To validate exactly what I had said about the difficulty of determining the "unlock" - imagine my surprise when I woke up to see $ASTS up 5-10%. I was already prepared to be "pissed" at the stock being up 25-30% because I thought the stock deserved to be a lot more
Successful launch should have been routine, but for a stock where so much sentiment is tied up in BW-3, anything that deviated from plan would have been taken out of context (never mind that $ASTS accrued all the IP and learning value from getting BW-3 through testing)
In reality, the probability of a successful launch was ~100%, so there was not that much risk into launch, as dramatic as a launch is. I know I was a nervous wreck. Anyone who didn't have the finale of Koyaanisqatsi somewhere in their mind is lying en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koyaanisq…
I personally think Efficient Market Hypothesis is a load of sh~t, but here we are. The market apparently priced launch correctly
So we continue to search for the elusive 'unlock' for $ASTS, which is the reason to own the stock now instead of waiting until everything is obvious. I wonder whether we get a Biotech-type move ever, or if it's a slow steady ascent
First things first, it's clear that the $ASTS team measures twice and cut once. I'm not concerned at all about unfurling because I invested behind a team, not behind a piece of metal. #MeetTheTeam is exceptional and this is like watching the birth of a Qualcomm
When it comes to stocks, I believe you have to identify 'the obvious' and then move at least one click earlier. It's about the inflection of the 2nd derivative. If unfurling is the inflecting 2nd derivative, then you have to buy now in order to capture the big re-value
However, $ASTS stock might not work until we have actual monetization and/or demonstrate Bluebirds can be manufactured at scale. It could easily be the case that efficient market theory tells us "yeah dummy, the tech obviously works"...but the market doubts something else
So why own $ASTS now? You don't have to...but, re-valuation events occur suddenly and unexpectedly earlier than you think. Most return is compressed into short times. Are you sure you know when the unlock is? Are you sure you understand the game theory of how others will act?
What I "worry about," especially after $TMUS / SpaceX / $AAPL / $GSAT is a sudden change in Wall Street understanding about the trend. $TSLA was left for dead forever because Wall Street doubted the TAM or customer preferences
Imagine an initiation by $MS that shows the unbelievable TAM and early market lead by $ASTS? Then imagine how stupid you'd feel if you had been trying to time things perfectly. Imagine Ron Baron pitches $ASTS at Ira Sohn...duh, what an obvious stock!
Ask yourself, would you really establish your position on a +30% break? Would you hesitate and pray for a pull back? Would it come? Returns streams can be compressed and unpredictable. Be careful not to outsmart yourself
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Bezos finds a new way to get his rockets off. That and much more on this week's "Week in Review..."
🤠In this week's Review, you'll find the following topics
Highlights:
Earnings Call Summary:
Best earnings report to date.
Signed Multi-Launch Agreement (MLA) for 60 launches.
Successful initial operations of Block 1 satellites.
Key partnerships with AT&T, Verizon, and Rakuten confirmed.
Progress on government contracts, including significant EXIM financing application.
Updated CAPEX guidance indicates a path to cash flow positivity.
Strategic and Operational Updates:
$ASTS announced regulatory progress and plans for continuous constellation coverage by 2026 (ahead of market expectations).
Multi-launch strategy diversifies launch providers (SpaceX, Blue Origin, ISRO).
Detailed updates on individual launches, including upcoming ISRO and SpaceX flights and Blue Origin’s New Glenn potential.
A new schedule tracker highlights launch cadence.
Market and Investor Sentiment:
Stock faced short-term volatility, attributed to perceived manipulation post-MLA announcement.
Jim Cramer maintains a cautious stance, while community members argue the stock's upside potential.
Discussion on how the market underestimates $ASTS's long-term network monetization potential.
Military and Government Opportunities:
Growing government/military interest, including NATO discussions and SDA contracts.
Non-communication use cases (e.g., radar, GPS, phased arrays) offer additional growth areas.
Regulatory and Financial Progress:
FCC filings for AT&T and Verizon enable testing and spectrum allocation.
EXIM financing discussed as a key component of long-term low-cost capital structure.
Competitive Landscape:
Updates on SpaceX’s growing valuation and capacity, alongside Starlink challenges.
Industry dynamics highlighted by the collapse of rivals like Rivada.
Global Expansion:
Focus on India and the Middle East, with strategic moves like the ISRO launch providing market footholds.
💵$ASTS Reports Earnings
This was the best earnings report $ASTS has given. The key points are:
- MLA signed for 60 launches
- Successful initial operations of Block 1
- Initial FCC filings for AT&T and Verizon done
- 3 new government contracts
- EXIM application filed and expect more MNO money soon
- Remaining CAPEX for cash flow positivity is $120-170MM
- The SDA (military contract) is an example of something that can grow into huge deals
- Expect MNO deals soon (Rakuten already done)
But don't ask me, here is all the news that's fit to print:
Trump, Founder of the Space Force, is back...a tough week for the stock price, but many fundamental events are ahead for next week. Read on.
😶🌫️This week will cover the following:
ASTS Earnings Preview
I'll share my thoughts on what could happen on the Earnings Call on Thursday
ASTS Keeps Scaling
Expect updates on accelerated plans to launch commercial service soon.
Potential ASTS Acquisition
Speculation on Amazon or Google potentially acquiring $ASTS for telecom assets, similar to big tech’s entry into other markets.
Kamala Trade Impact
Market expects government support for SpaceX, but 70% of the U.S. market is tied to $ASTS.
$ASTS as DoD's Ace
Significant potential for ASTS in U.S. defense applications, backed by recent insights from a UT Austin Professor.
Defense Applications Expand
More details on ASTS’s defense applications from expert sources.
Ariane BB2 Launch
Anticipation of at least one launch with Ariane, according to sources.
Short Sellers on ASTS
Shorts are targeting ASTS, comparing it to Starlink, but investors remain bullish on $ASTS’s unique position.
Government Opportunities
ASTS is well-positioned for national security contracts, highlighted by a recent SDA award.
FCC Support & 5G Expansion
Commissioner Brendan Carr supports technology developments benefiting ASTS and the DoD.
Nokia 6G Summit
ASTS featured as a critical technology asset for defense applications at the summit.
Canadian Support
Canadian Space Agency backs ASTS, with Bell Canada also showing support.
New Zealand Partnership Misstep
Some concerns over a New Zealand telecom partnership that may not align with ASTS’s strategic goals.
Starlink's Misleading Claims
Allegations of Starlink overstating service accuracy, raising questions for private investors.
Bezos and Blue Origin
Bezos’s New Glenn rocket is nearing launch readiness, a significant milestone for Blue Origin.
Apple and Globalstar Partnership
Overview of Apple’s $1.5 billion satellite smartphone investment with Globalstar.
KOOKGPT Expansion
KOOKGPT is accepting blank term sheets for new AI company initiatives, with standard NVCA terms preferred.
💰 $ASTS Earnings Preview
This is the summary of what I expect could be covered on the earnings call, as well as separate events that could follow shortly thereafter
AST SpaceMobile is signaling exciting developments ahead! They’re “getting ready to operate and provide commercial services,” suggesting the start of significant milestones.
$ASTS gets included in an incredible US Military Project, becomes a Prime Contractor, and completes the unfurling of all 5 Block 1 satellites. Read on for more!
ASTS Block 1 Satellite Unfurling Ahead of Schedule:
AST SpaceMobile completed the unfurling of its five Block 1 satellites six weeks after launch, moving ahead of schedule. This rapid deployment primes the satellites for upcoming commercial and U.S. government operations, showcasing ASTS's commitment to timely and reliable performance.
Promotion to Prime Contractor in the HALO Project:
AST SpaceMobile advanced from subcontractor status to prime contractor with the U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA) under the HALO initiative. This pivotal promotion allows ASTS to manage contracts directly, highlighting its growing technical maturity and strengthened industry relationships.
HALO Demonstrations Begin with ASTS as Key Player:
ASTS is among 19 companies chosen for the SDA’s HALO project, aiming to enhance missile tracking and communication capabilities in low-Earth orbit. The initial orders involve the launch of two satellites within 12 to 18 months, with the possibility for larger contracts as the program expands.
FCC Compliance and Strategic Diplomacy: While regulatory hurdles are common in satellite communications, ASTS has maintained steady compliance with FCC requirements, contrasting with recent publicized disputes by SpaceX. ASTS’s smooth navigation of these processes underscores its meticulous approach to regulatory compliance.
FirstNet and New Spectrum Gains Support Future Expansion: AT&T’s FirstNet received additional spectrum, furthering ASTS’s potential reach for emergency and public safety communications. As the FirstNet network grows, ASTS is positioned to provide valuable satellite-based connectivity for first responders and emergency personnel.
Spotlight on Government Spending for Space Initiatives: The Pentagon's $14 billion Next-Gen OPIR program reveals a sustained emphasis on large-scale satellite procurement. ASTS’s modular satellite technology aligns well with such ambitious government initiatives, offering high-altitude solutions ideal for persistent surveillance and missile tracking.
READ THIS BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE. This was so well written by God's representative on earth, Ra himself.
2 more birds join the flock; AT&T shows the end game, and much, much more. This week's $ASTS Week In Review also includes an upfront summary
Unfurling Progress: With the recent milestone, three satellites are now operational, continuing to expand our coverage.
Bloomberg Interview Success: Scott delivered an impressive interview, highlighting our network's strategic focus. Key takeaways include: Over 45 MOU partnerships with 2.8 billion subscribers.
A vertically integrated model, enabling us to scale production to six satellites per month.
A clear message to shorts: we are differentiated, focusing on shareholder value.
Market Dynamics & Competitive Landscape: The narrative is shifting significantly in our favor. Our positioning has evolved from being seen as a "tiny player" to a formidable competitor in the market.
Government Engagement: Our solutions continue to resonate with government needs, particularly in the U.S., positioning us as a crucial partner for long-term strategic initiatives.
Talent Acquisition: We're pleased to welcome Luiz Abud to the team. With his expertise and insights, particularly from his time at Nokia, we expect to accelerate the commercialization of our technology.
Investor Confidence: Institutional interest is growing, as evidenced by BlackRock's increased stake in our Series A stock. This shift towards long-term holders underscores the market's belief in our growth trajectory.
Key Partnerships & Market Moves: The recent Verizon spectrum deal has strategic implications, especially as it positions us alongside leading telecom players in shaping the future of satellite-based communication.
Expanding Opportunities in Mexico: Our collaboration with regional partners is well-timed as the country navigates regulatory challenges. ASTS offers a promising solution for 5G expansion, making it a valuable partner for regional telecom giants.
The storm has passed, literally and metaphorically
Solar storm messing with drag is over and the Starlink STA is more obviously a nothing burger.
ASTS MET WITH FCC COMMISSIONER: ASTS confirmed it will meet all the rules (unlike someone else). ASTS is once again talking about the 5G Fund and it's eligibility.