New York, Jan 14, 2026, 19:51 EST — After-hours
- AST SpaceMobile shares gained roughly 2.7% in after-hours trading, closing at $95.22
- Mike Crawford at B. Riley downgraded the stock from Buy to Neutral but raised his price target to $105
- Investors focus on 2026 satellite rollout milestones and await the upcoming quarterly update
AST SpaceMobile shares climbed roughly 2.7% in after-hours Wednesday, last seen at $95.22, swinging between $88.76 and $95.45 during the session.
The move arrives amid shifting analyst opinions on the satellite-to-smartphone trend that has thrust the stock into the spotlight of the U.S. telecom and space sectors.
The reason it matters now is straightforward: the stock is acting like a vote on execution. Investors are looking for clear evidence that AST can convert early trials into a reliable service, all while sticking to timelines and avoiding heavy reliance on fresh financing.
In cases like this, a rating change hits harder since there aren’t many solid fundamentals to support a near-term valuation. Often, the focus shifts to new coverage notes and updated price targets.
B. Riley’s Mike Crawford downgraded AST SpaceMobile from Buy to Neutral, while lifting his price target to $105 from $95, according to StreetInsider. He noted there’s “sufficient time to evaluate potential drivers of additional upside in 2026” as the company rolls out more advanced Block 2 BlueBird satellites for its direct-to-device network. StreetInsider.com
Direct-to-device means satellites connect directly to regular phones, no special handset needed. The idea has drawn significant investment—and a fair share of doubt.
AST says its next-gen BlueBird satellites will provide 24/7 4G/5G cellular broadband straight to regular smartphones, aiming for launches across 2025 and 2026.
The competitive landscape is crowded and evolving rapidly. Major players in satellite broadband and connectivity continue to target the same end market — coverage in dead zones — as traditional telecom operators debate how much satellite service to integrate into standard mobile plans.
But the risks haven’t disappeared. Satellite launches could face delays, regulatory hurdles might drag on, and funding a constellation burns through cash fast — all factors that could lead to dilution or fresh debt. Another concern popped up Wednesday when Levi & Korsinsky announced an investigation into AST SpaceMobile for possible federal securities law violations.
Traders will be eyeing if Wednesday’s late rally holds through Thursday’s cash open, and whether other sell-side firms join B. Riley in revising their outlook. The key upcoming date is the company’s next quarterly report, currently set for March 2, 2026 according to Zacks’ earnings calendar—though that date is subject to change.
