Schaeffers Investment Research·2025-10-08 14:55Core Insights - AST SpaceMobile Inc (ASTS) has seen a significant increase in stock price, up nearly 300% in 2025, following a commercial agreement with Verizon for direct-to-device cellular service starting in 2026 [1][2] - The new agreement enhances ASTS's legitimacy in the market, positioning it as a potential major player in nationwide internet coverage [2] - Short interest in ASTS has increased by 5.5%, with 41.77 million shares sold short, representing 18.8% of the stock's total float, indicating potential for short covering [3] Stock Performance - ASTS shares have experienced a 284% increase year-to-date, reaching a record high of $91.41 earlier [2] - The stock has doubled since testing its 126-day moving average on September 8 [2] Analyst Ratings - BofA Global Securities raised its price target for ASTS from $55 to $80, while six out of eleven brokerages maintain "hold" ratings, suggesting potential for upgrades [3] Options Activity - There has been significant options trading activity, with 137,000 calls and 76,000 puts exchanged, five times the average intraday volume [4] - The most active option is the weekly 10/10 90-strike call, with new positions being opened [4]