Key Takeaways Viasat outperforms AST SpaceMobile in valuation, growth stability, and overall stock performance.VSAT's ViaSat-3 platform boosts bandwidth, global reach, and supports rising IFC and ARPU growth.ASTS expands LEO network with BlueBird satellites but faces rising costs and competitive pressure.AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (ASTS) and Viasat, Inc. (VSAT) are two leading communications services providers aiming to deliver global connectivity via satellites. AST SpaceMobile is building the world’s first and ...

Company Overview - Viasat operates as a global provider of broadband and communications solutions, utilizing advanced satellite technology to deliver connectivity across various industries [2] - The company generates revenue through subscription-based broadband services, equipment sales, and technology solutions for satellite communication networks [2] Recent Insider Transaction - On February 25, Viasat's Chief Accounting Officer, Camellia FitzGerald, sold 1,119 shares as part of her Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, which she adopted in December 2025 [1][6] - Following the sale, FitzGerald holds 8,827 shares directly and 240 shares indirectly via spousal ownership [3] Transaction Details - The sale accounted for 11.0% of FitzGerald's direct holdings at the time of the transaction, a decrease from the previous sale's 21.6% [4] - This transaction is smaller than her previous sale of 2,810 shares on January 28, 2026, and below the recent median sell size of 1,964 shares [5] Financial Performance - Viasat reported sales of $1.2 billion for the fiscal third quarter ended December 31, up from $1.1 billion in the previous year [7] - The company posted a net income of $37.5 million for fiscal Q3, a significant improvement from a net loss of $146.9 million in the prior year [7] Stock Performance - Viasat shares reached a 52-week high of $50.24 on the day of FitzGerald's sale, reflecting the company's solid business performance [7] - With the rise in stock price, Viasat's valuation is at a high point for the past year, suggesting it may be a good opportunity to sell shares rather than buy [8]

Core Insights - Viasat, Inc. is deploying the NexusWave connectivity service through its Inmarsat Maritime unit to support EXMAR's operational and crew connectivity needs across its gas carrier fleet [1][10] Group 1: Deployment and Objectives - EXMAR aims to enhance communication between its vessels and shore teams while improving onboard connectivity for seafarers, which is crucial for operational efficiency [2] - The deployment of NexusWave reflects a strong partnership between Viasat and EXMAR, built over more than two decades, and marks the beginning of further collaboration to enhance connectivity solutions [3] Group 2: Technical Features and Benefits - NexusWave is a fully managed connectivity solution that integrates multiple network layers, including GX Ka-band, LEO, LTE, and L-band, to ensure stable maritime connectivity [4] - The service has already been activated on part of EXMAR's fleet, leading to improved ship-to-shore collaboration and reliable connectivity for critical applications like video conferencing [5] - Crew members benefit from free, unlimited data access during off-duty time, contributing to improved welfare [5] Group 3: Cost Efficiency and Security - Consolidating connectivity services under a single provider is expected to reduce EXMAR's fleetwide operating expenses by approximately 20% [5] - NexusWave is designed to integrate with EXMAR's existing IT and cybersecurity infrastructure, ensuring secure connectivity through features like end-to-end encryption [6] Group 4: Implementation and Future Prospects - Extensive configuration testing was conducted before full deployment, allowing for a rapid rollout across EXMAR's operational vessels [7] - Viasat is experiencing growth in its Communication Services segment, with the launch of the ViaSat-3 F2 satellite expected to enhance network capacity and performance [8]

Core Insights - Space42 and Viasat are advancing their joint venture Equatys, aimed at enhancing direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity, showcased at Mobile World Congress [1][2] - Equatys is designed as a neutral, multi-participant infrastructure platform to provide connectivity to billions underserved by terrestrial networks, leveraging over 60 years of combined experience [2] - The initiative aims to modernize legacy Mobile Satellite Services and augment terrestrial networks, with significant engineering milestones already achieved [3][4] Company Overview - Space42 is an AI-powered SpaceTech company formed in 2024 through the merger of Bayanat and Yahsat, focusing on satellite communications and geospatial analytics [10] - Viasat is a global communications company that aims to connect everyone and everything, having recently acquired Inmarsat to enhance its global communications capabilities [11] Technical and Operational Strategy - Equatys will operate in globally harmonized L- and S-band MSS spectrum, integrating terrestrial and satellite networks to ensure seamless service transitions [4] - The venture will utilize a Tower Co. model to deliver low-cost satellite capacity while maintaining partners' spectrum rights and interests [5] - The infrastructure will consist of up to 2,800 satellites across 60 orbital planes, designed for scalability and market responsiveness [6] Commercial Engagement - Space42 has initiated partnerships with e& UAE and PT Telkom Satelit Indonesia to explore D2D connectivity, reflecting operator interest in integrated satellite-terrestrial architectures [8] - The venture is subject to definitive agreements and regulatory approvals, with further updates expected as Equatys progresses [9]

Core Viewpoint - Roundhill Investments has launched the Roundhill Space & Technology ETF (BATS:MARS), focusing on the growing space economy, which is projected to expand significantly from $630 billion in 2023 to $1.8 trillion by 2035 according to McKinsey [4]. Group 1: ETF Launch and Themes - The Roundhill Space & Technology ETF targets sectors such as space exploration, artificial intelligence, energy security, and healthcare productivity, reflecting themes that may benefit from current U.S. government policies [2][3]. - The ETF aims to invest in companies involved in the space economy and enabling technologies, emphasizing those that support industries reliant on space infrastructure [4]. Group 2: Holdings and Weighting - The ETF starts with 23 holdings, with the top 10 holdings including Rocket Lab (10.33%), AST SpaceMobile (9.99%), and EchoStar Corporation (8.99%) [5]. - The top three holdings constitute 29.3% of the ETF's assets, indicating a concentrated investment strategy [6]. Group 3: Comparison with Other ETFs - Roundhill's ETF differentiates itself by giving heavier weight to Rocket Lab, AST SpaceMobile, and EchoStar compared to other space ETFs, such as the Procure Space ETF [7]. - Ark Invest's Ark Space & Defense Innovation ETF includes both space and defense sectors, making it less focused solely on space compared to Roundhill's offering [8].

Core Viewpoint - ViaSat (VSAT) shows potential as a stock pick due to surpassing key technical levels and positive earnings estimate revisions, indicating a bullish trend ahead [1][4][5] Technical Analysis - VSAT has surpassed resistance at the 20-day moving average, suggesting a short-term bullish trend [1] - The 20-day simple moving average (SMA) is favored by traders for its ability to smooth out price fluctuations and provide trend reversal signals [1][2] Performance Metrics - VSAT has experienced a rally of 20.6% over the past four weeks, indicating strong recent performance [4] - The company currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting a neutral outlook but potential for upward movement [4] Earnings Estimates - In the past two months, no earnings estimates for the current fiscal year have decreased, while two have increased, contributing to a positive consensus estimate [4] - The combination of positive earnings revisions and technical indicators positions VSAT for potential gains in the near future [5]

Core Insights - Zacks Premium provides tools for investors to enhance their stock market strategies, including daily updates on Zacks Rank and Style Scores [1][2] Zacks Style Scores - The Zacks Style Scores are indicators that help investors select stocks likely to outperform the market in the next 30 days, rated from A to F based on value, growth, and momentum characteristics [2] Value Score - The Value Style Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using ratios like P/E, PEG, and Price/Sales to highlight attractive investment opportunities [3] Growth Score - The Growth Style Score emphasizes a company's financial health and future outlook, analyzing projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks with sustainable growth potential [4] Momentum Score - The Momentum Style Score is designed for traders who capitalize on price trends, using factors like one-week price changes and monthly earnings estimate changes to identify high-momentum stocks [5] VGM Score - The VGM Score combines all three Style Scores, providing a comprehensive indicator that evaluates stocks based on value, growth, and momentum, helping investors identify the most attractive companies [6] Zacks Rank Integration - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that leverages earnings estimate revisions to guide investors in building successful portfolios, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks achieving an average annual return of +23.86% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [7][9] - To maximize returns, investors should focus on stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B, ensuring a higher probability of success [9][10] Company Spotlight: ViaSat (VSAT) - ViaSat, based in Carlsbad, CA, specializes in advanced digital satellite telecommunications and wireless networking solutions for various sectors, including military and government [11] - Currently rated 3 (Hold) by Zacks, ViaSat has a VGM Score of A and a Growth Style Score of A, with a projected year-over-year earnings growth of 718.8% for the current fiscal year [11][12] - The company has seen positive earnings estimate revisions, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.86 to $1.31 per share, and an average earnings surprise of +483.8%, making it a strong candidate for growth investors [12][13]

Core Insights - HARMAN, a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, is collaborating with Viasat Inc. to introduce in-cabin voice calling over satellite connectivity [1] Group 1: Company Developments - HARMAN is showcasing satellite-enabled voice calling capabilities at MWC Barcelona 2026 [1] - The demonstration is being held at Hall 2, Stand 2D51 [1] Group 2: Industry Trends - The collaboration highlights advancements in automotive technology and satellite communications [1]

Core Viewpoint - Space42 and Viasat are advancing their plans for a global Direct-to-Device (D2D) infrastructure through their joint entity Equatys, aiming to enhance satellite connectivity for underserved populations globally [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Space42 is an AI-powered SpaceTech company based in the UAE, formed from the merger of Bayanat and Yahsat in 2024, focusing on satellite communications and geospatial analytics [11]. - Viasat is a global leader in satellite communications, recently expanding its capabilities through the acquisition of Inmarsat in May 2023 [12]. Group 2: Equatys Initiative - Equatys is designed as a neutral, multi-participant shared infrastructure platform to extend 3GPP-based connectivity to billions lacking access to terrestrial networks [2]. - The initiative aims to combine terrestrial network scale with space efficiency, achieving significant engineering milestones and engaging mobile network operators [3][4]. Group 3: Technical Architecture - The system will initially operate in globally harmonized L- and S-band MSS spectrum, with capabilities across over 100 MHz of allocated MSS spectrum, aligning with 3GPP standards for seamless integration of terrestrial and satellite networks [4]. - Equatys will utilize a Tower Co. model to deliver low-cost satellite capacity while preserving partners' spectrum rights and interests [5]. Group 4: Satellite Deployment - The shared infrastructure will be supported by up to 2,800 satellites across 60 orbital planes and three altitude layers, allowing for scalable growth to meet demand from billions of potential users [6]. Group 5: Commercial Engagement - Space42 has initiated partnerships with e& UAE and PT Telkom Satelit Indonesia to explore D2D connectivity, reflecting operator interest in integrated satellite-terrestrial architectures [7]. - The venture is subject to definitive agreements and regulatory approvals, with further updates expected as Equatys progresses [8]. Group 6: Industry Event - At the Mobile World Congress, Viasat and Space42 executives will discuss the future of space-enabled mobility, focusing on competition, service capabilities, and alignment with sovereign priorities [9].

Core Insights - Viasat and Cubic³, in collaboration with Qualcomm and Fraunhofer IIS, are set to demonstrate satellite-enabled voice calls for connected vehicles at Mobile World Congress 2026, showcasing the potential for reliable voice connectivity beyond terrestrial networks [1][10] Group 1: Technology and Innovation - The demonstration will highlight a voice call over a satellite network, ensuring vehicles can maintain connectivity in areas with poor cellular coverage, which is crucial for driver safety and emergency access [2][4] - The integration of various advanced technologies, including Viasat's satellite network, Cubic³'s connectivity management platform, Qualcomm's Snapdragon Auto 5G Modem-RF Gen 2, and Fraunhofer IIS's NESC voice codec, will be showcased [3][11] - Future applications will leverage Equatys, a joint venture between Viasat and Space42, aimed at providing seamless 5G connectivity across satellite and terrestrial networks, potentially serving billions globally [6] Group 2: Market Impact and Collaboration - The collaboration builds on a previous partnership between Viasat and Cubic³, which aims to combine satellite and terrestrial connectivity for global vehicle communications, with plans for future 5G-NR satellite services [5] - Cubic³ connects over 27 million vehicles across more than 200 countries, enabling major automotive groups to implement new connected services efficiently [8] - The demonstration is positioned as a significant advancement in ensuring always-on vehicle safety and emergency connectivity, aligning with the growing consumer demand for reliable data services in the automotive sector [4][10]