AST SpaceMobile Stock Blasts Off on SHIELD Contract

Core Viewpoint - AST SpaceMobile Inc has emerged as a significant competitor to Starlink, achieving a record high stock price and notable success in 2026 due to a prime contract with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency [1] Group 1: Stock Performance - ASTS shares have increased by 61.2% year to date, surpassing its previous record of approximately $102 [2] - The stock was trading around $20 just 12 months ago, indicating substantial growth following a successful satellite launch at the end of 2025 [2] Group 2: Market Sentiment - There has been a reduction in pessimism surrounding ASTS, with 16.7% of its total available float sold short, and most analysts maintaining "hold" or worse ratings [3] - Despite the positive news, brokerages have not adjusted their ratings, with a 12-month consensus price target of $77.25, representing a 34% discount to the current stock price [3] Group 3: Options Trading Activity - Options trading has seen significant activity, with over 133,000 calls traded, five times the average intraday volume, and nearly double the number of puts [4] - The January 2026 120-strike call is the most popular option, indicating strong interest in the stock [4]