AT&T vs. AST SpaceMobile: Which Connectivity Stock Should You Bet On?

Core Insights - AT&T Inc. and AST SpaceMobile, Inc. are significant players in the mobile and wireless connectivity sector, each with unique strengths in their respective fields [1][2] AT&T Overview - AT&T is one of the largest wireless service providers in North America, offering a wide range of communication and business solutions, including wireless, broadband, and cloud-based services [1] - The company is experiencing positive momentum in its postpaid wireless business, characterized by a lower churn rate and increased adoption of higher-tier unlimited plans [4] - AT&T is focused on enhancing its mobile 5G, fixed wireless, and edge computing services to drive growth, utilizing Ericsson technology for Open RAN deployment [4][5] - Collaborations with TransUnion and Microsoft aim to improve customer experiences and enhance productivity through cloud integration [5] - Despite these efforts, AT&T faces challenges such as a nationwide wireless service outage that impacted customer trust and intense competition from Verizon and T-Mobile [6] AST SpaceMobile Overview - AST SpaceMobile is developing the first global cellular broadband network in space, accessible via standard smartphones, utilizing a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit [2][7] - The company has launched its first five commercial satellites, which feature the largest commercial communications arrays, and plans to deploy 45 to 60 satellites by Q1 2026 [7] - AST SpaceMobile's service aims to fill cellular coverage gaps, partnering with major carriers like AT&T and Verizon to enhance coverage in the U.S. [9] - The company holds a diverse portfolio of over 3,650 patents related to its satellite ecosystem [7] Competitive Dynamics - AT&T's growth is driven by 5G upgrades and improved wireless services, while AST SpaceMobile is advancing with its Bluebird satellites [8] - AT&T's valuation metrics are more attractive compared to AST SpaceMobile, which has a significantly higher price/sales ratio [15] - Despite AST SpaceMobile's sharper revenue growth, AT&T's solid subscriber momentum and extensive network modernizations position it favorably in the market [18] Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AT&T's 2025 sales indicates a year-over-year growth of 2.2%, while EPS is expected to decline by 8.8% [11] - In contrast, AST SpaceMobile's 2025 sales are projected to grow by 1,120%, but its EPS is expected to decline by 39.4% [12] Price Performance - Over the past year, AT&T's stock has increased by 15.1%, while AST SpaceMobile has seen a remarkable gain of 184.6% [14] - AT&T is considered a better investment option due to its more attractive valuation metrics and solid subscriber growth [18]