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AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (ASTS) Reports Q1 Loss, Misses Revenue Estimates
ZACKS· 2025-05-12 22:55
Company Performance - AST SpaceMobile reported a quarterly loss of $0.20 per share, which was worse than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.17, and compared to a loss of $0.16 per share a year ago, indicating an earnings surprise of -17.65% [1] - The company posted revenues of $0.72 million for the quarter ended March 2025, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 82.05%, and this is an increase from year-ago revenues of $0.5 million [2] - Over the last four quarters, AST SpaceMobile has surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times but has not beaten consensus revenue estimates [2] Stock Performance - AST SpaceMobile shares have increased by approximately 22.1% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with the S&P 500's decline of -3.8% [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is -$0.18 on revenues of $7.9 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is -$0.84 on revenues of $57.15 million [7] Industry Outlook - The Wireless Equipment industry, to which AST SpaceMobile belongs, is currently ranked in the top 12% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook [8] - Empirical research indicates a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which can impact AST SpaceMobile's stock performance [5]
AST SpaceMobile(ASTS) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-12 22:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported non-GAAP adjusted cash operating expenses of $44.9 million for Q1 2025, an increase from $40.8 million in Q4 2024, driven by higher R&D and administrative costs [27][28]. - Capital expenditures for Q1 2025 were approximately $124 million, up from $86 million in Q4 2024, primarily for materials and launch contracts [28][29]. - The company ended Q1 2025 with $874.5 million in cash, a significant increase from $567.5 million at the end of Q4 2024, due to successful financing initiatives [34][35]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company plans to deploy over 60 satellites during 2025 and 2026, with five orbital launches scheduled over the next six to nine months [7][17]. - Gateway equipment bookings reached $13.6 million in Q1 2025, with expectations of approximately $10 million in bookings per quarter throughout 2025 [20]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on key markets such as the United States, Europe, and Japan for initial service activation, leveraging partnerships with major mobile network operators [13][19]. - The company received special temporary authority from the FCC for FirstNet direct-to-device satellite connectivity, enhancing its service offerings for public safety [14][20]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is at an inflection point, accelerating the launch and scaling of its network while beginning to recognize revenue from commercial and government contracts [6][17]. - The strategy includes a dual approach of utilizing low-band spectrum in partnership with MNOs and acquiring mid-band spectrum to enhance service capabilities [61][62]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's position to execute at scale, citing strong demand for space-based cellular broadband connectivity [10][31]. - The company anticipates a revenue opportunity in 2025 ranging from $50 million to $75 million, contingent on successful satellite launches and gateway equipment sales [33]. Other Important Information - The company is working on non-dilutive financing options from quasi-governmental sources, with potential funding exceeding half a billion dollars [36]. - The company is also exploring an equipment loan facility of $50 million to $100 million to support manufacturing expansion [35]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Any further details to share on the Legato transaction? - The transaction involves acquiring usage rights for 45 megahertz of mid-band spectrum in the U.S., which is seen as crucial for enhancing service capabilities [39][40]. Question: What is the outlook for the defense use case? - Government demand for space-based solutions is surging, with several contract awards validating the technology and opening paths for revenue [42][43]. Question: Do you plan to submit any proposals for the $25 billion Golden Dome project? - The company believes its technology is well-positioned to contribute to national security goals outlined in the Golden Dome project [45][46]. Question: Are shareholders expected to be invited to future launches? - Shareholders will be invited to future launches, although the upcoming launch in India will not accommodate attendees [47]. Question: What are the short-term plans for Europe following recent communication outages? - The service aims to provide cellular broadband connectivity directly to devices, enhancing safety during emergencies [49][50]. Question: Can you give an update on the commercial launch in the U.S.? - A commercial service is expected to be available by early 2026, with ongoing discussions with carriers like AT&T and Verizon [96].
AST SpaceMobile(ASTS) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-12 22:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, non-GAAP adjusted cash operating expenses were $44.9 million, up from $40.8 million in Q4 2024, reflecting an increase of $4.1 million due to higher R&D and administrative costs [28][29] - Capital expenditures for Q1 2025 were approximately $124 million, compared to $86 million in Q4 2024, driven by costs related to satellite manufacturing and launch contracts [30] - The company ended Q1 2025 with $874.5 million in cash, a significant increase from $567.5 million at the end of Q4 2024, primarily due to funds raised from convertible notes and an ATM facility [36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company plans to deploy over 60 satellites during 2025 and 2026, with five orbital launches scheduled over the next six to nine months [6][16] - Gateway equipment bookings in Q1 2025 amounted to $13.6 million, with expectations of approximately $10 million in bookings per quarter throughout 2025 [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on key markets such as the United States, Europe, and Japan for initial service activation, leveraging partnerships with major mobile network operators [13][19] - The company received special temporary authority from the FCC for FirstNet Direct to device satellite connectivity, enhancing its service offerings for public safety [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is at an inflection point, accelerating the launch and scaling of its network while beginning to recognize revenue from satellite services [5][16] - The strategy includes a focus on vertical integration and rapid satellite manufacturing to meet the growing demand for space-based cellular broadband connectivity [8][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's position to execute at scale, with expectations for revenue to ramp up towards the end of 2025 and into 2026, estimating a revenue opportunity of $50 million to $75 million for 2025 [34][38] - The management highlighted the importance of connectivity as a human right and the company's mission to provide reliable broadband services, especially in emergency situations [16][52] Other Important Information - The company is working on a strategic acquisition of spectrum rights, which is expected to enhance its service capabilities in the U.S. market [41][42] - The company is also exploring non-dilutive financing options to support its operational plans, including potential funding from quasi-governmental sources [37] Q&A Session Summary Question: Any further details to share on the Legato transaction? - The company is acquiring usage rights for 45 megahertz of mid-band spectrum in the U.S., which is seen as crucial for enhancing service capabilities [41][42] Question: What is the outlook for the defense use case? - Government demand for space-based solutions is increasing, and the company has secured several contracts that validate its technology and open paths for revenue [44][45] Question: Do you plan to submit any proposals for the announced $25 billion Golden Dome project? - The company believes its technology can significantly contribute to the goals outlined in the Golden Dome project [46][47] Question: Are shareholders expected to be invited to future launches this fall? - The company plans to invite shareholders to future launches, although the upcoming launch in July will not include invitations due to logistical reasons [48][49] Question: What are the short-term plans for Europe following recent communication outages? - The company aims to provide cellular broadband connectivity directly to devices, enhancing safety during emergencies, and is working with Vodafone for service distribution in Europe [50][52] Question: Can you discuss the nature of the higher launch costs? - Higher launch costs are attributed to increased demand for rapid service deployment and tariff impacts on materials, but the company remains focused on expediting satellite launches [55][56] Question: How does the spectrum strategy impact MNO agreements? - The company maintains a focus on user experience while enhancing service capabilities through a combination of low-band and mid-band spectrum [66][67] Question: What is the status of beta tests with carrier partners? - Initial activations have begun in the U.S., Europe, and Japan, with successful video capabilities demonstrated, indicating readiness for broader service offerings [72][73] Question: When might we see a commercial launch in the U.S.? - A commercial service is expected to be available by early 2026, with ongoing discussions for agreements with major carriers [92][93]
AST SpaceMobile(ASTS) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Presentation
2025-05-12 20:54
Business Highlights - AST SpaceMobile achieved two-way video broadband calls using unmodified smartphones on its SpaceMobile network, enabled by a Block 1 BlueBird satellite, across the U S, Europe, and Japan[18, 29, 30] - The company anticipates second half 2025 revenue opportunity of $50 million to $75 million from advanced SpaceMobile network commercialization efforts[16] - Gateway equipment bookings reached $136 million in Q1 2025, with expected average quarterly bookings of approximately $10 million throughout 2025[26] - AST SpaceMobile contracted launches for over 60 satellites[15] Regulatory and Spectrum - The company received Special Temporary Approval (STA) from the FCC for FirstNet evaluation on public safety's Band 14 spectrum[34] - AST SpaceMobile established a coordination agreement with the U S National Science Foundation covering satellite and ground-based astronomy operations[34] - Definitive agreements were signed for long-term access to up to 45 MHz of premium lower mid-band spectrum in the U S for direct-to-device applications[34] Financial Status - AST SpaceMobile reported a robust balance sheet with $8745 million in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash as of March 31, 2025[18] - Adjusted operating expenses for Q1 2025 were $449 million, compared to $408 million in Q4 2024[39] - Capital expenditures increased to $1241 million in Q1 2025, from $860 million in Q4 2024[39]
AST SpaceMobile(ASTS) - 2025 Q1 - Quarterly Report
2025-05-12 20:52
Satellite Network Development - The company is building the first global Cellular Broadband network in space, accessible by everyday smartphones, utilizing a constellation of high-powered satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) [120]. - The Block 1 BB satellites launched on September 12, 2024, have ten times higher throughput than the BW3 test satellite, with successful tests conducted for voice and video calls using standard smartphones [126]. - The next generation Block 2 BB satellites are designed to deliver up to 10 times the bandwidth capacity of Block 1 BB satellites, with a communication array over 2,400 square feet [132]. - The company has launched agreements with multiple service providers to accelerate the launch of over 60 Block 2 BB satellites during 2025 and 2026 [133]. - The phased satellite deployment plan aims to provide SpaceMobile Service to commercially attractive MNO markets, minimizing capital requirements for initiating and operating commercial services [134]. - Company plans to launch a total of 25 BB satellites, including five Block 1 and 20 Block 2 satellites, to achieve noncontinuous SpaceMobile Service in targeted markets [136]. - The company anticipates launching additional satellites beyond the initial 90 to enhance coverage and system capacity in response to market demand [136]. Financial Performance - Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2025, increased by $0.2 million, or 44%, to $0.7 million compared to the same period in 2024 [157]. - Total operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2025, were $63.7 million, an increase of $7.7 million, or 14%, compared to the same period in 2024 [156]. - Engineering services costs rose by $7.7 million, or 39%, to $27.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, driven by increased payroll and related costs [159]. - General and administrative costs increased by $6.1 million, or 50%, to $18.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, primarily due to higher consulting and professional service expenses [160]. - Research and development costs increased by $2.9 million, or 68%, to $7.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, mainly for the development of Block 2 BB satellites [161]. - Interest income increased by $5.9 million to $8.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, driven by a higher cash and cash equivalents balance [165]. - Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest decreased to $17.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $20.1 million in the same period of 2024 [169]. Government Contracts and Agreements - The company has entered into agreements with the U.S. government, including a contract with the Space Development Agency expected to generate $43 million and another with the Defense Innovation Unit for up to $20 million [123]. - Company entered into a contract with the DIU expected to generate up to approximately $20.0 million in revenue for SpaceMobile capabilities with U.S. government agencies [139]. - A $45.0 million commercial payment from Verizon is contingent upon receiving regulatory approvals for the SpaceMobile Service [197]. Cash and Financing Activities - As of March 31, 2025, the company had $874.5 million of cash and cash equivalents on hand, including $0.7 million of restricted cash [170]. - Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash increased to $874.5 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $212.4 million in the same period of 2024 [198]. - Cash used in operating activities decreased to $28.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, from $48.1 million in the same period of 2024, reflecting a $19.6 million improvement [199]. - Cash used in investing activities rose to $120.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $39.6 million in the same period of 2024, driven by increased property and equipment purchases [200]. - Cash provided by financing activities increased to $455.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, from $212.2 million in the same period of 2024, primarily due to a $338.0 million increase in net proceeds from debt issuance [201]. - The company issued $460.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 2032 Convertible Notes, with a fixed interest rate of 4.25% per year, maturing on March 1, 2032 [194]. - The company entered into a $5.0 million term loan with a fixed interest rate of 4.20% per annum until December 2026, secured by property in Midland, Texas [187]. - A new loan agreement was established on August 14, 2023, providing for a $15.0 million principal term loan, with interest accruing at the Prime Rate plus 0.75% [189]. Spectrum and Licensing - Company has secured long-term access to up to 45 MHz of lower mid-band spectrum in the U.S. and Canada for satellite applications through a collaboration with Ligado LLC [138]. - The company entered into a binding agreement with Ligado LLC for long-term access to up to 45 MHz of lower mid-band spectrum in the U.S. and Canada [175]. - The Framework Agreement with Ligado LLC includes a payment of $350.0 million in cash and an option for an additional $200.0 million [179]. - The company has received initial licenses from the FCC for the operation of Block 1 BB satellites and is in the process of obtaining additional approvals for the SpaceMobile Service [129]. Capital Expenditures and Commitments - Contractual commitments with third parties as of March 31, 2025, totaled approximately $300.0 million related to procurement of BB satellite components and capital improvements [183]. - The estimated average capital costs for a constellation of over 90 Block 2 BB satellites increased to approximately $21.0 million to $23.0 million per satellite [171]. - Company has completed production of various components and subsystems for multiple Block 2 BB satellites and plans to assemble up to six Block 2 BB satellites per month by 2025 [135]. Depreciation and Amortization - Total depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $9.0 million, or 45%, to $11.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 [162]. Future Outlook - The company expects to recognize revenue from government contracts starting in Q1 2024 and from the resale of gateway equipment to MNOs beginning in Q4 2024 [131]. - The company expects existing cash and cash equivalents to meet anticipated cash requirements for the next 12 months, although actual results may vary [202]. - The company has no off-balance sheet arrangements as of March 31, 2025 [207].
AST SpaceMobile(ASTS) - 2025 Q1 - Quarterly Results
2025-05-12 20:35
Financial Position - As of March 31, 2025, AST SpaceMobile had cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash totaling $874.5 million[10] - AST SpaceMobile's total assets as of March 31, 2025, were $1.37 billion, compared to $954.6 million as of December 31, 2024[17] - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of Q1 2025 were $874,458,000, significantly up from $212,440,000 at the end of Q1 2024, marking a 311.5% increase[21] Revenue and Growth - The company anticipates generating revenue between $50.0 million and $75.0 million in the second half of 2025[3] - Revenues for Q1 2025 increased to $718,000 from $500,000 in Q1 2024, representing a 43.6% growth[18] - Gateway equipment bookings from MNO partners reached $13.6 million in Q1 2025, with an expected average of $10.0 million per quarter during 2025[4] - The company has signed a new contract with the Defense Innovation Unit for up to $20.0 million in revenue[4] Operating Expenses - Total operating expenses for Q1 2025 were $63.7 million, an increase of $3.1 million compared to Q4 2024[10] - Adjusted operating expenses for Q1 2025 were $44.9 million, up $4.1 million from $40.8 million in Q4 2024[10] - Total operating expenses rose to $63,681,000 in Q1 2025, compared to $56,000,000 in Q1 2024, an increase of 13.0%[18] - Engineering services costs for Q1 2025 were $27,204,000, up from $19,511,000 in Q1 2024, a rise of 39.0%[22] - Stock-based compensation expense for Q1 2025 was $7,826,000, compared to $4,933,000 in Q1 2024, an increase of 58.5%[22] Losses and Cash Flow - Net loss attributable to common stockholders was $45,706,000 in Q1 2025, up from $19,730,000 in Q1 2024, reflecting a 131.5% increase in losses[18] - The company reported a total comprehensive loss of $45,432,000 for Q1 2025, compared to $19,836,000 in Q1 2024, an increase of 129.0%[19] - Cash used in operating activities decreased to $28,546,000 in Q1 2025 from $48,122,000 in Q1 2024, a reduction of 40.5%[21] - The company incurred a loss of $3,206,000 on the remeasurement of warrant liabilities in Q1 2025, contrasting with a gain of $18,214,000 in Q1 2024[21] Capital Expenditures and Production - The company has incurred approximately $584.1 million in gross capitalized property and equipment costs as of March 31, 2025[10] - AST SpaceMobile is on track to manufacture 40 Block 2 BlueBird satellites, with a target of six satellites per month during 2025[3] - AST SpaceMobile plans to support five scheduled orbital launches over the next six to nine months, with the first Block 2 BlueBird satellite expected to launch in July 2025[3] - Proceeds from debt in Q1 2025 amounted to $449,248,000, significantly higher than $110,000,000 in Q1 2024, indicating a 308.4% increase[21]
ASTS Set to Report Q1 Results: Will Top-Line Growth Boost Earnings?
ZACKS· 2025-05-06 15:20
Core Viewpoint - AST SpaceMobile, Inc. is expected to report its first-quarter 2025 results on May 12, with anticipated revenue growth and a potential earnings beat based on recent agreements and FCC authorization [1][5][6]. Group 1: Recent Developments - AST SpaceMobile signed an agreement with Ligado Networks to enhance space-based network coverage, gaining access to up to 40 MHz of L-band mobile satellite spectrum in the U.S. and Canada, which will support future processing bandwidth of up to 10,000 MHz per satellite [2]. - Vodafone Group Plc partnered with AST SpaceMobile to create a jointly-owned European satellite service business, SatCo, aimed at providing 100% geographic coverage via space-based cellular broadband for mobile network operators [3]. - The company received special authorization from the FCC for testing services in the U.S., aligning with efforts to bridge the digital divide and enhance emergency communication capabilities [4]. Group 2: Financial Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for total revenues in the March quarter is $4.33 million, reflecting significant year-over-year growth from $0.50 million [5]. - The consensus estimate for adjusted earnings per share indicates a loss of 15 cents, compared to a loss of 16 cents per share in the same quarter last year [5]. - The earnings ESP for AST SpaceMobile is +2.17%, suggesting a strong likelihood of an earnings beat [6]. Group 3: Company Ranking - AST SpaceMobile currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3, indicating a hold position in the market [7].
AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (ASTS) Stock Falls Amid Market Uptick: What Investors Need to Know
ZACKS· 2025-04-25 23:21
Company Performance - AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (ASTS) closed at $23.76, reflecting a -1.29% change from the previous day's closing price, underperforming the S&P 500's 0.74% gain [1] - The company's shares have decreased by 6.71% over the past month, compared to a 6.23% loss in the Computer and Technology sector and a 4.77% loss in the S&P 500 [1] Earnings Forecast - The upcoming earnings report is expected to show an EPS of -$0.15, indicating a 6.25% growth year-over-year [2] - Revenue is projected at $4.33 million, representing a significant increase of 766.6% from the same quarter last year [2] Full Year Estimates - For the full year, analysts expect an EPS of -$0.74 and revenue of $58.87 million, marking changes of -12.12% and +1232.41% respectively from the previous year [3] Analyst Estimates - Recent adjustments to analyst estimates for AST SpaceMobile, Inc. are important as they reflect short-term business trends, with positive revisions indicating a favorable business outlook [4] Zacks Rank and Industry Performance - The Zacks Rank system, which assesses estimate changes, currently rates AST SpaceMobile, Inc. as 5 (Strong Sell), with a 2.71% rise in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate over the past month [6] - The Wireless Equipment industry, part of the Computer and Technology sector, holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 41, placing it in the top 17% of over 250 industries [7]
AST SpaceMobile: 5 Reasons to Buy This Tiny Trailblazer Stock
MarketBeat· 2025-04-21 16:26
Core Viewpoint - AST SpaceMobile is developing the world's first space-based cellular broadband network, utilizing direct-to-device technology to provide connectivity through standard smartphones, aiming to bridge coverage gaps globally [1][4]. Group 1: Market Opportunity - The global wireless market is valued at approximately $1.1 trillion, with 5.6 billion devices, yet 42% of the world's population and 90% of the earth's surface currently lack cellular coverage [4]. - AST SpaceMobile targets a cumulative mobile network operator (MNO) customer base of nearly three billion people, presenting a significant market opportunity [4]. Group 2: Strategic Partnerships - AST SpaceMobile has established partnerships with major telecommunications companies, including Verizon, AT&T, and over 45 MNOs, validating its business model before launching its first satellites [5][6]. - Vodafone has committed $25 million in revenue and equity investment, alongside Alphabet Inc., further enhancing AST SpaceMobile's credibility [5]. Group 3: Technological Advancements - The company successfully launched its first five BlueBird Block 1 satellites in October 2024, enabling non-continuous nationwide coverage in the U.S. [7]. - AST SpaceMobile plans to deploy its next-generation Block 2 satellites in 2025, which are three times larger and ten times more powerful than the first generation, with 40 units already in production [8]. Group 4: Cost Efficiency - Manufacturing costs for satellites have decreased by nearly 30%, from around $30 million to $19-$21 million per satellite, as production scales up [9][10]. - The company aims to produce up to six satellites per month, with expanded manufacturing facilities in Texas, Florida, and Barcelona [9]. Group 5: Stock Performance - AST SpaceMobile's stock has a 12-month price forecast of $42.82, indicating a potential upside of 108.66% from the current price of $20.52 [3]. - The stock is currently exhibiting a bullish reversal pattern, suggesting potential upside momentum [11][13].
Bear of the Day: AST SpaceMobile (ASTS)
ZACKS· 2025-04-21 10:20
Core Viewpoint - AST SpaceMobile is positioning itself as a leader in the satellite communications industry by providing cellular broadband connectivity directly to standard smartphones from space, aiming to create the world's first global cellular broadband network in space [1][2]. Company Overview - AST SpaceMobile is valued at $7.4 billion and focuses on specialized communications satellites [1]. - The company has a significant patent portfolio with over 3,450 patents and patent-pending claims supporting its technology [3]. Technology and Service - The SpaceMobile Service will utilize a constellation of high-powered, large phased-array satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) to provide connectivity in areas lacking terrestrial network coverage [2]. - The initial deployment of five commercial satellites, named BlueBirds, is designed to connect directly to standard smartphones at broadband speeds, eliminating the need for special equipment [3][4]. Market Competition - AST SpaceMobile competes with established players like SpaceX's Starlink but has shown impressive growth since its first satellite launch six years ago and its public listing in 2021 [4]. Financial Performance - Projected sales for the current year are expected to increase by over 1,200%, from $4.4 million to $59 million, with further growth anticipated next year to over $275 million, representing a 370% increase [5]. - The stock is currently trading at a price-to-sales ratio of 125X for this year and is expected to drop to 27X next year [5]. Profit Outlook - Despite a high price-to-sales valuation, AST SpaceMobile's stock has received a Zacks 5 Rank due to a disappointing Q4 report, where revenue fell short of expectations [6]. - The company reported a net loss of $35.9 million for the quarter, an increase from a loss of $31.9 million in the same quarter the previous year [7]. - Analysts have adjusted the 2025 EPS consensus down by 12% following the report, indicating a projected loss of $0.74 [8].