AST SpaceMobile faces funding challenges despite stock rise

AST SpaceMobile reported its fourth-quarter results, showing a loss of $0.18 per share and $1.9 million in revenue, missing analyst expectations. Despite this, the company's stock rose significantly after the report. AST has five operational satellites and plans to launch 60 more by 2026, with contracts in place with major launch providers. The company aims to begin beta testing its direct-to-cell service soon. AST currently has nearly $1 billion in cash, which it expects will last through 2025. However, analysts estimate it will need to spend about $1.1 billion in capital expenditures over the next few years, raising concerns about future funding.