Summary of Significant Accounting Policies |
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| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates and assumptions are used in accounting for, among other things, the valuation of acquisition-related assets and liabilities, expected credit losses, programming and copyright expenses, deferred income taxes and related valuation allowances, loss contingencies, fair value measurements, impairment assessments, capitalization of internal costs associated with construction and installation activities, useful lives of long-lived assets and actuarial liabilities associated with certain benefit plans. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of all voting interest entities where we exercise a controlling financial interest through the ownership of a direct or indirect controlling voting interest and variable interest entities for which our company is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents consist of money market funds and other investments that are readily convertible into cash and have maturities of three months or less at the time of acquisition. We record money market funds at the net asset value as there are no restrictions on our ability, contractual or otherwise, to redeem our investments. Receivables We have trade and notes receivables that are each reported net of an allowance for expected credit losses. Our notes receivable consist of EIP receivables due from customers under contracts that range between a period of 12 to 36 months, depending on the market. The long-term portions of our notes receivable, net of allowances for expected credit losses, are $75 million and $80 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and are included in other assets, net, in our consolidated balance sheets. From time to time, we may sell our trade or notes receivables to third parties. We recognize the sale of these receivables to the extent that transfer represents either (i) an entire financial asset, or (ii) a ratable participating interest, which remains constant throughout the life of the loan, with neither party senior to the other. We then evaluate whether control over the asset has been surrendered based on certain criteria, including legal isolation, actual control and effective control. To the extent the receivable does not meet the requirements of a sale, we continue to recognize the receivable and record any cash received as a debt on our consolidated balance sheet and as a financing inflow in our consolidated statement of cash flows. During 2025, 2024 and 2023, we generated approximately $48 million, $50 million, and $32 million, respectively, from the sale of receivables to third parties that is reflected in cash provided by operating activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows. Concentration of credit risk with respect to trade and notes receivables is limited due to the large number of customers and their dispersion across many different countries, with the exception of $78 million and $118 million for December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, due from a single government. The allowances on each of our trade and notes receivables are established using our best estimates of current expected credit losses based upon, among other things, actual credit loss experience over the prior 12-month period, recent collection trends, prevailing and anticipated economic conditions and specific customer credit risk. Receivables outstanding greater than 30 days are considered past due and we generally write-off receivables after they become past due for 365 days, with the exception of amounts due from certain governments. The aggregate changes in our allowance for expected credit losses associated with our trade receivables, and current and long-term notes receivables are set forth below:
Investments From time to time, we may hold investments in (i) equity method investments; (ii) cost method investments, and (iii) available-for-sale method investments. We apply the equity method to investments when we have the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee. Under the equity method, investments are originally recorded at cost and are adjusted to recognize our share of net earnings or losses of the affiliates as they occur with our recognition of losses generally limited to the extent of our investment in, and advances and commitments to, the investee. Our share of the investee’s net earnings or losses is included in other income or expense, net, in our consolidated statements of operations. We continually review our equity method investments, available-for-sale debt securities and cost-basis investments to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is other-than-temporary. If it has been determined that an investment has sustained an other-than-temporary decline in value, we estimate the fair value and record an impairment charge if the carrying value of the investment exceeds its estimated fair value. Any impairment charges are recorded in other income or expense, net, in our consolidated statements of operations. For additional information regarding our fair value measurements, see note 4. WOW During February 2021, we acquired a minority interest in WOW, primarily a broadband internet service provider in Peru, in which we have continued to make investments through December 31, 2025. We account for our investment in WOW as an equity method investment. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, our investment in WOW, including shares and certain loans, totaled $88 million and $87 million, respectively, which represents equity ownership percentages of just under 50% at each date. Our share of WOW losses for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 were not material to the consolidated financial statements. Financial Instruments Due to the short maturities of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, notes receivable, other current assets, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other accrued and current liabilities, their respective carrying values approximate their respective fair values. For information concerning the fair values of our derivative and debt instruments, see notes 6 and 9, respectively. For information regarding how we arrive at certain of our fair value measurements, see note 4. Derivative Instruments Our derivative instruments, excluding our Weather Derivatives, are recorded in our consolidated balance sheets at fair value, whether designated as a hedge or not. If the derivative instrument is not designated as a hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument are recognized in earnings. If the derivative instrument is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument are recorded in other comprehensive earnings or loss and subsequently reclassified into our consolidated statements of operations when the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized in realized and unrealized gains or losses on derivative instruments in our consolidated statements of operations. With the exception of certain foreign currency forward contracts, we do not apply hedge accounting to our derivative instruments. The reported fair values of our derivative instruments likely will not represent the value that will be paid or received upon the ultimate settlement or disposition of these assets and liabilities, as we expect that the values realized generally will be based on market conditions at the time of settlement. The net cash received or paid related to our derivative instruments is classified as an operating, investing or financing activity in our consolidated statements of cash flows based on the objective of the derivative instrument and the classification of the applicable underlying cash flows, as follows: •cross-currency and interest rate derivative contracts: the net cash paid or received related to principal and current interest is classified as a financing or operating activity, respectively; •foreign currency forward contracts that are used to hedge operating expenditures: the net cash paid or received is classified as an operating activity; •foreign currency forward contracts that are used to hedge capital expenditures: the net cash paid or received is reflected in capital expenditures, net, which are classified as an investing activity; •foreign currency forward contracts that are used to hedge principal exposure on foreign currencies: the net cash paid or received is classified as a financing activity; and •derivative contracts that are terminated prior to maturity: the cash paid or received upon termination that relates to future periods is classified as a financing activity. For additional information regarding our derivative instruments, see note 6. Inventories Inventories consist primarily of mobile handset devices and accessories and are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. We maintain inventory valuation reserves for obsolete and slow-moving inventory based on analysis of recent historical sales activity and current retail, stand-alone selling prices. We record sales of inventories under the average cost method. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. We capitalize costs associated with the construction of new cable and mobile transmission and distribution facilities and the installation of new cable services. The nature and amount of labor and other costs to be capitalized with respect to construction and installation activities involves judgment. In addition to direct external and internal labor and materials, we also capitalize other costs directly attributable to our construction and installation activities, including dispatch costs, quality-control costs, vehicle-related costs and certain warehouse-related costs. The capitalization of these costs is based on time sheets, time studies, standard costs, call tracking systems and other verifiable means that directly link the costs incurred with the applicable capitalizable activity. We continuously monitor the appropriateness of our capitalization policies and update the policies when necessary to respond to changes in facts and circumstances, such as the development of new products and services and changes in the manner that installations or construction activities are performed. Installation activities that are capitalized include (i) the initial connection (or drop) from our cable system to a customer location, (ii) the replacement of a drop and (iii) the installation of equipment for additional services, such as digital cable, telephone or broadband internet service. The costs of other customer-facing activities, such as reconnecting and disconnecting customer locations and repairing or maintaining drops, are expensed as incurred. We capitalize internal and external costs directly associated with the development of internal-use software. Capitalized internal-use software is included as a component of property and equipment. We also capitalize costs associated with the purchase of software licenses. Costs associated with software obtained in a hosting arrangement are expensed over the life of the service contract, unless we have the right to take possession of the software at any time without significant penalty and it is feasible to run the software on our own hardware or contract with another party unrelated to the vendor to host the software. Maintenance and training costs, as well as costs incurred during the preliminary stage of an internal-use software development project, are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the underlying asset. Equipment under finance leases is amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset and is included in depreciation and amortization in our consolidated statements of operations. Useful lives used to depreciate our property and equipment are assessed periodically and are adjusted when warranted. The useful lives of cable and mobile distribution systems that are undergoing a rebuild are adjusted such that property and equipment to be retired will be fully depreciated by the time the rebuild is completed. For additional information regarding the useful lives of our property and equipment, see note 7. Additions, replacements and improvements that extend the asset life are capitalized. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Intangible Assets Our primary intangible assets relate to goodwill, customer relationships, spectrum licenses and cable television franchise rights. Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination. Customer relationships, spectrum licenses and cable television franchise rights that are acquired in connection with a business combination are initially recorded at their fair values. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but instead are tested for impairment at least annually. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values and reviewed for impairment. Spectrum licenses provide us with the exclusive right to utilize a certain radio frequency spectrum to provide wireless communications services. In most of our markets, spectrum licenses are time-limited and renewals generally must be purchased at rates established by local authorities. Spectrum licenses in these markets are therefore amortized over a finite period. In Puerto Rico and the USVI, spectrum licenses are typically held for perpetuity with the exception of CBRS spectrum which has a priority term of 10 years. Moreover, we do not believe there are significant legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or other factors that would impact the useful lives of these licenses. As such, we treat spectrum licenses in Puerto Rico as indefinite-lived intangible assets. We believe we will be able to meet all requirements necessary to secure renewal of our spectrum licenses. For additional information regarding the useful lives of our intangible assets, see note 7. Impairment of Property and Equipment and Intangible Assets When circumstances warrant, we review the carrying amounts of our property and equipment and our intangible assets (other than goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets) to determine whether such carrying amounts continue to be recoverable. Such changes in circumstance may include (i) the impact of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, (ii) an expectation of a sale or disposal of a long-lived asset or asset group, (iii) adverse changes in market or competitive conditions, (iv) an adverse change in legal factors or business climate in the markets in which we operate and (v) operating or cash flow losses. For purposes of impairment testing, long-lived assets are grouped at the lowest level for which cash flows are largely independent of other assets and liabilities, generally at or below the reporting unit level (see below). If the carrying amount of the asset or asset group is greater than the expected undiscounted cash flows to be generated by such asset or asset group, an impairment adjustment is recognized. Such adjustment is measured by the amount that the carrying value of such asset or asset group exceeds its fair value. We generally measure fair value by considering (i) sale prices for similar assets, (ii) discounted estimated future cash flows using an appropriate discount rate and/or (iii) estimated replacement cost. Assets to be disposed of are recorded at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. We evaluate goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually on July 1 and whenever facts and circumstances indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit or an indefinite-lived intangible asset may be less than its carrying value. For impairment evaluations with respect to both goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles, we first make a qualitative assessment to determine if the goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible may be impaired. In the case of goodwill, if it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value, we then compare the fair value of the reporting unit to its respective carrying amount. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. Goodwill impairment is recorded as the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying value over its fair value and is charged to operations as an impairment loss. With respect to other indefinite-lived intangible assets, if it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value, we then estimate its fair value and any excess of the carrying value over the fair value is also charged to operations as an impairment loss. For additional information regarding the fair value measurements of our property and equipment and intangible assets, see note 4. For additional information regarding impairments, see note 7. Contract Assets When we transfer goods or services to a customer but do not have an unconditional right to payment, we record a contract asset. Contract assets are reclassified to trade receivables, net, in our consolidated balance sheet at the point in time we have the unconditional right to payment. The long-term portions of contract assets are $185 million and $149 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and are included in other assets, net, in our consolidated balance sheets. Deferred Revenue We record deferred revenue when we have received payment prior to transferring goods or services to a customer. Deferred revenue primarily relates to (i) advanced payments on fixed subscription services, mobile airtime services and long-term capacity contracts and (ii) deferred installation and other upfront fees. Our aggregate current and long-term deferred revenue as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 was $209 million and $214 million, respectively. Operating Leases Our operating leases primarily consist of (i) property leases for mobile tower locations that generally have initial terms of to ten years with one or more renewal options, and (ii) lease commitments for (a) retail stores, offices and facilities, (b) other network assets and (c) other equipment. It is expected that in the normal course of business, operating leases that expire generally will be renewed or replaced by similar leases. For additional information regarding our leases, see note 8. We classify leases with a term of greater than 12 months where substantially all risks and rewards incidental to ownership are retained by the third-party lessors as operating leases. We record a right-of-use asset and an operating lease liability at inception of the lease at the present value of the lease payments plus certain other payments, including variable lease payments and amounts probable of being owed by us under residual value guarantees. Payments made under operating leases, net of any incentives received from the lessors, are recognized to expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Initial direct costs incurred in negotiating and arranging operating leases are recognized to expense when incurred. Contingent rental payments are recognized to expense when incurred. Our operating lease expense is included in facility, provision, franchise and other expense, which is included in other operating costs and expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. Our right-of-use assets and non-current operating lease liabilities are included in , and , respectively, in our consolidated balance sheets. We use a credit-adjusted discount rate to measure our operating lease liabilities. We derive the discount rates associated with each of our borrowing groups by firstly constructing a credit curve which is based on the implied credit spread between the risk free rate (generally U.S. dollar denominated U.S. Treasuries) and a credit curve constructed using an index of observable U.S. dollar denominated fixed rate corporate bonds issued by U.S. telecommunications companies with the same rating as the respective borrowing group. Next, we apply a linear fixed spread to this credit curve reflecting the difference between the observable price on the longest tradable debt instrument in each borrowing group and the credit curve at the maturity date of the observed debt instrument. Lastly, we make adjustments for all tenors to correct for the collateralized interest rate spread by comparing unsecured debt to asset-backed securities (secured debt) trades; this adjustment is based on the difference between the index of observable U.S. dollar denominated fixed rate corporate bonds issued by U.S. telecommunications companies with the same rating as the borrowing group and a similar index for companies rated one-class higher on the rating-code scale. Income Taxes The income taxes of Liberty Latin America are presented on a standalone basis, and each tax paying entity or group within Liberty Latin America is presented on a separate return basis. Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and income tax basis of assets and liabilities and the expected benefits of utilizing net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, using enacted tax rates in effect for each taxing jurisdiction in which we operate for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. We recognize the financial statement effects of a tax position when it is more-likely-than-not, based on technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination. Net deferred tax assets are then reduced by a valuation allowance if we believe it is more-likely-than-not that such net deferred tax assets will not be realized. Certain of our valuation allowances are associated with entities that we acquired in business combinations. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax liabilities related to investments in foreign entities and foreign corporate joint ventures that are essentially permanent in duration are not recognized until it becomes apparent that such amounts will reverse in the foreseeable future. To be considered essentially permanent in duration, sufficient evidence must indicate that the foreign entity has invested or will invest its undistributed earnings indefinitely, or that earnings will be remitted in a tax-free liquidation. Interest and penalties related to income tax liabilities are included in income tax benefit or expense in our consolidated statements of operations. For additional information regarding our income taxes, see note 13. Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions The reporting currency of Liberty Latin America is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of our foreign operations is the applicable local currency for each foreign entity. Assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries (including intercompany balances for which settlement is not anticipated in the foreseeable future) are translated at the spot rate in effect at the applicable reporting date. With the exception of certain material transactions, the amounts reported in our consolidated statements of operations are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during the applicable period. The resulting unrealized cumulative translation adjustment, net of applicable income taxes, is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive earnings or loss in our consolidated statements of equity. With the exception of certain material transactions, the cash flows from our operations in foreign countries are translated at the average rate for the applicable period in our consolidated statements of cash flows. The impacts of material transactions generally are recorded at the applicable spot rates in our consolidated statements of operations and cash flows. The effect of exchange rates on cash balances held in foreign currencies are separately reported in our consolidated statements of cash flows. Transactions denominated in currencies other than our or our subsidiaries’ functional currencies are recorded based on exchange rates at the time such transactions arise. Changes in exchange rates with respect to monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a non-functional currency result in transaction gains and losses that are reflected in our consolidated statements of operations as unrealized (based on the applicable period end exchange rates) or realized upon settlement of the transactions. Revenue Recognition We categorize revenue into two major categories: (i) residential revenue, which includes revenue from fixed and mobile services provided to residential customers, and (ii) B2B revenue, which includes enterprise revenue and wholesale revenue. For additional information regarding our revenue by major category, see note 17. Our revenue recognition policies are as follows: General. Most of our fixed and mobile residential contracts are not enforceable or do not contain substantive early termination penalties. Accordingly, revenue relating to these customers is recognized on a basis consistent with customers that are not subject to contracts. We account for customer service revenue contracts that include both non-lease and lease components as a single component in all instances where the non-lease component is the predominant component of the arrangement and the other applicable criteria are met. Residential Fixed and B2B Service Revenue – Fixed Networks. We recognize revenue from video, broadband internet and fixed-line telephony services over our fixed networks to customers in the period the related residential fixed or B2B services are provided. Installation or other upfront fees related to services provided over our fixed networks are generally deferred and recognized as subscription revenue over the contractual period, or longer if the upfront fee results in a material renewal right. We defer upfront installation and certain non-recurring fees received on B2B contracts where we maintain ownership of the installed equipment. The deferred fees are amortized into revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the arrangement or the expected period of performance. We may also sell video, broadband internet and fixed-line telephony services to our customers in bundled packages at a rate lower than if the customer purchased each product on a standalone basis. Arrangement consideration from bundled packages generally is allocated proportionally to the individual service based on the relative standalone price for each respective product or service. Mobile Revenue – General. Consideration from mobile contracts is allocated to airtime services and handset sales based on the relative standalone prices of each performance obligation. Mobile Revenue – Airtime Services. We recognize revenue from mobile services in the period the related services are provided. Payments received from prepaid customers are recorded as deferred revenue prior to the commencement of services and are recognized as revenue as the services are rendered or usage rights expire. Mobile Revenue – Handset Revenue. Arrangement consideration allocated to handsets is recognized as revenue when the goods have been transferred to the customer. Wholesale Revenue – Long-term Contracts. We enter into certain long-term (i) capacity contracts with customers where the customer either pays a fixed fee over time or prepays for the capacity upfront and pays a portion related to operating and maintenance of the network over time and (ii) contracts with customers related to the construction of subsea cable systems where we recognize revenue over time, generally using an output method. With respect to long-term prepaid contracts, we assess whether such contracts contain a significant financing component. If the financing component is significant, interest expense is accreted over the life of the contract using the effective interest method. The revenue associated with prepaid contracts is deferred and generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the contract. As of December 31, 2025, we have approximately $370 million of unfulfilled performance obligations relating to our long-term contracts that generally will be recognized as revenue over an average remaining life of four years. Government Funding Revenue. From time to time, we receive funds from the FCC, primarily in Puerto Rico, where funds were established in an effort to restore, expand and upgrade fixed and mobile networks in Puerto Rico and USVI. We recognize funds granted from the FCC as other revenue in the period in which we are entitled to receive the funds, as the FCC does not meet the definition of a “customer.” Sales, Use and Other VAT. Revenue is recorded net of applicable sales, use and other value-added taxes. Share-based Compensation We recognize compensation expense associated with share-based incentive awards based on their grant-date fair values. The grant-date fair values for SARs and PSARs are estimated using the Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model, and the grant-date fair values for RSUs and PSUs are based upon the closing market price of our shares on the date of grant. The grant-date fair values of LTVP awards are determined as a percentage of annual employee base compensation. We may also settle annual bonus-related obligations in the form of equity. We use the liability-based method of accounting in such situations, as the equity to be issued is variable. We use the legal life of the award for the expected life of SARs granted to executives. For SARs granted to non-executives, the expected life is calculated using the “simplified method” as we do not have sufficient historical exercise data. The expected volatility of SARs is based on a weighted average calculation that may include (i) data from a comparable group of peer companies, and/or (ii) Liberty Latin America’s share trading history. We recognize the grant-date fair value of outstanding awards as a charge to operations over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period, and account for forfeitures as they occur. We use the straight-line method to recognize share-based compensation expense for share-based incentive awards that do not contain a performance condition and the accelerated expense attribution method for our share-based incentive awards that contain a performance condition and vest on a graded basis. For additional information regarding our share-based compensation, see note 12. Restructuring Charges We recognize restructuring charges primarily related to employee severance as part of reorganization activities that may happen from time to time. Restructuring charges are included in impairments, restructuring and other operating items, net, in the consolidated statement of operations. We incurred restructuring charges of $52 million, $39 million and $34 million, and made cash payments of $52 million, $29 million, and $27 million during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Litigation Costs Legal fees and related litigation costs are expensed as incurred.
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