Why ViaSat Shares Skyrocketed

Updated

Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of ViaSat skyrocketed today by as much as 24% after the company reported earnings.

So what: Revenue in the quarter hit a new record at $286.4 million, which included $265.7 million in new contracts. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $0.04. On a GAAP basis, the company posted a net loss of $0.47 per share, mostly due to extinguishing debt.


Now what: CEO Mark Dankberg said the company gained momentum in its Exede satellite broadband service with net additions topping 50% sequentially. Following the results, Needham upgraded its rating on ViaSat from hold to buy, along with a $50 price target. The firm cites strong subscriber trends as evidence that ViaSat has overcome some of its operational hurdles while acknowledging that its biggest risk is losing subscriber additions from DISH Network, which is its dominant wholesale partner.

Interested in more info on ViaSat? Add it to your watchlist by clicking here.

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The article Why ViaSat Shares Skyrocketed originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Evan Niu, CFA, has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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