10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2021

AST SpaceMobile, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2021

Filed November 15, 2021For Securities:ASTS

Summary

AST SpaceMobile, Inc.'s (ASTS) 10-Q filing for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, reveals a company in a significant development and pre-revenue phase, heavily investing in its satellite constellation technology. The company's balance sheet shows a substantial increase in cash and cash equivalents to $360.4 million from $42.8 million, largely due to the Business Combination completed in April 2021, which brought in $416.9 million in net proceeds. However, this growth phase is accompanied by significant operating expenses, leading to a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $27.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The primary focus remains the development and testing of the BlueWalker 3 (BW3) satellite, with significant capitalized costs incurred. The company is also planning the launch of its first commercial satellites (BB1 Satellites) starting in late 2022. While current revenues are minimal and derived from its subsidiary Nano, the company anticipates substantial future revenue generation once the SpaceMobile Service is operational. The company acknowledges the capital-intensive nature of its business and the need for future funding rounds to complete its global constellation.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$2.45M
Cost of Revenue$2.10M
Gross Profit$347K
R&D Expenses$4.89M
Operating Expenses$23.11M
Net Income$4.12M
EPS (Basic)$0.08
EPS (Diluted)$0.07
Shares Outstanding (Basic)51.73M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)51.84M

Key Highlights

  • 1Significant increase in cash reserves to $360.4 million, primarily from the April 2021 Business Combination, providing financial runway.
  • 2Continued substantial investment in the BlueWalker 3 (BW3) test satellite, with $56.7 million in capitalized costs as of September 30, 2021.
  • 3Planning for the launch of the first 20 commercial satellites (BB1 Satellites) to commence in late 2022, targeting equatorial regions.
  • 4Operating expenses, particularly engineering and general administrative costs, have increased significantly due to expansion and development efforts, contributing to a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $27.4 million for the first nine months of 2021.
  • 5Warrant liabilities were recorded at $76.1 million, with a significant unrealized gain of $39.4 million recognized in the current quarter due to changes in fair value.
  • 6Current revenues are minimal ($6.2 million for nine months ended Sep 30, 2021), generated by the Nano subsidiary, with no revenue expected from the core SpaceMobile Service until 2023.
  • 7The company estimates needing between $260 million and $300 million for the first phase of BB1 Satellites and a total of $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion for the full constellation, highlighting substantial future capital requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

As of September 30, 2021, AST SpaceMobile had $360.4 million in cash and cash equivalents. The company believes this is sufficient to meet its working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least eighteen months from the filing date. This improved liquidity is largely a result of the Business Combination completed in April 2021.

The company is incurring significant operating expenses, primarily in engineering services ($18.8 million for nine months ended Sep 30, 2021) and general and administrative costs ($24.0 million for nine months ended Sep 30, 2021). These increases are driven by headcount growth, R&D for the satellite constellation, and costs associated with being a public company. These expenses have led to a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $27.4 million for the first nine months of 2021.

The BlueWalker 3 (BW3) test satellite is under assembly, integration, and testing, with $56.7 million in capitalized costs as of September 30, 2021. The company is targeting a launch window between March and April 2022, with a potential rebooking option. The first commercial satellites (BB1 Satellites) are planned for launch starting in late 2022.

The company does not expect to begin generating significant revenues from its SpaceMobile Service until 2023. Current revenues are minimal and come from its subsidiary Nano, which provides satellite development and manufacturing services.

The company anticipates substantial future capital requirements. It estimates needing $260 million to $300 million for the initial phase of BB1 Satellites and a total of $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion for the complete global constellation. AST SpaceMobile expects to raise additional capital through equity offerings, debt, or commercial partnerships, and acknowledges the need to do so to fund ongoing operations and planned launches.