Piper Sandler downgrades AST SpaceMobile to Neutral amid SpaceX competition

Piper Sandler cut its rating on AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) from Overweight to Neutral and lowered its price target to $54 from $98, citing concerns that SpaceX’s $8 billion spectrum acquisition and direct‑to‑cell push could restrict launch availability and pressure pricing. The downgrade triggered a pre‑market sell‑off of roughly 5‑9% in ASTS shares. Analysts at Deutsche Bank simultaneously upgraded ASTS to Buy with a $93 target, highlighting divergent views on the impact of SpaceX’s moves.

The downgrade reduces near‑term expectations for ASTS and may prompt further price declines as investors price in execution risks (the company’s own note says the downgrade reflects launch‑schedule concerns). Deutsche Bank’s upgrade suggests the stock could be volatile as analysts disagree on the competitive landscape.

  • 1Piper Sandler lowered its rating on AST SpaceMobile to Neutral from Overweight.
  • 2The firm cut its price target to $54 from $98, a reduction of about 45%.
  • 3Piper Sandler cited SpaceX’s $8 billion spectrum investment and direct‑to‑cell expansion as competitive pressures.
  • 4ASTS shares fell approximately 5% in pre‑market trading after the downgrade.
  • 5Other reports noted a 9% drop to $46.58, taking the stock below its 52‑week low of $47.57.
  • 6Deutsche Bank upgraded ASTS to Buy with a $93 price target.

Sources