AST SpaceMobile Shares Rise Following Deutsche Bank Rating Upgrade and Satellite Deployment Progress
AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) successfully put its BlueBird 13 satellite into orbit and is readying units 14 through 16 for departure from Cape Canaveral. Alongside the operational updates, Deutsche Bank elevated its rating on the company to Buy with a price target of $93. Following the news, shares rose as much as 5% during intraday trading toward $53.50 before settling near $51.46.
The broker's optimism rests on the firm's spectrum valuation, upcoming operational milestones, and potential satellite ties involving SpaceX. Wall Street is also evaluating possible commercial shifts, with Deutsche Bank suggesting T-Mobile could move its direct-to-cell collaboration away from Starlink toward AST SpaceMobile, encouraged by joint initiatives formed by telecom providers on October 1.
Financially, the satellite operator generated $31.5 million during its second quarter, carries roughly $1.3 billion in orders, and projects sales between $150 million and $200 million for 2026. To support growth, the company is seeking access to Ligado frequencies totaling 40 MHz across North America, along with a 5 MHz allotment adjacent to upcoming auction frequencies. Management aims to have around 45 satellites operational in 2026.
Key points
- Deutsche Bank raised AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) to a Buy rating, setting a $93 target price.
- The company launched its BlueBird 13 satellite and is preparing three more spacecraft at Cape Canaveral.
- Full-year 2026 sales are forecasted at $150 million to $200 million, backed by a $1.3 billion backlog.
- Management is working to secure North American spectrum usage rights for up to 40 MHz of Ligado frequencies.
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How we writeDisclaimerQuestions and answers
Why did Deutsche Bank upgrade AST SpaceMobile?
Deutsche Bank upgraded the stock to Buy with a $93 target because of valuable spectrum assets, anticipated growth drivers, and potential expansion of wireless carrier partnerships.
What are AST SpaceMobile's financial targets for 2026?
The company expects 2026 revenue to fall between $150 million and $200 million, supported by approximately $1.3 billion in customer backlogs.
What is AST SpaceMobile's satellite rollout plan?
Having launched BlueBird 13, the company is preparing BlueBird 14, 15, and 16 for launch from Cape Canaveral as it aims for roughly 45 operational satellites in 2026.