AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS) shares are trading lower on Thursday, approaching their 52-week low as space stocks face a choppy, risk-off session.
The Communication Services sector is down 1.1%, while the S&P 500 has fallen 1.3%.
Competitive pressure from SpaceX’s strong quarterly results, ViaSat, Inc.’s (NASDAQ:VSAT) challenge to AST SpaceMobile’s overseas spectrum request and a pending securities class action have added to investor concerns.
• AST SpaceMobile shares are approaching critical lows. Why did ASTS hit a new low?
SpaceX Earnings and Spectrum Dispute Weigh on Sentiment
SpaceX reported a third-quarter earnings beat after Tuesday’s market close, posting revenue of $14.58 billion, compared with expectations of $12.74 billion. Earnings came in at 35 cents per share, above the 12 cents analysts expected.
Meanwhile, ViaSat reportedly opposed AST SpaceMobile’s request for additional overseas spectrum this week, describing the proposal as “fatally flawed” over potential interference and restrictions affecting certain proposed frequencies.
AST SpaceMobile said its international operations would require local regulatory approvals and that technical safeguards are designed to minimize interference.
AST SpaceMobile Targets Initial Service in 2026
On Tuesday, AST SpaceMobile said it is targeting initial, intermittent service in the U.S., Canada, Japan, the U.K. and Saudi Arabia by the end of 2026.
The company has deployed, installed or planned more than 60 gateways worldwide, supporting partnerships with over 60 mobile network operators serving more than 3 billion subscribers.
Its spectrum strategy aims to secure approximately 100 MHz of access in the U.S., alongside spectrum capabilities in international markets.
ASTS Earnings Preview and Analyst Price Targets
Looking further out, the next major catalyst for the stock arrives with the Nov. 9 (estimated) earnings report.
- EPS Estimate: Loss of 41 cents (Up from a loss of 45 cents year-over-year)
- Revenue Estimate: $46.30 million (Up from $14.74 million YoY)
Analyst Consensus & Recent Actions: The stock carries a Hold rating with an average price target of $74.69. Recent analyst moves include:
- Piper Sandler: Downgraded to Neutral (Lowers target to $54 on Oct. 13)
- Deutsche Bank: Upgraded to Buy (Maintains target to $93 on Oct. 12)
- B. Riley Securities: Downgraded to Neutral (Lowers target to $65 on Oct. 2)
How ASTS Ranks on Momentum Versus the Market
Below is the Benzinga Edge scorecard for AST SpaceMobile, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses compared to the broader market:
- Momentum: Weak (Score: 2.8) — The stock is showing very weak trend persistence versus the broader market, lining up with its position well below key moving averages.
The Verdict: AST SpaceMobile’s Benzinga Edge signal reveals a momentum-challenged setup, with the scorecard flagging weak trend strength as the main issue. For longer-term bulls, the chart likely needs to stabilize and reclaim key moving averages before the tape starts rewarding the story again.
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Top ETFs Holding AST SpaceMobile Stock
- Tema Space Innovators ETF (NYSE:NASA): 5.48% Weight
- Procure Space ETF (NASDAQ:UFO): 3.62% Weight
- Defiance Drone and Modern Warfare ETF (NYSE:JEDI): 4.65% Weight
Significance: Because ASTS carries significant weight in these funds, any significant inflows or outflows for these ETFs will likely force automatic buying or selling of the stock.
ASTS Stock Price Action Thursday
ASTS Stock Price Activity: AST SpaceMobile shares were down 6.75% at $38.14 at the time of publication on Thursday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
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