New York, January 20, 2026, 18:52 EST — after hours
- AST SpaceMobile shares ended the day 2.8% lower, closing at $112.44 following volatile trading.
- Deutsche Bank raised its price target to $137 and maintained a Buy rating, while Clear Street also lifted its target to $137, holding steady on a Buy.
- Investors are focused on whether the company can maintain its satellite launch pace through the end of March.
AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) shares fell 2.8%, ending Tuesday at $112.44. The stock fluctuated between $107.69 and $119.78, with roughly 18.4 million shares changing hands.
The pullback follows a strong early-year surge for the satellite-to-smartphone company. AST SpaceMobile has gained about 60% in 2026, with investors watching closely to see if it can make its “direct-to-device” approach a reliable business model — connecting regular phones to satellites without any extra gear. Competition in the sector is heating up. MarketWatch
Analysts on Tuesday homed in on execution. Deutsche Bank highlighted a strategy of monthly launches, each carrying six to eight satellites, aiming for a fleet of 45 to 60 satellites to support ongoing commercial service in key markets.
Deutsche Bank’s Bryan Kraft boosted his price target on AST SpaceMobile, lifting it to $137 from $81 while sticking with a Buy rating. He said the stock’s appeal hinges on long-term growth prospects and a rising earnings multiple as the company reaches key milestones.
Clear Street bumped its price target to $137 from $87 while maintaining a Buy rating. The firm pointed to growing pressure from SpaceX’s Starlink as a catalyst that might drive mobile network operators to deepen partnerships with AST in order to protect their subscriber counts.
AST SpaceMobile is ramping up production of its next-gen “BlueBird” satellites designed to deliver broadband from low Earth orbit. The company says it can churn out six satellites a month. AST SpaceMobile
But the stock’s rally has brought old legal issues back into focus. On Tuesday, Pomerantz LLP announced it is investigating claims on behalf of AST SpaceMobile investors. Such announcements often stir up noise around momentum stocks, even without new company disclosures.
Traders are zeroing in on a familiar checklist: stick to launch timelines, demonstrate the network’s scalability, and secure enough commercial partners to utilize the satellites once deployed. Slip up on any of these, and the stock—priced for rapid growth—could see expectations tumble quickly.
Nasdaq’s next earnings report is tentatively set for about March 2, according to its earnings calendar, but the company hasn’t officially confirmed the date yet.
As Wednesday’s session unfolds, investors will probably watch both the timing of the launch and how fast AST can convert its buildout plan into a scalable service — the element that usually drives the stock’s biggest moves.
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