oversight of the process for the self-assessment by the Board and each of its committees, reviewing and recommending nominees for election as directors and committee members, conducting the evaluation of our Chief Executive Officer, and advising the Board with respect to Board and committee composition.

2019 Proxy Statement            7

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES AND BOARD MATTERS  •  Board Evaluation and Refreshment

Banking and Finance Committee. The Banking and Finance Committee is responsible for overseeing certain aspects of corporate finance for the company, and reviewing and making recommendations to the Board about the company’s financial affairs and policies, including short and long-term financing plans, objectives and principles, borrowings or the issuance of debt and equity securities.

Board Evaluation and Refreshment

The Nomination, Evaluation and Corporate Governance Committee, or NECG Committee, is responsible for reviewing and assessing the appropriate skills and characteristics required of Board members in the context of the current size and membership of the Board. This includes assessing whether the Board possesses the appropriate business acumen, diversity, integrity, and personal skills and experience in technology, finance, marketing, international business, financial reporting and other areas to deliver the high standard of governance expected by our stockholders.

Our Board and the NECG Committee understand the importance of following robust processes for Board evaluation and refreshment. The NECG Committee periodically reviews the skills and characteristics of the Board to ensure they align with the current needs of our company. Additionally, the Board completes an annual self-evaluation of its performance and the performance of its committees, facilitated by the NECG Committee. The results of these evaluations help to inform whether the Board is equipped to provide comprehensive and effective oversight. The Board aims to maintain a balance between institutional knowledge on the Board, which comes in the form of longer tenured directors, and fresh perspectives added through newly appointed directors. As a result, the Board has not imposed a hard limit on director tenure, as they believe that would artificially deprive the Board of the valuable contributions of its most experienced directors. Instead, the Board evaluates the mix of director tenures as a component of the broader evaluation and composition review process. This approach to Board refreshment and evaluation has led to:

In recommending candidates for election to the Board, the NECG Committee considers nominees recommended by directors, management and stockholders using the same criteria to evaluate all candidates. The NECG Committee reviews each candidate’s qualifications, including whether a candidate possesses any of the specific qualities and skills desirable in certain members of the Board. Evaluations of candidates generally involve a review of background materials, internal discussions and interviews with selected candidates as appropriate. Upon selection of a qualified candidate, the NECG Committee recommends the candidate for consideration by the full Board. The NECG Committee may engage consultants or third party search firms to assist in identifying and evaluating potential nominees.

The NECG Committee will consider candidates recommended by any stockholder who has held our common stock for at least one year and who holds a minimum of 1% of our outstanding shares. When submitting candidates for nomination, stockholders must follow the notice procedures and provide the information specified in the section titled Other Matters. In addition, the recommendation must include the following: (1) the name and address of the stockholder and the beneficial owner (if any) on whose behalf the nomination is proposed, (2) a detailed resume of the nominee, and the signed consent of the nominee to serve if elected, (3) the stockholder’s reason for making the nomination, including an explanation of why the stockholder believes the nominee is qualified for service on our Board, (4) proof of the number of shares of our common stock owned by the record owner and the beneficial owner (if any) on whose behalf the record owner is proposing the nominee, (5) a description of any arrangements or understandings between the stockholder, the nominee and any other person regarding the nomination, (6) a description of any material interest of the stockholder and the beneficial owner (if any) on whose behalf the nomination is proposed, and (7) information regarding the nominee that would be required to be included in our proxy statement by the rules of the SEC, including the nominee’s age, business experience, directorships, and involvement in legal proceedings during the past ten years.

Communications with the Board

Any stockholder wishing to communicate with any of our directors regarding corporate matters may write to the director, c/o General Counsel, Viasat, Inc., 6155 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, California 92009. The General Counsel will forward such communications to each member of our Board of Directors; provided that, if in the opinion of the General Counsel it would be inappropriate to send a particular stockholder communication to a specific director, such communication will only be sent to the remaining directors. Certain correspondence such as spam, junk mail, mass mailings, product complaints or inquiries, job inquiries, surveys, business solicitations or advertisements, or patently offensive or otherwise inappropriate material may be forwarded elsewhere within the company for review and possible response.

8            

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES AND BOARD MATTERS  •  Stockholder Engagement

Stockholder Engagement

Stockholder engagement is a critical aspect of our corporate governance practices and one of our top priorities. Our management team regularly engages with our largest stockholders to proactively understand their perspectives on our business and strategy and governance and compensation practices, and to address any concerns they may have. During fiscal year 2019, we engaged in substantive conversations with stockholders representing approximately 73% of our total outstanding common stock.

Our Board has demonstrated responsiveness to feedback received during these discussions through the recent changes we have made to our corporate governance practices and compensation programs. As a result of our Board’s evaluation of our current practices informed by stockholder feedback, we implemented a performance-based equity program in 2018 to further align executive compensation with long-term stockholder interests, and appointed a Lead Independent Director in 2019 to further strengthen the independent oversight of our Board.

We are committed to continuing an active dialogue with our stockholders to ensure that the Board’s decisions are informed by investor feedback, and that we continue to evolve our corporate governance practices and compensation programs to best support long-term value creation.

2019 Proxy Statement            9

PROPOSAL 1:

Election of Directors

Overview

The authorized number of directors is presently ten. In accordance with our certificate of incorporation, we divide our Board of Directors into three classes, with each class consisting, as nearly as may be possible, of one-third of the total number of directors. We elect one class of directors to serve a three-year term at each annual meeting of stockholders. We currently have four Class II directors whose terms expire at this year’s annual meeting. Two of our existing Class II directors, B. Allen Lay and Jeffrey Nash, will not be standing for re-election, and their seats will remain vacant at this time. At this year’s annual meeting of stockholders, we will elect two Class II directors to hold office until the 2022 annual meeting. At next year’s annual meeting of stockholders, we will elect three Class III directors to hold office until the 2023 annual meeting, and the following year, we will elect three Class I directors to hold office until the 2024 annual meeting. Thereafter, elections will continue in a similar manner at subsequent annual meetings. Each elected director will continue to serve until his or her successor is duly elected or appointed.

The Board of Directors unanimously nominated Richard Baldridge and Sean Pak as Class II nominees for election to the Board. Unless proxy cards are otherwise marked, the persons named as proxies will vote all proxies received “FOR” the election of Mr. Baldridge and Mr. Pak. If any director nominee is unable or unwilling to serve as a nominee at the time of the annual meeting, the persons named as proxies may vote either (1) for a substitute nominee designated by the present Board to fill the vacancy or (2) for the balance of the nominees, leaving a vacancy. Alternatively, the Board may reduce the size of the Board. The Board has no reason to believe that any of the nominees will be unable or unwilling to serve if elected as a director.

The following table sets forth for each nominee to be elected at the annual meeting and for each director whose term of office will extend beyond the annual meeting, the age of each nominee or director, the positions currently held by each nominee or director with Viasat, the year in which each nominee’s or director’s current term will expire, and the class of director of each nominee or director.

Class II Directors Nominated for Election at this Annual Meeting

10            

PROPOSAL 1  •  Election of Directors

Class III Directors with Terms Expiring in 2020

2019 Proxy Statement            11

PROPOSAL 1  •  Election of Directors

Class I Directors with Terms Expiring in 2021

12            

PROPOSAL 1  •  Election of Directors

Recommendation of the Board

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the election of Mr. Baldridge and Mr. Pak.

2019 Proxy Statement            13

PROPOSAL 2:

Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Overview

The Audit Committee has selected PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Viasat’s independent registered public accounting firm for our fiscal year ending March 31, 2020. PricewaterhouseCoopers has served as our independent registered public accounting firm since the fiscal year ended March 31, 1992. Representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers are expected to be present at the annual meeting, will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

Stockholder ratification of the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers as our independent registered public accounting firm is not required by our bylaws or otherwise. However, we are submitting the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers to the stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If the selection is not ratified, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether or not to retain PricewaterhouseCoopers, and may retain that firm or another without re-submitting the matter to the stockholders. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee may, in its discretion, direct the appointment of a different firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the company and its stockholders.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The following is a summary of the fees billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers for professional services rendered for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018:

Audit Fees.    This category includes the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements and the audit of our internal control over financial reporting, review of financial statements included in our Form 10-Q quarterly reports, and services that are normally provided by the independent registered public accounting firm in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.

Audit-Related Fees.    This category consists of assurance and related services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our consolidated financial statements, and are not reported above as Audit Fees. These services include accounting consultations in connection with acquisitions, and consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting standards.

Tax Fees.    This category consists of professional services rendered by PricewaterhouseCoopers, primarily in connection with tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice activities. These services include assistance with the preparation of tax returns, claims for refunds, value added tax compliance, and consultations on state, local and international tax matters.

All Other Fees.    This category consists of fees for products and services other than the services reported above, including fees for subscription to PricewaterhouseCoopers’ online research tool.

14            

PROPOSAL 2  •  Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Pre-Approval Policy of the Audit Committee

The Audit Committee has established a policy that all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm will be pre-approved by the Audit Committee. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. The Audit Committee considers whether the provision of each non-audit service is compatible with maintaining the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm. Pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services and is generally subject to a specific budget. The independent registered public accounting firm and management are required to periodically report to the Audit Committee regarding the extent of services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with this pre-approval policy, and the fees for the services performed to date. During fiscal year 2019, the fees paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers shown in the table above were pre-approved in accordance with this policy.

Recommendation of the Board

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers as Viasat’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2020.

2019 Proxy Statement            15

PROPOSAL 3:

Advisory Vote On Executive Compensation

Overview

Pursuant to Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, we are providing Viasat stockholders with an opportunity to cast an advisory vote to endorse or not endorse the compensation of our Named Executive Officers (identified in the Summary Compensation Table) as disclosed in this proxy statement. This proposal, commonly known as a “say-on-pay” proposal, gives our stockholders the opportunity to express their views on the design and effectiveness of our executive compensation program. This vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of our Named Executive Officers and the compensation philosophy, policies and practices described in this proxy statement.

Stockholder Engagement and Responsiveness.     Our management team regularly engages with our largest stockholders to proactively understand their perspectives on our business and strategy and governance and compensation practices, and to address any concerns they may have. During fiscal year 2019, we engaged in substantive conversations with stockholders representing approximately 73% of our total outstanding common stock.

Our Board of Directors has demonstrated responsiveness to feedback received during these discussions through the recent changes we have made to our compensation program. As a result of our Board of Director’s evaluation of our then-current compensation programs informed by stockholder feedback, we implemented a performance-based equity program in 2018 to further align executive compensation with long-term stockholder interests. For more information on our performance-based equity program, see the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy statement. We are committed to continuing an active dialogue with our stockholders to ensure that the Board’s decisions are informed by investor feedback, and that we continue to evolve our corporate governance practices and compensation programs to best support long-term value creation.

Executive Compensation Philosophy.     Consistent with Viasat’s compensation philosophy described more fully in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy statement, our executive compensation program has been designed to encourage high performance, promote accountability and align the interests of our executive officers with the interests of our stockholders by linking a substantial portion of their total direct compensation to our performance. The program is designed to reward superior performance and provide financial consequences for underperformance. The program is also designed to attract, retain and motivate a talented team of executive officers with superior ability, experience and leadership to grow our business and build stockholder value. We urge our stockholders to read the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy statement, which describes in more detail how our compensation policies and procedures operate and are designed to achieve our compensation objectives, as well as the Summary Compensation Table and other related compensation tables and disclosure, which provide detailed information on the compensation of our Named Executive Officers. We believe that our executive compensation program fulfills these objectives and that the compensation of our Named Executive Officers is instrumental in contributing to Viasat’s long-term success.

We request stockholder approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of Viasat’s Named Executive Officers, as disclosed in Viasat’s proxy statement for the 2019 annual meeting of stockholders pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Summary Compensation Table and the other related compensation tables and disclosure.

While this advisory vote is non-binding, our Board of Directors values the opinions that our stockholders express in their votes and will, as a matter of good corporate practice, take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future compensation decisions.

Consistent with the preference of our stockholders as reflected in our prior non-binding advisory vote on the frequency of future say-on-pay votes, we will continue to hold a say-on-pay advisory vote on an annual basis unless otherwise disclosed. Following this year’s advisory vote, the next scheduled say-on-pay advisory vote will take place at our 2020 annual meeting of stockholders.

Recommendation of the Board

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the approval of the compensation of the Named Executive Officers as disclosed in this proxy statement.

16            

PROPOSAL 4:

Amendment and Restatement of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Overview

We are requesting that our stockholders approve the amendment and restatement of our existing Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or the Purchase Plan. In this proxy statement, we sometimes refer to the proposed amended and restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan as the Restated Purchase Plan. On June 17, 2019, our Board of Directors approved the Restated Purchase Plan, subject to stockholder approval at the annual meeting. The Restated Purchase Plan will become effective on the day of the annual meeting, assuming approval of this Proposal 4 by our stockholders.

If approved by the stockholders, the Restated Purchase Plan will provide for an increase of 800,000 shares over the number of shares of common stock currently authorized for issuance under the existing Purchase Plan, for a total of 4,450,000 shares. As of July 1, 2019, only 322,938 shares remained available for purchase under the existing Purchase Plan.

In general, stockholder approval of the Restated Purchase Plan will implement the foregoing share reserve increase while (1) complying with the terms of the Purchase Plan regarding amendments, (2) meeting the stockholder approval requirements of Nasdaq, and (3) allowing us to continue to grant purchase rights under the Section 423 Component of the Purchase Plan (as described below) that are intended to qualify for favorable tax treatment under Section 423 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code.

If this Proposal 4 is not approved, the Restated Purchase Plan will not become effective, the existing Purchase Plan will continue in full force and effect, and we may continue to grant purchase rights under the existing Purchase Plan, subject to its terms, conditions and limitations, using the shares available for issuance thereunder.

The Board recommends that you vote “FOR” the Restated Purchase Plan.

Why You Should Vote for the Restated Purchase Plan

The Restated Purchase Plan is a Valuable Retention Tool.    We firmly believe that the Restated Purchase Plan is a necessary and powerful incentive and retention tool that benefits our stockholders. Specifically, the Restated Purchase Plan will enable us to continue to: (1) provide eligible employees with a convenient means of acquiring an equity interest in Viasat through payroll deductions, (2) enhance such employees’ sense of participation in the performance of Viasat, and (3) provide an incentive for continued employment. The Restated Purchase Plan will also continue to align the interests of employees with those of stockholders through increased stock ownership.

The Purchase Plan Will No Longer Have Shares Available for Purchase.    As of July 1, 2019, only 322,938 shares remained available for purchase under the Purchase Plan. Based on historical usage, we estimate that these shares would only be sufficient for approximately the next offering period, after which the remaining shares would be insufficient to meet the anticipated demand for shares under the Purchase Plan during the offering period that commences on January 1, 2020. Thus, the increase in the shares available for issuance under the Purchase Plan pursuant to the amendment and restatement is necessary to allow us to continue to provide an employee stock purchase plan beyond January 1, 2020 without interruption.

Factors Considered in Determining Proposed Increase to Share Reserve.    Our Board approved the Restated Purchase Plan based upon a recommendation of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee. In making its determination, the Compensation and Human Resources Committee and the Board considered various factors in determining the appropriate number of shares to be added to the share reserve under the Purchase Plan, including an analysis of certain burn rate, dilution and overhang metrics and the costs of the increase in the share reserve.

Our fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017 annual gross burn rates for the Purchase Plan were 0.48%, 0.39% and 0.36%, respectively (calculated by dividing the number of shares issued under the Purchase Plan during the applicable fiscal year by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during such fiscal year). This represents a three-year average burn rate of 0.41% of common shares outstanding.

In fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, our fiscal year end overhang rates for the Purchase Plan were 0.82%,1.33% and 0.36%, respectively (calculated by dividing the number of shares remaining available for issuance under the Purchase Plan by the number of our shares outstanding at the end of the applicable fiscal year). If approved, the issuance of the additional 800,000 shares to be reserved under the Restated Purchase Plan would dilute the holdings of stockholders by an additional 1.31%, based on the number of shares of Viasat common stock outstanding as of July 1, 2019.

Based on this historical usage of shares under the Purchase Plan, we estimate that the additional authorized shares being requested under the Restated Purchase Plan would be sufficient for awards for approximately four additional six-month

2019 Proxy Statement            17

PROPOSAL 4  •  Amendment and Restatement of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan

offering periods (or through approximately December 31, 2021; however, we reserve the right to request additional shares for issuance under the Restated Purchase Plan prior to that date). However, the actual usage rate of the Restated Purchase Plan may differ from historical usage rates and will depend on various factors, including employee participation levels, changes in our stock price and hiring activity, which we cannot predict with any degree of certainty at this time. The total aggregate equity value of the 800,000 additional shares being requested, based on the per share closing price of Viasat common stock on July 1, 2019 ($81.42), is approximately $65.1 million.

Summary of the Restated Purchase Plan

The following is a summary of the Restated Purchase Plan. This summary does not purport to be complete, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Restated Purchase Plan, a copy of which is attached as Appendix A to this proxy statement.

General Nature and Purpose.    The primary purpose of the Restated Purchase Plan is to provide employees an opportunity to participate in the ownership of the company by purchasing Viasat common stock through payroll deductions. The Restated Purchase Plan is intended to benefit Viasat as well as its stockholders and employees. The Restated Purchase Plan gives employees an opportunity to purchase shares of common stock at a discounted price. Employees make such purchases by participation in the regular offering periods under the Restated Purchase Plan. We believe that our stockholders correspondingly benefit from the increased interest on the part of participating employees in the profitability of the company. Finally, we benefit from the periodic investments of capital provided by participants in the Restated Purchase Plan.

The Restated Purchase Plan has two components in order to give us increased flexibility in the granting of purchase rights under the Restated Purchase Plan to U.S. and to non-U.S. employees. Specifically, the Restated Purchase Plan authorizes the grant of purchase rights that are intended to qualify for favorable U.S. federal tax treatment under Section 423 of the Code (which we refer to as the Section 423 Component). To facilitate participation for employees located outside of the United States in light of non-U.S. law and other considerations, the Restated Purchase Plan also provides for the grant of purchase rights that are not intended to be tax-qualified under Section 423 of the Code (which we refer to as the Non-Section 423 Component). The plan administrator will designate offerings made under the Non-Section 423 Component and, except as otherwise noted below, the Section 423 Component and the Non-Section 423 Component generally will be operated and administered in the same way.

Administration.    The Restated Purchase Plan will be administered by the Compensation and Human Resources Committee. Subject to the provisions of the Restated Purchase Plan, the plan administrator determines the terms and conditions of the offerings under the Restated Purchase Plan; provided, however, that all participants granted purchase rights in an offering which are intended to comply with Section 423 of the Code will have the same rights and privileges within the meaning of Section 423 of the Code. For purposes of the Restated Purchase Plan, the plan administrator may designate separate offerings under the Restated Purchase Plan, the terms of which need not be identical, in which eligible employees of one or more participating companies will participate, even if the dates of the applicable offering periods in each such offering are identical, provided that the terms of participation are the same within each separate offering as determined under Section 423 of the Code.

The plan administrator may adopt sub-plans, appendices, rules and procedures relating to the operation and administration of the Restated Purchase Plan to facilitate participation in the Restated Purchase Plan by employees who are foreign nationals or employed outside the United States. To the extent any sub-plan is inconsistent with the requirements of Section 423 of the Code, it will be considered part of the Non-Section 423 Component. The provisions of the Restated Purchase Plan will govern any sub-plan unless superseded by the terms of such sub-plan.

Shares Subject to Restated Purchase Plan.    The Purchase Plan currently provides for the issuance of up to 3,650,000 shares of our common stock (of which 322,938 shares remain available for issuance as of July 1, 2019). If this Proposal 4 is approved, the Restated Purchase Plan will provide for the issuance of up to 4,450,000 shares of our common stock. Under the terms of the Restated Purchase Plan, the shares available for issuance may be issued under either the Section 423 Component or the Non-Section 423 Component, and any such shares issued may consist of treasury shares or authorized and unissued shares or shares bought on the market for purposes of the plan.

Eligibility.    Only employees may participate in the Restated Purchase Plan. For this purpose, an “employee” is any person who is regularly employed by Viasat or any of its majority-owned subsidiaries which have been designated by the Board as participating companies under the Restated Purchase Plan and who has been employed by a participating company for not less than five calendar days prior to the beginning of an offering period. No employee will be permitted to subscribe for shares under the Restated Purchase Plan if, immediately upon purchase of the shares, the employee would own 5% or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of Viasat or its subsidiaries (including stock issuable upon exercise of options held by him or her), nor will any employee be granted a purchase right that would permit him or her to buy more than $25,000 worth of stock under the Restated Purchase Plan (valued at the time such purchase right is granted) for each calendar year during which such purchase right is outstanding. An employee may purchase up to 100,000 shares during an

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PROPOSAL 4  •  Amendment and Restatement of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan

offering period under the Restated Purchase Plan. Participation in the Section 423 Component is further subject to the eligibility requirements of Section 423 of the Code.

If the grant of a purchase right under the Restated Purchase Plan to any employee of a participating company who is a citizen or resident of a foreign jurisdiction would be prohibited under the laws of such foreign jurisdiction or the grant of a purchase right to such employee in compliance with the laws of such foreign jurisdiction would cause the Restated Purchase Plan to violate the requirements of Section 423 of the Code, as determined by the Compensation and Human Resources Committee in its sole discretion, such employee will not be permitted to participate in the Section 423 Component of the Restated Purchase Plan.

In addition, with respect to the Non-Section 423 Component, all of the foregoing rules will apply in determining who is an eligible employee, except (1) the plan administrator may limit eligibility further within a participating company so as to only designate some employees of a participating company as eligible employees, or (2) to the extent such eligibility rules are not consistent with applicable local laws.

As of July 1, 2019, there were approximately 5,700 employees eligible to participate in the Purchase Plan, of whom 3,565 were participating.

Offering Periods.    There is generally one offering period under the Restated Purchase Plan during each six-month period commencing January 1 and July 1 of each year of the Restated Purchase Plan. The current offering period will end on December 31, 2019. The first day of an offering period is referred to as the Grant Date. The last trading day of an offering period is referred to as the Exercise Date.

Purchase Price.    The purchase price per share at which shares will be sold in an offering under the Restated Purchase Plan is the lower of (1) 85% of the fair market value of a share of Viasat common stock on the Grant Date or (2) 85% of the fair market value of a share of Viasat common stock on the Exercise Date. The fair market value per share of Viasat common stock on a given date is the closing price as reported by Nasdaq on such date or, if shares are not traded on such date, then on the most recent trading day during which a sale occurred. On July 1, 2019, the closing price of Viasat common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market was $81.42 per share.

Payment of Purchase Price; Payroll Deductions.    The purchase price of the shares is generally accumulated by payroll deductions over the offering period unless payroll deductions are not permitted in a jurisdiction outside the United States. Each participant may authorize automatic payroll deductions in any multiple of 1% (up to a maximum of 5%) of his or her eligible compensation during the offering period. All payroll deductions made for a participant are credited to the participant’s account under the Restated Purchase Plan and are included with the general funds of Viasat, unless the funds for non-U.S. participants must be segregated and held in a separate account. Funds received upon sales of stock under the Restated Purchase Plan are used for general corporate purposes. Any payroll deductions not applied to the purchase of shares during an offering period due to volume purchase limitations contained in the Restated Purchase Plan and any cash in lieu of fractional shares remaining after the purchase of whole shares during an offering period will be refunded to the participant.

Withdrawal.    A participant may terminate his or her interest in a given offering by signing and delivering a notice of withdrawal from the Restated Purchase Plan at least such number of days prior to the Exercise Date of the applicable offering period as is prescribed by the plan administrator for withdrawals.

Termination of Employment.    Termination of a participant’s employment for any reason, including retirement, cancels his or her participation in the Restated Purchase Plan immediately. In such event, the payroll deductions credited to the participant’s account will be returned without interest to such participant. A transfer of employment from one participating company to another will not constitute a termination of employment for purposes of the Restated Purchase Plan, but may result in the participant participating in a different offering under the Restated Purchase Plan. If the employment of a participant is terminated by the participant’s death, the executor of such participant’s will or the administrator of such participant’s estate may request payment of the balance in the participant’s account, in which event the payroll deductions credited to the participant’s account will be returned without interest to such participant’s heirs. If we do not receive such notice prior to the Exercise Date, the participant’s right to purchase shares under the Restated Purchase Plan will be deemed to have been exercised on the Exercise Date.

Share Proration.    Should the total number of shares of Viasat common stock which are to be purchased under outstanding purchase rights on any Exercise Date exceed (1) the number of shares then available for issuance under the Restated Purchase Plan or (2) the number of shares available for issuance under the Restated Purchase Plan as of the commencement of that offering period, the Compensation and Human Resources Committee will make a pro rata allocation of the available shares in as nearly a uniform manner as possible, and the payroll deductions of each participant (to the extent in excess of the aggregate purchase price payable for the Viasat common stock prorated to such individual) will be refunded to such participant.

Capital Changes.    In the event of any changes in our capitalization, such as stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations or combinations, resulting in an increase or decrease in the number of outstanding shares of common stock, appropriate adjustments will be made in the shares subject to purchase and in the price per share under the Restated Purchase Plan.

2019 Proxy Statement            19

PROPOSAL 4  •  Amendment and Restatement of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Effect of Liquidation, Dissolution, Sale of Assets or Merger.    In the event of liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Viasat or 50% or more of Viasat’s then outstanding voting stock, the Exercise Date with respect to the current offering period will be the business day immediately preceding the effective date of such event (or such other prior date determined by the Compensation and Human Resources Committee), unless the Compensation and Human Resources Committee provides for the assumption or substitution of such rights to purchase shares of common stock under the Restated Purchase Plan.

Amendment and Termination of the Restated Purchase Plan.    The Restated Purchase Plan may be wholly or partially amended or otherwise modified, suspended or terminated at any time or from time to time by our Board. However, without approval of our stockholders, the Restated Purchase Plan may not be amended to (1) change the number or type of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the Restated Purchase Plan, (2) decrease the purchase price of common stock issued under the Restated Purchase Plan below a price computed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Restated Purchase Plan, (3) alter the requirements for eligibility to participate in the Restated Purchase Plan, or (4) amend the Restated Purchase Plan in any manner which would cause the Section 423 Component of the Restated Purchase Plan to no longer be an “employee stock purchase plan” within the meaning of the Code.

Securities Laws.    The Restated Purchase Plan is intended to conform to all provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any and all regulations and rules promulgated by the SEC thereunder, including, without limitation, Rule 16b-3.

U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences

The following is a general summary under current law of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to an employee who participates in the Restated Purchase Plan. This summary deals with the general U.S. federal income tax principles that apply and is provided only for general information. Some kinds of taxes, such as state, local and foreign income taxes and federal employment taxes, are not discussed. Tax laws are complex and subject to change and may vary depending on individual circumstances and from locality to locality. This summary also assumes that the Section 423 Component complies with Section 423 of the Code and is based on the tax laws in effect as of the date of this proxy statement. Changes to these laws could alter the tax consequences described below. The summary does not discuss all aspects of federal income taxation that may be relevant in light of a participant’s personal circumstances. This summarized tax information is not tax advice and a recipient of an award should rely on the advice of his or her legal and tax advisors.

As described above, the Restated Purchase Plan has a Section 423 Component and a Non-Section 423 Component. The tax consequences for a U.S. taxpayer will depend on whether he or she participates in the Section 423 Component or the Non-Section 423 Component.

Tax Consequences to U.S. Participants in the Section 423 Component.    The right of participants to make purchases under the Section 423 Component are intended to qualify under the provisions of Section 423 of the Code. Under the applicable Code provisions, no income will be taxable to a participant until the sale or other disposition of the shares purchased under the Restated Purchase Plan. Upon such sale or disposition, the participant will generally be subject to tax in an amount that depends upon the length of time such shares are held by the participant prior to disposing of them. If the shares are sold or disposed of more than two years from the first day of the offering period during which the shares were purchased and one year from the date of purchase, or if the participant dies while holding the shares, the participant (or his or her estate) will recognize ordinary income measured as the lesser of (1) the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time of such sale or disposition over the purchase price or (2) an amount equal to 15% of the fair market value of the shares as of the first day of the offering period. Any additional gain will be treated as long-term capital gain. If the shares are held for the holding periods described above but are sold for a price that is less than the purchase price, there is no ordinary income and the participating employee has a long-term capital loss for the difference between the sale price and the purchase price.

If the shares are sold or otherwise disposed of before the expiration of the holding periods described above, the participant will recognize ordinary income generally measured as the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date the shares are purchased over the purchase price. Any additional gain or loss on such sale or disposition will be long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on how long the shares were held following the date they were purchased by the participant prior to disposing of them.

We are not entitled to a deduction for amounts taxed as ordinary income or capital gain to a participant except to the extent of ordinary income recognized upon a sale or disposition of shares prior to the expiration of the holding periods described above.

Tax Consequences to U.S. Participants in the Non-Section 423 Component.    A U.S. participant in the Non-Section 423 Component will have compensation income equal to the value of the common stock on the day he or she purchased the common stock less the purchase price.

When a participant sells the common stock he or she purchased under the Non-Section 423 Component of the Restated Purchase Plan, he or she also will have a capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the sales proceeds and the value

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PROPOSAL 4  •  Amendment and Restatement of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan

of the common stock on the day he or she purchased it. This capital gain or loss will be long-term if the participant held the common stock for more than one year and otherwise will be short-term.

Any compensation income that a participant receives upon the purchase of shares of common stock under the Non-Section 423 Component of the Restated Purchase Plan is subject to withholding for income, Medicare and social security taxes, as applicable. In addition, the compensation income is required to be reported as ordinary income to the participant on his or her annual Form W-2, and the participant is responsible for ensuring that this income is reported on his or her individual income tax return.

We are entitled to a deduction for amounts taxed as ordinary income to a participant to the extent of ordinary income recognized upon a purchase made under the Non-Section 423 Component.

New Plan Benefits

Because the number of shares that may be purchased under the Restated Purchase Plan will depend on each employee’s voluntary election to participate and on the fair market value of our common stock at various future dates, the actual number of shares that may be purchased by any individual cannot be determined in advance. No shares of common stock have been issued with respect to the share reserve increase for which stockholder approval is sought under this Proposal 4. For illustrative purposes only, the following table sets forth (1) the number of shares of Viasat common stock that were purchased under the Purchase Plan during the 2019 fiscal year, and (2) the aggregate purchase price paid, for the individuals and groups identified below:

Recommendation of the Board

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the amendment and restatement of the Purchase Plan.

2019 Proxy Statement            21

PROPOSAL 5:

Amendment and Restatement of the 1996 Equity Participation Plan

Overview

We are requesting that our stockholders approve the amendment and restatement of our existing 1996 Equity Participation Plan, or the Equity Plan. In this proxy statement, we sometimes refer to the proposed amended and restated 1996 Equity Participation Plan as the Restated Equity Plan. On June 17, 2019, our Board of Directors approved the Restated Equity Plan, subject to stockholder approval at the annual meeting. The Restated Equity Plan will become effective on the day of the annual meeting, assuming approval of this Proposal 5 by our stockholders.

Summary of Material Amendments.    The Restated Equity Plan will implement the following material changes:

Stockholder Approval Requirement.    In general, stockholder approval of the Restated Equity Plan will implement the foregoing changes while (1) complying with the terms of the Equity Plan regarding amendments, (2) meeting the stockholder approval requirements of Nasdaq, and (3) preserving our ability to grant stock options under the Restated Equity Plan that are intended to qualify as ISOs.

If this Proposal 5 is not approved, the Restated Equity Plan will not become effective, the existing Equity Plan will continue in full force and effect, and we may continue to grant awards under the Equity Plan, subject to its terms, conditions and limitations, using the shares of our common stock available for issuance thereunder.

The Board recommends that you vote “FOR” the Restated Equity Plan.

Why You Should Vote for the Restated Equity Plan

Equity Incentive Awards Are an Important Part of Our Compensation Philosophy.    Our equity compensation plans are critical to our ongoing effort to build stockholder value. As discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy statement, equity incentive awards are central to our compensation program. Our Board of Directors and its Compensation and Human Resources Committee believe that our ability to grant equity incentive awards to new and existing employees, non-employee directors and eligible consultants has helped us attract, retain and motivate world-class talent across a broad base of employees at different levels of the organization. Historically, we have primarily granted stock options and restricted stock unit awards because these forms of equity compensation provide a strong retention value and incentive for our employees to work to grow the business and build stockholder value, and are attractive to employees who share the entrepreneurial spirit that has made Viasat a success. Beginning in fiscal year 2018, our executive officers received a combination of restricted stock units and performance-based stock options as we believe the form of these awards continues to drive strong retention value while promoting further alignment with stockholder interests by motivating them to achieve superior performance results.

We believe our strategy is working. During the last two years, our employee turnover rate, inclusive of both voluntary and involuntary turnover, has averaged 9.1%, which is much lower than the annual 21.7% employee turnover rate for similar industries as reported in the Q1 2019 Radford Trends Report. We believe employee retention is particularly important to our success due to the extended time required to design, construct and launch our advanced satellite systems.

Also, our equity incentive program is broad-based, which has worked to build stockholder value by attracting and retaining extraordinarily talented employees. We believe we must continue to offer a competitive equity compensation plan in order to attract and motivate the world-class talent necessary for our continued growth and success. As of July 1, 2019, 45.9% of our employees held outstanding equity awards and all eight of our non-employee directors held outstanding equity awards.

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PROPOSAL 5  •  Amendment and Restatement of the 1996 Equity Participation Plan

The Equity Plan Will No Longer Have Shares Available for Grant.    Under our current forecasts, the Equity Plan will run out of shares available for grant in less than one year, and we will not be able to continue to grant equity to our employees, non-employee directors and consultants unless our stockholders approve the Restated Equity Plan. This assumes we continue to grant awards consistent with our historical usage and current practices, as reflected in our historical burn rate discussed below. While we could increase cash compensation if we are unable to grant equity incentives, we anticipate that we will have difficulty attracting, retaining and motivating our employees if we are unable to grant equity awards to them. Equity-based grants are a more effective compensation vehicle than cash at a growth-oriented, entrepreneurial company because they align employee and stockholder interests, while minimizing impact on current income and cash flow.

We Manage Our Equity Incentive Award Use Carefully.    We manage our long-term stockholder dilution by limiting the number of equity awards granted annually. The Compensation and Human Resources Committee carefully monitors our total dilution and equity expense to ensure that we maximize stockholder value by granting only the appropriate number of equity awards necessary to attract, reward and retain our talented employees. The following table summarizes the equity awards outstanding and shares of our common stock available for grant under our existing Equity Plan as of July 1, 2019, and the proposed increase in shares authorized for issuance under the Restated Equity Plan:

Equity Compensation Plans as of July 1, 2019⁽¹⁾

In fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, our annual gross burn rates under the Equity Plan were 3.16%, 2.94% and 3.17%, respectively (calculated by dividing (1) the number of shares subject to equity awards granted during the applicable fiscal year by (2) the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during such fiscal year). If we multiply each “full-value award” by a multiplier of 2.50 (consistent with the methodology employed by certain proxy advisory firms), the “adjusted” annual gross burn rates under the Equity Plan would be 5.58%, 5.08% and 6.60% for fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Our three-year average “adjusted” gross burn rate of 5.75% during this period falls below the applicable ISS burn rate benchmark of 6.41% for Russell 3000 Technology Hardware and Equipment companies. As permitted under the burn rate calculation policy published by ISS, the foregoing burn rate calculations exclude the performance-based stock options granted during fiscal years 2019 and 2018. In fiscal years 2019 and 2018, we issued performance-based stock options to purchase an aggregate of 530,000 and 497,500 shares of our common stock at “target” performance, respectively, which represented 0.88% and 0.85% of the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during fiscal years 2019 and 2018, respectively.

In fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, our end of year equity overhang rates for the Equity Plan were 12.86%, 12.35% and 9.36%, respectively (calculated by dividing (1) the number of shares subject to equity awards outstanding at the end of the applicable fiscal year plus the number of shares remaining available for issuance under the Equity Plan at the end of such fiscal year by (2) the number of our shares outstanding at the end of such fiscal year). If approved, the issuance of the additional 3,500,000 shares to be reserved under the Restated Equity Plan would dilute the holdings of stockholders by an additional 5.71%, based on the number of shares of Viasat common stock outstanding as of July 1, 2019.

2019 Proxy Statement            23

PROPOSAL 5  •  Amendment and Restatement of the 1996 Equity Participation Plan

In requesting approval of the Restated Equity Plan, we are asking stockholders for a pool of shares anticipated for one to two years’ worth of equity-based grants under our current compensation program to provide a predictable but competitive amount of equity for attracting, retaining and motivating employees, non-employee directors and consultants as we continue to grow. We cannot predict our future equity grant practices, the future price of our shares or future hiring activity with any degree of certainty at this time, and the share reserve under the Restated Equity Plan could last for a shorter or longer time. The Board of Directors will not create a subcommittee to evaluate the risks and benefits for issuing the additional authorized shares requested.

The Restated Equity Plan Combines Compensation and Governance Best Practices.    The Restated Equity Plan includes provisions that are designed to protect our stockholders’ interests and to reflect corporate governance “best practices” including:

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PROPOSAL 5  •  Amendment and Restatement of the 1996 Equity Participation Plan

Summary of the Restated Equity Plan

The following is a summary of the Restated Equity Plan. This summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Restated Equity Plan, a copy of which is attached as Appendix B to this proxy statement.

General Nature and Purpose.    The Restated Equity Plan was adopted (1) to further our growth, development and financial success by providing additional incentives to some of our key employees who have been or will be given responsibility for the management or administration of our business affairs, by assisting them to become owners of our capital stock and thus to benefit directly from our growth, development and financial success, and (2) to enable us to retain the services of the type of professional, technical and managerial employees considered essential to our long-range success, by providing and offering them the opportunity to become owners of our capital stock. The Restated Equity Plan provides for the grant to our executive officers, other key employees, consultants and non-employee directors of a broad variety of stock-based compensation alternatives such as non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, dividend equivalents, stock payments, stock appreciation rights and performance awards.

Administration.    The Compensation and Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors will administer the Restated Equity Plan. The full Board of Directors will administer the Restated Equity Plan with respect to awards to non-employee directors. The Compensation and Human Resources Committee and the Board of Directors, as applicable, are referred to in this summary as the plan administrator. In addition to administering the Restated Equity Plan, the plan administrator is also authorized to adopt, amend and rescind rules relating to the administration of the Restated Equity Plan.

Shares Subject to Restated Equity Plan.    The Equity Plan currently provides for the issuance of up to 31,850,000 shares of our common stock (of which 2,693,323 shares remain available for issuance as of July 1, 2019) and, if this Proposal 5 is approved, the Restated Equity Plan will provide for the issuance of up to 35,350,000 shares of our common stock. Under the terms of the Restated Equity Plan, the shares available for issuance may be used for all types of awards under a fungible pool formula. Pursuant to this fungible pool formula, the available share reserve will be reduced by one share for every one share subject to an option or a stock appreciation right. Full value awards will be counted against the Restated Equity Plan’s available share reserve as 2 shares for each share subject to full value awards granted prior to September 22, 2010 and subsequent to September 19, 2012, and as 2.65 shares for each share subject to full value awards granted during the period beginning on September 22, 2010 and ending on September 19, 2012. The payment of dividend equivalents in cash in conjunction with any outstanding awards will not be counted against the shares available for issuance under the Restated Equity Plan.

If (1) any award under the Restated Equity Plan expires or is cancelled without having been fully exercised or paid or such award is settled for cash, (2) any shares subject to a full value award are forfeited by the holder or repurchased by us, or (3) any shares are tendered by the holder or withheld by us to satisfy any tax withholding obligation with respect to a full value award, then the shares subject to such award may, to the extent of such expiration, cancellation, cash settlement, forfeiture or repurchase, be used again for new grants under the Restated Equity Plan in an amount corresponding to the reduction in the share reserve previously made with respect to such award.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following shares will not be added to the shares authorized for grant under the Restated Equity Plan: (1) any shares tendered or withheld to satisfy the exercise price of an option or any tax withholding obligation with respect to an option or stock appreciation right, (2) any shares subject to a stock appreciation right that are not issued in connection with the stock settlement of the stock appreciation right on its exercise, (3) any shares purchased on the open market with the cash proceeds from the exercise of options, and (4) any shares tendered by the holder or withheld by us to satisfy any tax withholding obligation with respect to a full value award at a tax withholding rate in excess of the minimum tax withholding obligation, to the extent in excess of such minimum tax withholding obligation.

The number of shares subject to the Restated Equity Plan, and the limitations on the number of shares subject to grants and awards under the Restated Equity Plan, may in the discretion of the plan administrator be adjusted to reflect changes in our capitalization or certain corporate events which are described more fully in the Restated Equity Plan, but include stock splits, recapitalizations, reorganizations and reclassifications. In the event of an equity restructuring, (1) the number and type of securities subject to each outstanding award and the grant or exercise price per share for each outstanding award, if applicable, will be proportionately adjusted, and (2) the plan administrator will make proportionate adjustments to reflect such equity restructuring with respect to the aggregate number and type of shares that may be issued under the Restated Equity Plan (including, but not limited to, adjustments of the number of shares available under the plan and the maximum number of shares which may be subject to awards to a participant during any fiscal year).

Under the Restated Equity Plan, not more than 1,000,000 shares may be subject to options or stock appreciation rights for any one individual per fiscal year. The Restated Equity Plan also has an individual award limit of 300,000 shares per fiscal year for grants of restricted stock, performance awards, dividend equivalents, restricted stock units and stock payments (except for grants made upon initial service of an employee, which has an award limit of 600,000 shares). In addition, the maximum aggregate amount of cash that may be paid in cash to any one person during any fiscal year with respect to one or more awards initially payable in cash shall be $5,000,000.

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PROPOSAL 5  •  Amendment and Restatement of the 1996 Equity Participation Plan

Eligibility.    Any employee, consultant or non-employee director selected by the plan administrator is eligible to receive equity awards under the Restated Equity Plan. The plan administrator, in its absolute discretion, will determine (1) among the eligible participants the individuals to whom awards are to be granted, (2) the number of shares to be granted, and (3) the terms and conditions of the awards. As of July 1, 2019, outstanding equity awards have been issued to 2,642 of our approximately 5,700 employees, to one of our approximately ninety consultants, and to all eight of our non-employee directors under the Equity Plan.

Purchase Price of Optioned Shares.    The price per share of the shares subject to each option is set by the plan administrator. However, the price per share cannot be less than fair market value on the date the option is granted. In the case of incentive stock options granted to an individual then owning more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of Viasat or any subsidiary or parent corporation of Viasat, the exercise price per share for each such option cannot be less than 110% of the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date the option is granted. On July 1, 2019, the closing price of Viasat common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market was $81.42 per share.

Terms of Options.    The term of an option is set by the plan administrator in its discretion. However, the term of an option cannot exceed six years under the Restated Equity Plan. In the case of incentive stock options granted to an individual then owning more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of Viasat, the term may not exceed five years.

Exercise of Options.    Upon the exercise of an option under the Restated Equity Plan, the optionee must make full cash payment to the Corporate Secretary of Viasat for the shares with respect to which the option, or portion of the option, is exercised. However, the plan administrator may in its discretion allow various forms of payment, which are described in the Restated Equity Plan.

Other Stock Awards.    The Restated Equity Plan allows for various other awards including restricted stock, performance awards, dividend equivalents, restricted stock units, stock payments and stock appreciation rights. Except as expressly permitted by the Restated Equity Plan, awards of restricted stock will have a minimum vesting schedule of three years (except for restricted stock performance awards, which will have a minimum performance period of one year). The term of a stock appreciation right cannot exceed six years under the Restated Equity Plan and the exercise price per share of a stock appreciation right cannot be less than fair market value on the date the stock appreciation right is granted. Dividends and dividend equivalents may not be paid on awards subject to vesting conditions unless and until such conditions are met.

Director Compensation.    During the term of the Restated Equity Plan, a person who is initially elected to the Board of Directors and who is a non-employee director at that time is automatically granted 3,000 restricted stock units and an option to purchase 9,000 shares of common stock. At each subsequent annual meeting of stockholders, each non-employee director will automatically be granted 1,600 restricted stock units and an option to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock. The initial equity awards granted to non-employee directors vest in three equal annual installments on the first three anniversaries of the date of grant. The annual equity award grants to non-employee directors vest in full on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

Performance Criteria.    Under the Restated Equity Plan, the plan administrator may grant awards that are paid, vest or become exercisable upon the attainment of performance criteria, which may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following business criteria with respect to us, any of which may be measured with respect to our performance or the performance of a division, business unit or an individual:

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PROPOSAL 5  •  Amendment and Restatement of the 1996 Equity Participation Plan

The plan administrator shall select the performance criteria (and any permissible objectively determinable adjustments) for each performance award for purposes of establishing the performance goal(s) applicable to such performance award for the designated performance period. With regard to a particular performance period, the plan administrator will have the discretion to select the length of the performance period, the type of performance-based awards to be granted, and the performance goals that will be used to measure the performance for the period.

Minimum Vesting Requirement.    The Restated Equity Plan contains a minimum vesting period which provides that no award agreements will provide for vesting of the award thereunder earlier than one year after the applicable grant date; provided, however, that the Compensation Committee may accelerate the vesting of an award in the case of a participant’s termination of service, death or disability, or a Corporate Transaction or Change in Control (each as defined in the Restated Equity Plan or in the applicable award agreement), notwithstanding such minimum vesting provisions; and provided further that, awards granted after the effective date of the Restated Equity Plan that cover, in the aggregate, no more than 5% of the shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the Restated Equity Plan may be granted without regard to such minimum vesting provisions.

No Repricing.    The Restated Equity Plan prohibits the repricing or other exchange of underwater stock options or stock appreciation rights for new awards or cash without prior stockholder approval.

Amendment and Termination of the Plan.    The Restated Equity Plan may be wholly or partially amended or otherwise modified, suspended or terminated at any time or from time to time by the plan administrator. However, without approval of the stockholders of Viasat, (1) the Restated Equity Plan may not be amended to (a) increase the maximum number of shares issuable upon exercise of equity awards granted under the Restated Equity Plan, or (b) increase the annual award limits applicable to participants, and (2) no action of the plan administrator may be taken that would otherwise require stockholder approval as a matter of applicable law, regulation or rule. The Restated Equity Plan will continue until terminated by the plan administrator. No incentive stock options may be granted under the Restated Equity Plan after June 17, 2029.

Securities Laws.    The Restated Equity Plan is intended to comply with all provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any and all regulations and rules promulgated by the SEC thereunder, including, without limitation, Rule 16b-3.

U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences

The following is a general discussion of the principal federal income tax considerations for both Viasat and the recipients of the various awards under the Restated Equity Plan, and is based upon the tax laws and regulations of the United States existing as of the date hereof, all of which are subject to modification at any time. The following discussion is intended for general information only. The tax consequences described below are subject to the limitations of Section 162(m) of the Code, as discussed in further detail below. Alternative minimum tax and other federal taxes and foreign, state and local income taxes are not discussed, and may vary depending on individual circumstances and from locality to locality.

Consequences to Employees: Incentive Stock Options.    No income is recognized for federal income tax purposes by an optionee at the time an incentive stock option is granted, and, except as discussed below, no income is recognized by an optionee upon his or her exercise of an incentive stock option. If the optionee makes no disposition of the common stock received upon exercise of an incentive stock option within two years from the date such option was granted or one year from the date the option is exercised, the optionee will recognize capital gain or loss when he or she disposes of the common stock. This gain or loss generally will be measured by the difference between the exercise price of the option and the amount received for the common stock at the time of disposition. The exercise of an incentive stock option will give rise to an item of adjustment that may result in alternative minimum tax liability for the optionee. If the optionee disposes of the common stock acquired upon exercise of an incentive stock option within two years after being granted the option or within one year after acquiring the common stock, any amount realized from such disqualifying disposition will be taxable as ordinary income in the year of disposition to the extent that (1) the lesser of (a) the fair market value of the shares on the date the incentive stock option was exercised or (b) the fair market value at the time of such disposition exceeds (2) the incentive stock option exercise price. Any amount realized upon disposition in excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise will be treated as long or short-term capital gain, depending upon the length of time the shares have been held.

Consequences to Employees: Non-Qualified Stock Options.    No income is recognized for federal income tax purposes by an optionee at the time a non-qualified stock option is granted. In general, at the time shares of common stock are issued to an optionee pursuant to exercise of a non-qualified stock option, the optionee will recognize ordinary income equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise over the exercise price. An optionee will recognize gain or loss on the subsequent sale of common stock acquired upon exercise of a non-qualified stock option in an amount equal to the difference between the selling price and the tax basis of the common stock, which will include the price paid plus the amount

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PROPOSAL 5  •  Amendment and Restatement of the 1996 Equity Participation Plan

included in the optionee’s income by reason of the exercise of the non-qualified stock option. Provided the shares of common stock are held as a capital asset, any gain or loss resulting from a subsequent sale will be short-term or long-term capital gain or loss depending upon the length of time the shares have been held.

Consequences to Viasat: Incentive Stock Options.    We will not be allowed a deduction for federal income tax purposes at the time of the grant or exercise of an incentive stock option. There are also no federal income tax consequences to us as a result of the disposition of common stock acquired upon exercise of an incentive stock option if the disposition is not a disqualifying disposition. At the time of a disqualifying disposition by an optionee, we will be entitled to a deduction for the amount received by the optionee to the extent that such amount is taxable to the optionee as ordinary income.

Consequences to Viasat: Non-Qualified Stock Options.    Generally, we will be entitled to a deduction for federal income tax purposes in the year and in the same amount as the optionee is considered to have realized ordinary income in connection with the exercise of a non-qualified stock option.

Restricted Stock.    Generally, a participant in the Restated Equity Plan will not be taxed upon the grant or purchase of restricted stock that is subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture,” within the meaning of Section 83 of the Code, until such time as the restricted stock is no longer subject to the substantial risk of forfeiture. At that time, the participant will be taxed on the difference between the fair market value of the common stock and the amount the participant paid, if any, for such restricted stock. However, the recipient of restricted stock under the Restated Equity Plan may make an election under Section 83(b) of the Code to be taxed with respect to the restricted stock as of the date of transfer of the restricted stock rather than the date or dates upon which the restricted stock is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture and the participant would otherwise be taxable under Section 83 of the Code. Viasat will be eligible for a tax deduction as a compensation expense at the time the participant recognizes ordinary income equal to the amount of income recognized.

Stock Appreciation Rights.    A participant will not be taxed upon the grant of a stock appreciation right. Upon the exercise of the stock appreciation right, the participant will recognize ordinary income equal to the amount of cash or the fair market value of the stock received upon exercise. At the time of exercise, Viasat will be eligible for a tax deduction as a compensation expense equal to the amount that the participant recognizes as ordinary income.

Performance Awards, Dividend Equivalents, Restricted Stock Units and Stock Payments.    A participant will have ordinary income upon receipt of stock or cash payable under a performance award, dividend equivalents, restricted stock units and stock payments. Viasat will be eligible for a tax deduction as a compensation expense equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the participant.

Section 162(m).     Under Section 162(m) of the Code, in general, income tax deductions of publicly-traded companies may be limited to the extent total compensation (including base salary, annual bonus, stock option exercises and non-qualified benefits paid in 1994 and thereafter) for certain “covered employees” exceeds $1 million in any one taxable year. Prior to the TCJA, covered employees generally consisted of our chief executive officer and each of the next three highest compensated officers serving at the end of the taxable year other than our chief financial officer, and the deduction limit did not apply to certain “performance-based” compensation established by an independent compensation committee which conformed to certain restrictive conditions stated under the Code and related regulations. As part of the TCJA, the ability to rely on this exemption was, with certain limited exceptions, eliminated, and the definition of covered employees was expanded to generally include all named executive officers. Certain awards under the Equity Plan granted prior to November 2, 2017 may be grandfathered from the changes made by the TCJA under certain limited transition relief, however, for grants after that date and any grants which are not grandfathered, we will no longer be able to take a deduction for any compensation in excess of $1 million that is paid to a covered employee. There is no guarantee that any awards will be eligible for the transition relief or that we will be able to take a deduction for any compensation in excess of $1 million that is paid to a covered employee under the Equity Plan or the Restated Equity Plan.

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PROPOSAL 5  •  Amendment and Restatement of the 1996 Equity Participation Plan

New Plan Benefits

The number of awards that an eligible individual may receive under the Restated Equity Plan is in the discretion of the Board of Directors or the Compensation and Human Resources Committee and therefore cannot be determined in advance. As noted above, the Restated Equity Plan provides for automatic grants of restricted stock unit awards and stock options to non-employee directors. Other than these automatic awards, neither the Compensation and Human Resources Committee nor the Board of Directors has made any determination to grant any awards to any persons under the Restated Equity Plan as of the date of this proxy statement. For illustrative purposes only, the following table sets forth the aggregate number of shares subject to restricted stock unit awards and stock options granted under the Equity Plan during the last fiscal year to the following individuals and groups:

Recommendation of the Board

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the amendment and restatement of the Equity Plan.

2019 Proxy Statement            29

OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES

Beneficial Ownership Table

The following table sets forth information known to us regarding the ownership of Viasat common stock as of July 1, 2019 by (1) each director, (2) each of the Named Executive Officers identified in the Summary Compensation Table, (3) all directors and executive officers of Viasat as a group, and (4) all other stockholders known by us to be beneficial owners of more than 5% of Viasat common stock.

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OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES  •  Beneficial Ownership Table

2019 Proxy Statement            31

OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES  •  Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our directors, executive officers and holders of more than 10% of Viasat common stock to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. These persons are required to furnish us with copies of all forms that they file. Based solely on our review of copies of these forms in our possession, or in reliance upon written representations from our directors and executive officers, we believe that all of our directors, executive officers and greater than 10% stockholders complied with the Section 16(a) filing requirements during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019, with the following exceptions.

A late report was filed on behalf of Mr. Peterman to report the sale of Viasat common stock from his 401(k) account.

A late report was filed on behalf of David Ryan, Vice President and President of Space and Commercial Networks, to report the ownership of Viasat common stock held by his spouse which was not included in his Initial Statement of Beneficial Ownership of Securities filed on May 17, 2018.

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE:

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Business Overview and Fiscal Year 2019 Performance Highlights

We are an innovator in communications technologies and services. Our end-to-end platform of high-capacity Ka-band satellites, ground infrastructure and user terminals enables us to provide cost-effective, high-speed, high-quality broadband solutions to enterprises, consumers and government users around the globe, whether on the ground, on the move or in flight. In addition, we develop and provide advanced wireless communications systems, military tactical data link systems, secure networking systems and cybersecurity and information assurance products and services. Our product, system and service offerings are often linked through common underlying technologies, customer applications and market relationships. We believe that our portfolio of products and services, combined with our ability to effectively cross-deploy technologies between government and commercial segments and across different geographic markets, provides us with a strong foundation to sustain and enhance our leadership in advanced communications and networking technologies. We are also investing heavily in our development of next-generation broadband satellite technologies, to expand our addressable markets and help us realize our mission to become the first truly global internet service provider.

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  •  Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Performance Highlights

In fiscal year 2019, we delivered strong financial results and achieved key strategic and developmental objectives, including:

Investing in our Future

We continue to invest heavily in positioning Viasat for long-term success. Due to the upfront investment necessary to grow our satellite fleet, our financial growth is not linear or coincident with research and development, or R&D, spending. However, record revenues and order flow demonstrates that our strategy is working. Our investments have allowed us to make significant progress toward completing our global constellation of ViaSat-3 class satellites. Our third-generation ViaSat-3 class satellites under construction offer a new satellite architecture with miniaturized electronics and more productive and efficient antenna designs. This new satellite design is expected to further expand each satellite’s geographic coverage area and data throughput capacity and to enhance our ability to dynamically allocate capacity to match geographic demand, thereby improving the speed, availability and cost-efficiency of our proprietary Ka-band satellite network.

As the capacity, data throughput speeds and geographic coverage areas of our satellite systems continue to increase (with each generation of our high-capacity satellite designs), we expect the addressable markets for our broadband technologies, products and services to similarly expand. Higher capacity, more flexible satellites allow us to offer cost-effective broadband services that allow greater data usage at faster speeds, thereby enabling us to better compete against other broadband technologies (including terrestrial technologies) over large geographic areas, including on a global scale once our ViaSat-3 class satellite constellation is complete. In addition, we expect that the coverage, density and dynamic bandwidth allocation of our next-generation broadband satellites will allow us to pursue attractive new opportunities, such as the maritime market (which shares many of the same characteristics as the commercial air mobility market in which we have been successful), and to further expand existing businesses, such as our Community and Urban Wi-Fi hotspot businesses. Although it will take a few years until we realize all of the benefits of these technology investments, we believe that they uniquely position us to capitalize on future opportunities to grow our business and create significant stockholder value.

Overview and Objectives of Executive Compensation Program

Compensation Objectives

The objectives of our executive compensation program are premised on the following three fundamental principles, each of which is discussed below: (1) a significant portion of executive compensation should be performance-based, linking the achievement of company financial objectives and individual objectives; (2) the financial interests of our executive management and our stockholders should be aligned; and (3) the executive compensation program should be structured so that we can compete in the marketplace in hiring and retaining top level executives with compensation that is competitive and fair. Because our executive compensation program is designed to reward prudent business judgment and promote disciplined progress towards longer-term company goals, we believe that our balanced compensation policies and practices do not encourage unnecessary and excessive risk-taking by employees that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on us.

Performance-Based Compensation.    We strongly believe that a significant amount of executive compensation should be designed to reward superior performance, and we believe that our executive officers should be accountable for the overall performance of our business as well as their individual performance. To achieve this objective, we have structured our compensation program so that executive compensation is tied, in large part, directly to both company-wide and individual performance. For example, and as discussed specifically below, annual bonuses are based on, among other things,

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  •  Compensation Discussion and Analysis

pre-established corporate financial performance metrics and operational targets, and individual performance. Also, during fiscal year 2018, we introduced performance-based stock options as a significant component of our long-term incentives for our executive officers, as described below. As illustrated below, a significant portion of the total direct compensation for our Named Executive Officers is delivered as variable performance-based compensation, including restricted stock units and performance–based stock options, which are driven by stock price performance. Variable performance-based compensation accounted for over 88% of total direct compensation for our Chief Executive Officer and an average of 83% of total direct compensation for our other Named Executive Officers.

Alignment with Stockholder Interests.    We believe that executive compensation and stockholder interests should be linked, and our compensation program is designed so that the financial interests of our executive officers are closely aligned with the interests of our stockholders. We accomplish this objective in multiple ways. First, our Named Executive Officer compensation is linked to achievement of rigorous financial and operational performance goals. Second, we have adopted stock ownership guidelines that require our executive officers to own a significant amount of Viasat stock. Third, we grant performance-based stock options as a significant part of our long-term equity award program, which provide our executive officers with an opportunity to earn a number of stock options based, in part, on Viasat’s TSR relative to the TSR of the companies that comprise the S&P MidCap 400 Index over a four-year performance period and, in part, based on continued service for that performance period.

Structure Allows Competitive and Fair Compensation Packages.    We believe our success depends to a significant degree on our ability to attract and retain highly skilled personnel. Stockholders are accordingly best served when we can attract and retain talented executives with compensation packages that are competitive and fair. Therefore, we strive to create compensation packages for executive officers that deliver compensation that is comparable to the total compensation delivered by the companies with which we compete for executive talent.

Decision-Making Processes and Criteria

The Compensation and Human Resources Committee, or the Committee, is responsible for determining our overall executive compensation philosophy, and for evaluating and recommending all components of executive officer compensation to our Board of Directors for approval. The Committee acts under a written charter adopted and approved by our Board and may, in its discretion, obtain the assistance of outside advisors, including compensation consultants, legal counsel and accounting and other advisors. Each member of the Committee qualifies as a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and as independent within the meaning of the corporate governance standards of Nasdaq. A copy of the Committee charter can be found on the Investor Relations section of our website at investors.viasat.com.

In fiscal year 2019, the Committee again engaged the executive compensation consulting firm, Compensia, to provide analysis and advice on matters relating to executive officer compensation and benefits practices. After conducting an evaluation using the factors established by the SEC and Nasdaq, the Committee determined that Compensia is independent and that there is no conflict of interest resulting from the engagement of Compensia during fiscal year 2019.

Because our executive compensation program relies on the use of three relatively straightforward components (base salary, annual bonuses and long-term equity awards), the process for determining each component of executive compensation remains fairly consistent across each component. In determining each component of executive compensation, the Committee generally considers each of the following factors:

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  •  Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Industry Compensation Data.    As part of the process of determining executive compensation, the Committee reviews competitive executive compensation data of relevant companies from across the high tech industry. The Committee identified a group of companies to reference as a peer group for compensation comparison purposes. For fiscal year 2019 compensation decisions, this peer group consisted of the following companies: Akamai Technologies, Arris International plc, CenturyLink, Inc., Ciena Corporation, Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc., EchoStar Corp., Equinix, Inc., Gogo Inc., IAC/Interactive Corp., Intuit Inc., J2 Global, Inc., Juniper Networks Inc., L3 Technologies, Inc., LogMeIn, Inc., Nuance Communications, Inc., PTC Inc., Rockwell Collins Inc., SBA Communications Corp., Synchronoss Technologies, Inc., T-Mobile US, Inc. and Vonage Holdings Corp. The peer group was selected based on a variety of factors, including industry, revenue, business model and market capitalization. The Committee also reviewed competitive market information from the Radford Global Technology survey, a nationally recognized compensation survey containing market information of companies in the technology industry. This survey was not compiled specifically for Viasat but rather represents a database containing comparative compensation data and information for a broad range of other technology companies, thereby permitting the Committee to review aggregated compensation data for positions similar to those held by each executive officer. The survey data provided to the Committee does not include the particular names of those companies whose pay practices are surveyed with respect to any particular position being reviewed. Unlike peer group compensation data, which is limited to publicly available information and does not provide precise comparisons for certain positions, the more comprehensive survey data can be used to provide pooled compensation data for positions closely akin to those held by each executive officer. In addition, the pool of senior executive talent from which we draw, and against which we compare ourselves, extends beyond the limited community of Viasat’s immediate peer group. Rather, this survey data includes a wide range of other organizations in the technology industry outside of Viasat’s traditional competitors. As a result, the Committee relies on a combination of industry survey data published by Radford and peer group compensation data in evaluating our executive compensation.

Individual Performance and Contributions.    The Committee makes an assessment of individual executive performance and contributions. The individual performance assessments made by the Committee are based in part on input from executive management. As part of our executive compensation process, our Chief Executive Officer and President each provide input to the Committee on the individual performance and contributions of our executive officers other than themselves. With respect to assessing the individual performance of our Chief Executive Officer, the Committee relies on an annual assessment completed by our Nomination, Evaluation and Corporate Governance Committee. In evaluating the performance of our President, the Committee relies on input from our Chief Executive Officer. While the Committee believes input from management and outside advisors is valuable, the Committee makes its recommendations and decisions based on its independent analysis and assessment.

Company Financial and Operational Performance.    A major component of our executive compensation program is the belief that a significant amount of executive compensation should be based on performance, including company financial and operational performance. These financial and operational performance metrics are important factors considered by the Committee in determining base salary, annual bonuses and equity awards.

Company Strategic Positioning.    Given the importance of the long-term performance of the company, the current strategic positioning of the company is also a significant factor in the assessment of our executive compensation program and the determination of executive compensation components. The Committee takes into account the strategic positioning of the company as a basis for determining annual bonuses and other executive compensation.

Total Executive Compensation.    In addition to reviewing each component of executive compensation, the Committee also considers the total direct compensation of each executive officer. This review of total compensation is completed to assure that each executive officer’s total compensation remains appropriately competitive and continues to meet the compensation objectives described above.

Affordability.    Prior to completing its executive compensation review and evaluation, the Committee confirms that proposed cash compensation is affordable under and consistent with Viasat’s financial results. With respect to equity compensation, the Committee confirms the availability and affordability of shares prior to granting the equity awards to our executive officers. To the extent the Committee determines that a component of executive compensation is not affordable, appropriate adjustments to that compensation component are made prior to final approval by the Committee and any subsequent recommendation to the Board.

The Role of Stockholder Feedback.     Our management team regularly engages with our largest stockholders to proactively understand their perspectives on our business and strategy and governance and compensation practices, and to address any

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  •  Compensation Discussion and Analysis

concerns they may have. During fiscal year 2019, we engaged in substantive conversations with stockholders representing approximately 73% of our total outstanding common stock. Our Board of Directors has demonstrated responsiveness to feedback received during these discussions through the recent changes we have made to our compensation program. As a result of our Board of Director’s evaluation of our then-current compensation programs informed by stockholder feedback after our 2018 annual stockholders’ meeting, we implemented a performance-based equity program in 2018 to further align executive compensation with long-term stockholder interests. As the Committee evaluated our executive compensation policies and practices throughout fiscal year 2019, they were mindful of the support and input our stockholders expressed for our compensation philosophy and objectives. The Committee will continue to consider the outcome of future say-on-pay votes and material stockholder feedback when making future compensation decisions for the Named Executive Officers.

Determination of Compensation.    The Committee and the Board hold several meetings each year for the review, evaluation and determination of executive compensation. The Committee determines and recommends to the Board the appropriate compensation for each individual executive officer after considering the factors described in the preceding paragraphs. We do not believe that it is appropriate to establish compensation levels solely by benchmarking. Instead, we rely upon the judgment of the Committee members in formulating compensation recommendations, after reviewing competitive compensation market data and the performance of the company, and carefully evaluating an executive officer’s performance during the year against established goals, leadership qualities, individual contributions, operational results, business responsibilities, experience, career with the company, current compensation arrangements and long-term potential to enhance stockholder value. While competitive compensation market data paid by other companies is one of the many factors the Committee and the Board considers in assessing the reasonableness of compensation, we do not attempt to maintain a certain target percentile within a peer group or otherwise rely entirely on that data to determine executive officer compensation. Instead, we incorporate flexibility into our compensation programs and in the assessment process to respond to and adjust for the evolving business environment.

We strive to achieve an appropriate mix between equity incentive awards and cash payments in order to meet our objectives and an apportionment goal is not applied rigidly and does not control our compensation decisions. Our mix of compensation components is designed to reward results, align compensation with stockholder interests and fairly compensate our executive officers through a combination of cash and equity incentive awards.

Components of Our Compensation Program

The components of our executive compensation program are the following: base salary, annual bonuses, long-term equity-based compensation and certain other benefits that are generally available to all of our employees.

Base Salary.    In determining base salary recommendations, the Committee primarily considers (1) executive compensation survey results from Radford, which generally reports a compensation range for each position, (2) compensation data of our peer group companies prepared and analyzed by its compensation consultant, and (3) individual performance and contributions. In evaluating individual executive performance and contributions, the Committee considers to what extent the executive: