Viasat, Inc. VSAT recently announced that its first ViaSat-3 payload module structure has been set at its Tempe, AZ facility. Henceforth, the company will commence its testing and payload integration activities for the first ViaSat-3 class satellite, which will likely start supplying more accessible and affordable broadband services across the Americas from 2020. The ViaSat-3 payload module structure has been constructed by The Boeing Company BA.
Inside the Headlines
Delivery of the first ViaSat-3 payload module structure in the Tempe plant marks the initial step of the first ViaSat-3 class satellite production.The company will now construct ViaSat-3 satellite payload, amalgamate the same with Boeing’s supplied payload module structure and finally, test the integrated payload. Additionally, Boeing will provide spacecraft integration, a scalable 702 satellite stand, environmental testing, as well as offer mission-operational and vehicle-integration services for Viasat.
The ViaSat-3 category Ka-band satellites will likely feature unparalleled capabilities in terms of flexibility and speed for a satellite platform. The first two satellites will be focusing over Middle East and Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The company’s third satellite will be providing focus over the Asia Pacific zone. Notably, each ViaSat-3 class satellite will provide network capacity of over 1-Terabit per second.
Currently, Viasat and Boeing are taking efforts to prepare the second ViaSat-3 payload module structure.
The above-mentioned initiatives will improve Viasat’s technological expertise. Nevertheless, over the past three months, shares of this Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) company have lost 0.3%, as against 11.8% growth recorded by the industry.
Stiff business rivalry and extreme dependence on seasonality of demand remain two key causes of concern for Viasat. The company also believes high research and development costs related to the launch of ViaSat-3 satellites will dampen its near-term bottom-line performances.
Stocks to Consider
A couple of better-ranked stocks in the same space are listed below:
Sonus Networks, Inc. RBBN sports a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy). The company pulled off an impressive average positive earnings surprise of 168.11%, over the past four quarters. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Ubiquiti Networks, Inc. UBNT also flaunts a Zacks Rank of 1. The company delivered an average positive earnings surprise of 8.96% over the trailing four quarters.
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