Key Takeaways AST SpaceMobile secured a $30M Space Development Agency HALO Europa Track 2 contract for LEO connectivity.AST SpaceMobile will deploy BlueBird satellites for resilient, low-latency defense communications.AST SpaceMobile deal boosts DoD space resilience and broadens defense market reach.AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (ASTS) has secured a prime contract worth about $30 million from the United States Space Development Agency under the Hybrid Acquisition for Proliferated Low-Earth Orbit (HALO) Europa Track ...

Core Viewpoint - The future economy is increasingly focused on space, with companies exploring various applications such as pharmaceutical manufacturing and solar-powered data centers, leading to a surge in space-economy stocks [1] Group 1: AST SpaceMobile Overview - AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) has seen its stock rise over 1,000% in the past three years, despite currently generating minimal revenue [2] - The company's BlueBird satellites aim to provide direct satellite internet connectivity to smartphones, potentially transforming mobile internet access [3][4] Group 2: Market Potential and Partnerships - AST SpaceMobile's technology could enable fast internet without reliance on traditional infrastructure, attracting partnerships with major telecommunications providers like Verizon Communications [4] - If successful, AST SpaceMobile could cover the U.S., continental Europe, and Japan by the end of 2026, targeting hundreds of millions of internet users [5] Group 3: Financial Projections - Current revenue is under $20 million, but projections suggest the company could generate over $1 billion in sales within five years, assuming a scenario of $5 monthly revenue from 10 million customers [6] - The market capitalization of AST SpaceMobile is approximately $24 billion, indicating that the stock is already pricing in significant growth, despite the company burning nearly $1 billion in free cash flow over the last year [7]

Group 1: Palantir Technologies - Palantir Technologies has seen its stock price increase by 1,630% over the past three years, leading to a market cap of approximately $313 billion as of February 13, 2026 [3][9] - The company has consistently exceeded sales expectations, attributed to its core platforms, Gotham and Foundry, which have no large-scale competitors [5][6] - Analysts express concern over Palantir's high price-to-sales (P/S) ratio, which is in the low triple digits, suggesting a potential downside of 62% to a target price of $50 per share [10][9] Group 2: AST SpaceMobile - AST SpaceMobile's stock has increased by 1,280% over the past three years, with a current market cap of around $23 billion [3][17] - The company claims a first-mover advantage in satellite-based cellular broadband services, partnering with over 50 mobile network operators to serve nearly 6 billion subscribers [15][16] - Analysts predict a potential downside of 48% for AST SpaceMobile, with a price target of $43, influenced by competitive pressures from SpaceX's Starlink and concerns over production challenges [18][19][20]

Core Viewpoint - AST SpaceMobile Inc shares have reached an all-time high, driven by a combination of a new SpaceX IPO rumor and the upcoming BlueBird 7 mission launch [1][4]. Company Developments - The BlueBird 7 mission will deploy the largest commercial communications array in low Earth orbit, achieving peak data speeds of up to 120 Mbps, and will utilize the New Glenn rocket for launching multiple satellites [2]. - AST SpaceMobile has secured a position in the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's SHIELD program, which may lead to future task orders, and holds a robust patent portfolio of over 3,800 patents [3]. Market Sentiment - The potential SpaceX IPO, which could raise up to $50 billion, is generating positive sentiment across the space sector, benefiting companies like AST SpaceMobile [4][5]. - AST SpaceMobile's stock is currently trading 28.1% above its 20-day simple moving average and 73.6% above its 100-day simple moving average, indicating strong short-term and long-term trends [6]. Technical Analysis - The stock has increased by 514.85% over the past 12 months and is closer to its 52-week highs than lows, with a key resistance level identified at $120.93 [6][7]. - The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at 60.12, indicating neutral territory, while the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) is above its signal line, suggesting bullish momentum [7]. Future Outlook - Investors are anticipating the next earnings report scheduled for March 2, with analysts currently holding a consensus "Hold" rating and an average price target of $61.08 [10][11]. - The stock's strong momentum setup indicates it is outperforming peers, although caution is advised due to potential volatility ahead of the earnings report [12]. Financial Performance - AST SpaceMobile shares closed at $121.23, up 8.88%, with a new all-time high of $124.32 reached [14]. - The earnings per share (EPS) estimate is a loss of 19 cents, while revenue is estimated at $39.03 million, a significant increase from $1.92 million year-over-year [14].

Core Insights - AST SpaceMobile is positioned to experience significant revenue growth, with projections indicating a 1,200% increase in sales to $57.3 million in 2025, followed by a further 311% growth to $235.6 million in 2026 [4] - The company's strategy of partnering with over 50 global mobile network providers, covering nearly 3 billion cellular subscribers, is expected to facilitate a rapid increase in revenue without the need to build a competing network [2] - AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird satellites aim to provide 4G and 5G services using existing smartphone technology, offering a seamless transition for wireless operators and potentially revolutionizing global broadband coverage [3] Group 1: Company Overview - AST SpaceMobile's current valuation stands at $33.3 billion, which raises concerns about the potential for error in its high-growth projections [7] - The company has successfully secured partnerships with major wireless operators, which is crucial for its growth strategy [2] Group 2: Market Context - The stock market has seen substantial gains, with the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite increasing by 45%, 78%, and 122% respectively from the beginning of 2023 to the end of 2025 [6] - The overall market sentiment is driven by the performance of growth stocks and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing [6]

Core Viewpoint - The article compares two growth stocks, Archer Aviation and AST SpaceMobile, highlighting that while both have shown significant price movements, AST SpaceMobile is currently a better investment option due to its established contracts and progress in satellite deployment [1][2]. Archer Aviation - Archer Aviation is developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft aimed at transforming urban transportation, with plans to launch commercial operations in the UAE by the second half of next year [4][5]. - The company has faced a 41% decline in stock price from a peak of over $14 per share, currently trading at approximately $8.13, with a market cap of $6 billion [1][6][7]. - Archer is in the final phase of obtaining type certification from the FAA, which is crucial for its aircraft to enter the market, but it faces competition from other companies like Joby Aviation and Boeing [7][8]. - The investment thesis for Archer is long-term, as the company is currently burning cash and the technology remains untested at scale [9]. AST SpaceMobile - AST SpaceMobile has seen a remarkable 284% increase in stock price year-to-date, currently trading at around $78.05, with a market cap of $22 billion [2][14]. - The company has secured significant contracts, including a long-term agreement with AT&T and a $100 million deal with Verizon, which provide visibility into future cash flows [11][12]. - AST SpaceMobile is actively deploying its BlueBird satellites, with plans to launch satellites every 45 days and aims to have 45 to 60 satellites in orbit by the end of 2026, ultimately targeting 90 satellites for global connectivity [13]. - The space economy is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, indicating substantial growth potential for companies like AST SpaceMobile [16].

Group 1 - Crossroads Capital LLC reported a 6.4% net appreciation in its investment fund for Q3 2025, resulting in a year-to-date return of 34.1% net through Q3 2025 [1] - The fund has achieved a compounded return of 21.4% gross and 17.3% net since its inception [1] - AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS) experienced a one-month return of 55.79% and a 52-week gain of 268.16%, with a market capitalization of $31.773 billion as of December 22, 2025 [2] Group 2 - Crossroads Capital highlighted significant advancements by AST SpaceMobile, Inc. in Q3 2025, transitioning from R&D to a focus on commercialization of its space-based cellular broadband network [3] - The company is making progress in manufacturing acceleration, spectrum acquisitions, partnerships, and regulatory matters, positioning itself for initial service rollout in 2026 [3] - Despite the potential of AST SpaceMobile, it is not among the top 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 25 hedge fund portfolios holding the stock at the end of Q3, down from 30 in the previous quarter [4]

Market Outlook - Chris Hyzy, chief investment officer for Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank, characterizes 2026 as a year of a proud bull market, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the hard work over the past 36 months [1] - Hyzy notes that midterm election years typically bring more volatility and favor bull markets, with a focus on profit growth rather than multiple expansion [1] - Despite some concerns and pressures, Hyzy believes that if the narrative of high conviction growth remains unchanged, these pressures will present buying opportunities [1] Sector Analysis - Hyzy anticipates increased volatility in the tech and communication services sectors as questions arise about sustaining high growth rates [2] - The overall capital investment build-out is expected to remain high, but the focus will shift to execution capabilities among companies, leading to market choppiness [2] - Small caps are gaining momentum, hitting all-time highs, with the firm being overweight in small caps since the beginning of the year, attributing strength to fiscal relief measures [2] Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:ONDS) - Ondas Holdings reported a revenue of $10.1 million in Q3 2025, a significant increase of over sixfold year-over-year, leading to a raised full-year 2025 revenue target of at least $36 million and a preliminary 2026 goal of at least $110 million [9] - The consolidated backlog reached $23.3 million, more than double from the beginning of the year, with expectations to exceed $40 million by the end of 2025 due to recent acquisitions [9] - Ondas has executed a growth strategy through acquisitions, including Sentrycs, enhancing its counter-UAS capabilities, with potential for additional M&A adding over $500 million to the 2026 revenue target [9] AST SpaceMobile Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS) - AST SpaceMobile's market capitalization halved over 35 days, prompting Scotiabank to upgrade the stock to Sector Perform, citing improved valuation [11] - The company secured over $1 billion in total contracted revenue commitments from commercial partners, validating its ecosystem strategy [12] - In Q3 2025, AST SpaceMobile generated total revenue of $14.74 million, missing estimates by $5.16 million, and faced a loss per share of $0.45 [13]

Core Insights - Qualcomm and AST SpaceMobile are significant players in the wireless communications ecosystem, with Qualcomm focusing on high-performance chip designs and AST SpaceMobile developing a global cellular broadband network in space [1][2]. Qualcomm Overview - Qualcomm is well-positioned for long-term revenue growth, driven by strong 5G traction and a diversified revenue stream, with innovative product launches in mobile chipsets [4]. - The company is enhancing its Snapdragon mobile platforms, which support advanced features for augmented reality, virtual reality, and superior connectivity [4]. - Qualcomm is transitioning from a mobile communications firm to a connected processor company, gaining traction in EDGE networking and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems [5]. - Despite its advancements, Qualcomm faces competition from Intel in the AI PC market and from Samsung and MediaTek in the smartphone market, with potential impacts from U.S.-China trade tensions [6]. AST SpaceMobile Overview - AST SpaceMobile is preparing to launch BlueBird 6, a next-generation satellite that will significantly increase data capacity and size compared to previous models [7]. - The company plans to deploy 45-60 satellites by the end of 2026 to establish a space-based mobile network, enhancing cellular coverage in areas lacking terrestrial networks [8][9]. - AST SpaceMobile's service connects directly to standard smartphones, filling coverage gaps and partnering with major carriers like AT&T and Verizon [10]. - The company faces challenges from macroeconomic conditions and competition from established players like SpaceX's Starlink, which may impact its financial performance [11]. Financial Performance and Estimates - Qualcomm's fiscal 2026 sales are expected to grow by 3.2%, with EPS estimates trending upward by 2.1% over the past 60 days [12]. - AST SpaceMobile's 2025 sales are projected to grow by 1142%, but EPS estimates indicate a decline of 60.6%, with a downward trend of 8.2% over the past 60 days [12]. - Over the past year, Qualcomm's stock has increased by 10.2%, while AST SpaceMobile has surged by 209.2% [16]. Valuation Comparison - Qualcomm appears more attractive from a valuation perspective, trading at a price/sales ratio of 4.13, significantly lower than AST SpaceMobile's 107.22 [16]. - Both companies are rated with a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), but Qualcomm is considered a better investment option for 2026 due to its steady revenue growth compared to AST SpaceMobile's volatility [19].

Group 1: Rocket Lab - Rocket Lab's "Raise and Shine" mission is scheduled for launch on December 5, marking the 19th Electron launch of the year and the first of two dedicated launches for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency [2] - The company celebrated a milestone with two NASA-backed spacecraft beginning their journey toward Mars [2] - Rocket Lab stock increased by 8.47% on Thursday [2] Group 2: AST SpaceMobile - AST SpaceMobile announced the expansion of operations with two new manufacturing sites in Texas and Florida, leading to a surge in stock price [3][4] - The CEO stated that the expansion will increase capacity and strengthen the supply chain while bringing high-technology manufacturing back to the U.S. [4] - AST's BlueBird 6 satellite is set to launch on December 15 from India [4] - ASTS stock rose nearly 17% on Thursday [4] Group 3: Virgin Galactic - Virgin Galactic shares increased due to sector momentum, despite no specific company news [5] - SPCE stock has gained over 20% in the past five days [5] Group 4: Firefly Aerospace - Firefly Aerospace's stock also rose with the sector, with analysts updating their coverage [6] - JPMorgan maintained an Overweight rating but lowered the price target from $55 to $28 [7] - Goldman Sachs reinstated coverage with a Neutral rating and a $29 price target [7] Group 5: Intuitive Machines - Intuitive Machines shares increased by 10% on Thursday and over 22% in the past five days as the space sector gained momentum [8] Group 6: Plug Power - Plug Power entered the space industry by supplying NASA with up to 218,000 kilograms of liquid hydrogen for operations at two facilities in Ohio [9]