Roth MKM Reaffirms Buy on AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) Despite Rising Competition

AST SpaceMobile Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS) is one of the best emerging technology stocks to buy right now. The company is positioning itself as a pioneer in next-generation telecom, developing the first satellite-based broadband network designed to connect directly to standard mobile phones.

By combining satellite technology with existing cellular infrastructure, the company aims to address one of the industry’s most significant gaps in providing affordable, seamless coverage in remote and underserved regions.

The company has tremendous opportunities. AST SpaceMobile Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS) estimates the 10-year demand for satellite direct-to-device communications at roughly $100 billion, within a global mobile wireless services market exceeding $1 trillion.

With its low-earth orbit (LEO) BlueBird satellite constellation, the company aims to turn that potential into scale, moving closer to commercial rollout.

On September 4, the company disclosed that its first Block 2 BlueBird satellite, BlueBird 6, is now fully assembled and undergoing final tests before shipment. The company also confirmed that 20 satellites have received approval from the Federal Communications Commission for launch, underscoring steady operational progress.

Days later, Scott Searle, an analyst at Roth MKM, reiterated a Buy rating with a $56 price target. Searle’s September 8 note reflects his continued confidence in AST SpaceMobile Inc.’s (NASDAQ:ASTS) ability to deliver on its vision of space-based cellular connectivity.

However, unlike Searle, not all views remain bullish. On September 9, UBS analyst Chris Schoell downgraded the stock to Hold and cut the price target to $43 from $62. Schoell flagged heightened competition following Starlink’s acquisition of Echostar’s S-Band spectrum, which bolsters Starlink’s standing in the space-to-cellular market.

He cautioned that the stronger rival presence raises execution risks for AST SpaceMobile Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS) and could push carriers to diversify partnerships, thereby challenging AST’s ability to capture market share.

READ NEXT: Best Stocks For Day Trading: 12 Stock Picks and 15 Best Multibagger Stocks to Invest in Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.