IRDM's steady earnings growth, defense ties and lower valuation may give it an edge over ASTS.
AST SpaceMobile accelerates global satellite-connectivity push with new India deal, but high valuation and falling estimates cloud outlook.
When deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock, investors often rely on analyst recommendations. Media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts often influence a stock's price, but are they really important?
IRDM's steady earnings growth, defense ties and lower valuation may give it an edge over high-flying ASTS.
AST SpaceMobile Inc (NASDAQ:ASTS) has announced a settlement term sheet agreement with Ligado Networks, Viasat, and Inmarsat that would secure the company long-term access to up to 45 MHz of lower mid-band spectrum in the United States and Canada, sending its shares higher in early trade on Friday. The agreement includes up to 40 MHz of L-Band Mobile Satellite Service spectrum held by Ligado and an additional 5 MHz in the 1670-1675 MHz band in the US.
With the way negative stock market sentiment has piled up recently, short squeezes have generated some massive returns.
In mid-June 2025, space-based cellular broadband provider AST SpaceMobile Inc. NASDAQ: ASTS reached its highest share price in nearly 10 months, with analysts viewing the stock optimistically and calling for nearly 19% further upside potential.
AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) reported earnings 30 days ago. What's next for the stock?
ASTS falls 15.6% in three months as weak earnings and rising costs weigh on it, despite tech gains and big-name carrier deals.
ASTS has accelerated the buildout of its constellation amid strong demand signals, growing government traction, and positive technical milestones, despite near-term capital needs. While technical risk has declined, ASTS still needs to validate its ASICs and larger Block satellites. Growing traction amongst government customers is a positive signal and potentially underappreciated revenue stream.
AST SpaceMobile plans to beam 4G and 5G straight to ordinary smartphones through its BlueBird satellites, unlocking a massive market in today's mobile dead zones. Production has scaled to six satellites per month, with five launches set within nine months, paving the way for first commercial coverage in late 2025 and a 60-satellite fleet by. The company holds $875 million in cash, has secured early gateway orders from major carriers like AT&T and Vodafone, and has proven its tech with live two-way video calls.
AST Spacemobile's unique tech enables direct satellite broadband to unmodified smartphones, offering differentiation over Starlink's hardware-dependent model. Operational momentum is strong, with multiple satellite launches and key partnerships like AT&T positioning the company for 2026 service rollout. Liquidity risk is mitigated by a robust cash position, recent capital raise, and potential non-dilutive funding from government sources, supporting execution of growth plans.