Jabil Inc. (JBL) and AST SpaceMobile Inc. (ASTS) are both significant players in the communications-technology ecosystem, each with exposure to next-generation infrastructure.
AST SpaceMobile is building what it calls the world’s first and only global cellular broadband network in space, accessible directly by standard 4G-LTE and 5G smartphones.
The SpaceMobile service operates through a constellation of high-powered, large phased-array satellites in low Earth orbit, using spectrum controlled by Mobile Network Operators in areas lacking terrestrial coverage.
Jabil, one of the largest global suppliers of electronics manufacturing services, offers advanced manufacturing capabilities for networking, communications, and space systems across 100 locations in 30 countries.
AST SpaceMobile is reportedly on track to deploy approximately 45 BlueBird satellites in orbit by early 2027, with 13 commercial satellites already deployed in low Earth orbit.
The company’s technology relies on large phased array antennas measuring approximately 2,400 square feet and is backed by more than 3,800 patents and patent-pending claims.
ASTS has secured partnerships with major carriers including AT&T Inc. (T) and Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ), helping to fund its worldwide satellite network and expand cellular coverage across the United States.
Despite these milestones, elevated spending, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and stiff competition from SpaceX’s Starlink and Globalstar continue to weigh heavily on AST SpaceMobile’s financial performance.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AST SpaceMobile’s 2026 sales implies year-over-year growth of 129.2%, while EPS estimates suggest a decline of 69.4%, with estimates lowered 53.4% over the past 60 days.
On the other side of the ledger, Jabil’s management is focused on improving working capital management and integrating sophisticated AI and ML capabilities to enhance the efficiency of its internal processes.
Jabil’s top line is expected to benefit from strength in AI data center infrastructure, capital equipment, and warehouse automation markets, with 5G wireless and cloud computing adoption providing long-term tailwinds.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for JBL’s 2026 sales indicates year-over-year growth of 17.3%, while EPS is expected to improve 30.7%, with estimates holding steady at $12.74 over the past 60 days.
Jabil does face competitive pressure from domestic and international rivals including Sanmina Corporation (SANM), alongside headwinds from geopolitical tensions and weak demand in some consumer-centric markets.
Over the past year, ASTS has gained 54.7% compared with the industry’s growth of 21.8%, while JBL has surged 41.4% over the same period, reflecting strong momentum for both names.
From a valuation standpoint, JBL trades at just 0.75 forward price-to-sales, a fraction of ASTS’s lofty 44.49 forward multiple, making Jabil significantly more attractive on that basis.
Both ASTS and JBL currently carry a Zacks Rank of 3, or Hold, but JBL’s stable estimate revisions and improving bottom line give it a clear edge over AST SpaceMobile as an investment option right now.
