Overview of ViaSat's Stock Performance#
Raymond James has reiterated an Outperform rating for ViaSat (NASDAQ:VSAT) stock, maintaining a price target of $50. The stock has seen a remarkable increase of 640% over the past year and is currently trading at $63.99, close to its 52-week high of $64.46.
Upcoming Satellite Launches#
ViaSat recently announced that its Viasat-3 F3 satellite is set to launch on April 27 from Kennedy Space Center aboard a Falcon Heavy rocket. This satellite will serve the Asia-Pacific region and is expected to be operational by late summer, aligning with a mid-2026 service date.
The company also provided updates on its Viasat-3 F2 satellite, which is currently undergoing in-orbit testing. The F2 satellite is expected to enter service in May, with final deployments scheduled after the spring eclipse season.
Challenges and Expectations#
Raymond James highlighted that the Viasat-1 satellite is currently underperforming at less than 10% of its planned capacity due to an anomaly. The firm emphasized that the success of the F2 and F3 satellites is crucial for enhancing service quality, increasing capacity, and driving revenue growth for ViaSat's Communications Services business.
Recent Financial Performance#
In its latest fiscal third-quarter report for 2026, ViaSat exceeded earnings expectations, posting an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.79 compared to a forecasted loss of -$0.46. However, the company's revenue fell slightly short of expectations at $1.16 billion, just below the anticipated $1.17 billion.
Analysts from Barclays have upgraded ViaSat's stock rating to Equalweight from Underweight, citing the company's nearing break-even point for free cash flow and the upcoming satellite launch as positive indicators. Additionally, Needham raised its price target on ViaSat to $58 from $45, maintaining a Buy rating after discussions with CEO Mark Dankberg. These developments highlight ViaSat's ongoing advancements in satellite technology and its strategic market positioning.