AST SpaceMobile to Post Q4 Earnings: What's in the Cards?

AST SpaceMobile ASTS is set to report its fourth-quarter 2024 results on March 3, after the closing bell. In the last reported quarter, the company's bottom line fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 6 cents. It is expected to report a top-line improvement year over year, backed by healthy momentum in both the government and private sector.Find the latest EPS estimates and surprises on Zacks Earnings Calendar.Factors at PlayDuring the quarter, ASTS has effectively deployed its initial set of five commercial satellites. The company highlighted that the BlueBird 1-5 satellites represent the largest commercial communications arrays to be sent into low Earth orbit. Utilizing large phased array antennas, AST SpaceMobile's technology is backed by more than 3,450 patents and patent-pending claims. This design aims to deliver worldwide cellular coverage by eradicating dead zones and providing space-based broadband to areas that lack service. By connecting directly to standard smartphones at broadband speeds, these advanced phased arrays eliminate the need for special equipment.In the quarter under review, Space Development Agency has selected ASTS for various prototype demonstration projects under the Hybrid Acquisition for proliferated Low-earth Orbit program. The strategic collaboration with SDA will allow ASTS to develop cutting edge space based technologies for several government applications. ASTS has entered into a definitive agreement with Vodafone Group. The partnership, which extends through 2034, will allow Vodafone to provide space-based cellular broadband services in its home markets and across its Partner Markets program, helping to expand broadband coverage globally. The company is steadily extending its collaboration with major telecom players in the United States, such as AT&T and Verizon, to tap into a pre-existing pool of cell customers as well as avail funds to expedite the development of its worldwide satellite network. These developments will likely have a favorable impact on the company’s earnings.The company inked a partnership with Cadence Design Systems to augment its cellular satellite service by leveraging the latter’s system tools, high-speed SerDes PHYs and controllers on the AST5000 ASIC chip. Utilizing Cadence’s specialized hardware components, ASTS aims to cater to the burgeoning bandwidth requirements straining the existing cloud data center server, storage and networking infrastructure. This will bolster ASTS’ portfolio and improve its prospects in the emerging market of direct-to-cell connectivity.For the December quarter, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for total revenues is pegged at $3 million. The company didn’t generate any revenues in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. The consensus estimate for adjusted earnings per share indicates a loss of 15 cents per share. It incurred a loss of 35 cents per share in the year-ago quarter.Earnings WhispersOur proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for AST SpaceMobile this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the chances of an earnings beat. That is not the case here.Earnings ESP: Earnings ESP, which represents the difference between the Most Accurate Estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate, is 0.00%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.AST SpaceMobile, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise AST SpaceMobile, Inc. price-eps-surprise | AST SpaceMobile, Inc. QuoteZacks Rank: AST SpaceMobile currently has a Zacks Rank #3.Stocks to ConsiderHere are some companies you may want to consider, as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this season.Marvell Technology MRVL is set to release quarterly numbers on March 5. It currently has an Earnings ESP of +2.77% and a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.The Gap GAP is scheduled to report quarterly numbers on March 6. It has an Earnings ESP of +11.55% and carries Zacks Rank of 3.The Earnings ESP for Costco Wholesale COST is +0.14%, and it has a Zacks Rank of 2. The company is scheduled to report quarterly numbers on March 6.Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.This top pick is among the most innovative financial firms. With a fast-growing customer base (already 50+ million) and a diverse set of cutting edge solutions, this stock is poised for big gains. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners UpWant the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST): Free Stock Analysis Report Marvell Technology, Inc. (MRVL): Free Stock Analysis Report The Gap, Inc. (GAP): Free Stock Analysis Report AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (ASTS): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks