# AST SpaceMobile Shares Drop Following Piper Sandler Downgrade

- URL: https://stocks.freetheai.org/news/ast-spacemobile-shares-drop-following-piper-sandler-downgrade-28e161
- Published: 2026-10-13T19:20:00Z
- Category: analyst_ratings; sentiment: bearish; impact: medium
- Symbols: [NASDAQ:ASTS](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/NASDAQ-ASTS), [NASDAQ:SPCX](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/NASDAQ-SPCX)
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Shares of AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS) fell after Piper Sandler downgraded the stock from Overweight to Neutral and slashed its price target from $98 to $54. The downward move followed growing concerns over the timeline for the company's satellite network rollout and expanding competition in the direct-to-cell market.

Analyst Alexander Potter cited reduced confidence in AST SpaceMobile's ability to maintain its planned satellite launch pace in 2026 and 2027. The downgrade comes as Space Exploration Technologies Corp (NASDAQ:SPCX), known as SpaceX, moves into direct-to-cell technology, including its acquisition of mobile spectrum for about $8 billion. Piper noted SpaceX could potentially limit launch availability for carrier partners, lower prices, or market its own devices, though its entry could also heighten demand among mobile operators for satellite connectivity.

Investors will be watching AST SpaceMobile's execution and upcoming operational updates. The company is scheduled to deliver its next financial earnings report in mid-November.

## Key points

- Piper Sandler downgraded AST SpaceMobile from Overweight to Neutral and lowered its price target from $98 to $54.
- Analyst Alexander Potter cited reduced confidence in the company's 2026 and 2027 satellite launch schedule.
- SpaceX expanded into direct-to-cell services by spending about $8 billion to acquire mobile spectrum.
- AST SpaceMobile is scheduled to release its next financial earnings report in mid-November.

## Questions and answers

### Why did AST SpaceMobile stock fall?

AST SpaceMobile stock fell after Piper Sandler downgraded the company from Overweight to Neutral and reduced its price target from $98 to $54, citing lower conviction in the pace of satellite launches for 2026 and 2027 alongside growing SpaceX competition.

### What price target did Piper Sandler set for AST SpaceMobile?

Piper Sandler lowered its price target on AST SpaceMobile from $98 to $54 per share.

### When is AST SpaceMobile's next earnings report?

AST SpaceMobile is scheduled to issue its next quarterly earnings report in mid-November.