10-KPeriod: FY2021

AST SpaceMobile, Inc. Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2021

Filed March 31, 2022For Securities:ASTS

Summary

AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (ASTS) is an early-stage company developing a space-based cellular broadband network designed for standard mobile phones, aiming to provide global coverage without requiring special user equipment. The company reported significant increases in operating expenses, particularly in research and development and engineering services, reflecting ongoing investments in its satellite constellation and technology. While revenues grew substantially due to its subsidiary Nano's satellite technology sales, the company remains in a pre-revenue phase for its core SpaceMobile Service, reporting a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $30.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Financially, ASTS raised substantial capital through its business combination in 2021, ending the year with $324.5 million in cash, which management believes is sufficient for at least the next 12 months. However, the company anticipates significant future capital expenditures for the full satellite constellation, estimated at $1.9 billion through 2025, and plans to seek additional financing. Key risks include the substantial capital required, potential dilution from warrant exercises, market volatility, and the inherent uncertainties in developing and deploying a novel technology. Investors should note that a large percentage of the company's stock is held by existing equity holders who are subject to lock-up periods that are ending, which could lead to increased selling pressure and stock price volatility. Furthermore, the company's outstanding warrants are accounted for as liabilities, and fluctuations in their fair value can materially impact financial results.

Financial Statements
Beta

Key Highlights

  • 1AST SpaceMobile is developing a direct-to-device satellite broadband network aiming for global coverage using standard mobile phones.
  • 2The company reported a net loss of $30.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, with significant increases in operating expenses for R&D and engineering.
  • 3Total revenues grew by 108% to $12.4 million, primarily from its subsidiary Nano's satellite technology sales.
  • 4As of December 31, 2021, ASTS had $324.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, considered sufficient for at least 12 months of operations.
  • 5The company estimates capital asset investments for its planned constellation to be approximately $1.9 billion through 2025, requiring future capital raises.
  • 6A significant portion of outstanding shares are subject to the expiration of lock-up periods, which could increase market volatility.
  • 7Outstanding warrants are accounted for as liabilities, and changes in their fair value impact reported earnings.
  • 8The BW3 test satellite is nearing completion, with a target launch in Summer 2022; commercial satellite launches are planned from 2023 through 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

AST SpaceMobile is developing a space-based cellular broadband network, SpaceMobile Service, designed to connect with standard mobile phones. The company plans to partner with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to offer this service to their end-users. Currently, the company has no revenue from its SpaceMobile Service; its reported revenues are generated by its subsidiary, Nano, which develops and manufactures satellite technology, sells satellite parts, subsystems, and provides hosted payload services.

For the year ended December 31, 2021, ASTS reported a net loss of $30.6 million and significant increases in operating expenses for research and development and engineering. While revenues from Nano grew by 108% to $12.4 million, the company is pre-revenue for its core service. ASTS ended 2021 with $324.5 million in cash, which it believes is sufficient for at least 12 months. However, the company estimates substantial capital investments of approximately $1.9 billion through 2025 for its satellite constellation and plans to seek additional financing to fund ongoing operations and development.

Key risks include the substantial capital required to build the satellite constellation, potential dilution from the exercise of outstanding warrants, market volatility, and the inherent technological and execution risks of a novel satellite network. A significant risk highlighted is the upcoming expiration of lock-up periods for existing large shareholders, which could lead to substantial selling pressure and downward pressure on the stock price. Additionally, the company's warrants are accounted for as liabilities, and changes in their fair value can cause fluctuations in reported earnings.

The company plans to launch its BW3 test satellite in the Summer of 2022 and begin launching commercial BB satellites in 2023, with a goal of achieving substantial global mobile coverage by the end of 2024 after launching 110 satellites. Revenue generation from the SpaceMobile Service is anticipated to commence after these commercial launches, with the full constellation deployment continuing through 2025.