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Echostar Corp. (SATS)
NASDAQ:SATS

Echostar (SATS) AI Stock Analysis

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SATS

Echostar

(NASDAQ:SATS)

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Neutral 54 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:54Neutral
Price Target:
$131.00
▲(15.46% Upside)
The score is held back primarily by weak financial performance (large losses, high leverage, and deteriorating free cash flow). This is partially offset by strong recent price momentum and a constructive strategic narrative from the latest earnings call, while valuation remains constrained by negative earnings and no dividend support.
Positive Factors
Major AT&T and SpaceX transactions
Large strategic transactions with AT&T and SpaceX materially resolved FCC spectrum utilization reviews and inject significant capital or asset swaps. This reduces regulatory overhang, strengthens liquidity options, and can materially de-risk network strategy and funding over the medium term.
Creation of EchoStar Capital (asset-light shift)
Launching EchoStar Capital signals a durable shift to an asset-light, capital-management model focused on M&A and strategic investments. That can improve capital efficiency, lower recurring capex needs, and enable faster portfolio reshaping to capture higher-return opportunities over the coming years.
Hughes pivot to enterprise and aero growth
Shifting Hughes toward enterprise and aero customers diversifies revenue toward higher-contract, recurring and often higher-margin segments. A structural mix change toward enterprise can stabilize revenues, improve gross margins, and reduce retail churn sensitivity over multiple quarters.
Negative Factors
Very high leverage
Extremely elevated leverage constrains strategic flexibility and increases default and refinancing risk. High interest obligations limit reinvestment capacity, amplify downturn vulnerability, and make the firm dependent on asset sales or capital markets to meet obligations, pressuring medium-term stability.
Negative free cash flow & weak cash generation
Sustained negative FCF growth and weak operating cash relative to losses undermine the company's ability to service debt, fund operations, or invest organically. Persistent cash shortfalls force reliance on asset monetizations or external financing, raising dilution or restructuring risk over months.
Regulatory and legal overhang
Active FCC scrutiny, litigation with tower firms, and the underperforming Boost business create enduring operational and financial uncertainty. Spectrum constraints or adverse rulings could limit service capacity; litigation and weaker business units can produce material liabilities and hamper strategic execution.

Echostar (SATS) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Echostar Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionEchoStar Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides networking technologies and services worldwide. The company operates in two segments, Hughes and EchoStar Satellite Services (ESS). The Hughes segment offers broadband network technologies, managed services, equipment, hardware, satellite services, and communications solutions to government and enterprise customers. The segment also designs, provides, and installs gateway and terminal equipment to customers for other satellite systems. In addition, it designs, develops, constructs, and provides telecommunication networks comprising satellite ground segment systems and terminals to mobile system operators and enterprise customers. Further, this segment designs, provides, and installs gateway and terminal equipment to customers for other satellite systems, as well as offers satellite ground segment systems and terminals for other satellite systems, including mobile system operators. The ESS segment provides satellite services using its owned and leased in-orbit satellites and related licenses to offer satellite services on a full-time and/or occasional-use basis to the U.S. government service providers, internet service providers, broadcast news organizations, content providers, and private enterprise customers. It serves customers in North America, South and Central America, Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, India, and the Middle East. The company was incorporated in 2007 and is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado.
How the Company Makes MoneyEchostar generates revenue through multiple streams. The primary revenue source comes from its broadband services, where it offers satellite internet connectivity to rural and underserved areas, and earns subscription fees from customers. Additionally, the company derives income from satellite services, which involves leasing satellite capacity to various telecommunications and media companies. Another significant revenue stream is from the sale of equipment, including set-top boxes and satellite terminals, to both retail and wholesale markets. Strategic partnerships with telecommunications companies and media providers enhance its distribution capabilities and broaden its customer base, contributing further to its earnings.

Echostar Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 06, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 19, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlighted significant strategic transactions and a shift towards capital management and enterprise focus, while also addressing challenges with FCC regulations and ongoing litigation.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Major Transactions with AT&T and SpaceX
EchoStar announced significant transactions with AT&T and SpaceX, valued at approximately $23 billion and $19 billion, respectively, which resolved FCC spectrum utilization reviews.
Strategic Shift to EchoStar Capital
Creation of a new division, EchoStar Capital, focused on capital management and M&A, aiming to leverage 45 years of institutional knowledge for strategic investments.
SpaceX Investment
EchoStar's investment in SpaceX stock valued at $2.6 billion is seen as a strategic holding with high growth potential due to SpaceX's leadership in space technology.
Shift to Enterprise Focus for Hughes
Hughes Network Systems is transitioning towards enterprise services, expecting to reach over 50% revenue from enterprise by next year, with significant progress in aero services.
Negative Updates
FCC Spectrum Challenges
FCC's decision to investigate EchoStar's spectrum usage presented unprecedented challenges, affecting the company's strategy and operations.
Litigation with Tower Companies
Ongoing litigation with a tower company due to disputes over contract obligations following FCC decisions, potentially complicating negotiations and financial liabilities.
Boost Business Cash Flow Issues
The Boost mobile business continues to face cash flow challenges, with ongoing efforts to reach profitability amidst a competitive landscape.
Company Guidance
During EchoStar Corporation's Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call, guidance was provided on several key metrics. The company announced major transactions with AT&T and SpaceX, valued at approximately $23 billion and $19 billion, respectively. These deals are critical for resolving the FCC's review of EchoStar's spectrum utilization. EchoStar also disclosed an amended agreement with SpaceX to sell its unpaired AWS-3 spectrum license for about $2.6 billion in SpaceX stock. This strategic capital deployment aims to fuel expansion and explore new growth avenues. The leadership also highlighted the creation of a new division, EchoStar Capital, focusing on capital management and M&A, signaling a shift towards a capital-rich, asset-light business model. The call referenced OIBDA and free cash flow, with reconciliations available in their earnings release and quarterly SEC filings. The leadership expressed excitement about their strategic direction, emphasizing value creation through innovation, execution, and integration.

Echostar Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Financials are weak: revenue is shrinking (TTM -1.79%), profitability is deeply negative (net margin -140.13%) with negative EBIT/EBITDA trends, leverage is very high (debt-to-equity 8.47), and free cash flow growth is negative (-25.20%), indicating ongoing operating and funding pressure.
Income Statement
30
Negative
Echostar's income statement shows significant challenges. The TTM data reveals a negative revenue growth rate of -1.79% and a net profit margin of -140.13%, indicating substantial losses. Historical data shows a declining trend in revenue and profitability, with EBIT and EBITDA margins also turning negative. This suggests operational inefficiencies and declining market performance.
Balance Sheet
40
Negative
The balance sheet reflects high leverage with a TTM debt-to-equity ratio of 8.47, indicating significant financial risk. The return on equity is negative, suggesting that the company is not generating sufficient returns on shareholder investments. The equity ratio has decreased over time, highlighting increased reliance on debt financing.
Cash Flow
35
Negative
Cash flow analysis shows a negative free cash flow growth rate of -25.20% in the TTM period, indicating cash flow challenges. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is low, suggesting limited cash generation relative to reported losses. The free cash flow to net income ratio is negative, further emphasizing cash flow difficulties.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue15.18B15.83B17.02B18.63B19.82B1.89B
Gross Profit3.79B5.69B5.07B6.42B7.32B1.14B
EBITDA-14.16B2.34B-247.35M4.59B4.67B645.10M
Net Income-12.95B-119.55M-1.70B2.48B2.49B-40.15M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets45.27B60.94B57.11B58.75B6.05B7.07B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments4.08B5.55B2.44B4.31B1.55B2.53B
Total Debt30.59B29.81B25.89B25.72B1.65B2.52B
Total Liabilities38.26B40.69B36.72B36.70B2.63B3.47B
Stockholders Equity6.95B20.19B19.88B21.49B3.35B3.54B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-1.09B-292.18M-668.27M570.72M160.25M86.94M
Operating Cash Flow371.50M1.25B2.43B3.62B632.23M534.39M
Investing Cash Flow-3.52B-3.05B-2.81B-9.06B168.81M-1.14B
Financing Cash Flow3.05B4.48B-277.12M-274.45M-1.16B-15.62M

Echostar Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price113.46
Price Trends
50DMA
101.49
Positive
100DMA
87.84
Positive
200DMA
57.84
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
5.60
Positive
RSI
47.93
Neutral
STOCH
43.52
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For SATS, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 113.46 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 120.55, above the 50-day MA of 101.49, and above the 200-day MA of 57.84, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 5.60 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 47.93 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 43.52 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for SATS.

Echostar Risk Analysis

Echostar disclosed 52 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Echostar reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Echostar Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (60)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
70
Outperform
$1.46B48.966.95%29.67%41.90%
60
Neutral
$48.67B4.58-11.27%4.14%2.83%-41.78%
60
Neutral
$44.54B-98.05-39.22%641.24%41.70%
58
Neutral
$6.44B-11.54-11.04%1.23%-31.80%
56
Neutral
$83.35M-6.20-27.13%93.47%37.19%
54
Neutral
$37.01B-2.52-98.16%-44.95%-430.47%
52
Neutral
$174.22M-2.49-7.88%-1.89%76.61%
* Communication Services Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
SATS
Echostar
113.46
85.91
311.83%
CMTL
Comtech Telecommunications
5.77
3.89
206.91%
GILT
Gilat
19.97
12.89
182.06%
VSAT
ViaSat
46.23
37.00
400.87%
AMPG
AmpliTech Group
3.17
1.35
74.18%
ASTS
AST SpaceMobile
122.09
100.62
468.65%

Echostar Corporate Events

Executive/Board Changes
Echostar Updates CEO Hamid Akhavan’s Compensation Agreement
Positive
Dec 29, 2025

On December 26, 2025, EchoStar Corporation entered into a new letter agreement with recently appointed Chief Executive Officer Hamid Akhavan, replacing his prior October 2, 2023 arrangement while keeping his base salary and bonus opportunity unchanged. The updated agreement, which runs through December 31, 2026, enhances Akhavan’s compensation package by accelerating vesting of the final tranche of his December 31, 2023 option award upon a qualifying termination and clarifies that any future equity awards will be granted at the discretion of the chairman and the executive compensation committee, underscoring the board’s tailored approach to CEO incentives and retention.

The most recent analyst rating on (SATS) stock is a Hold with a $111.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Echostar stock, see the SATS Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board ChangesM&A Transactions
EchoStar Announces New Division and Leadership Changes
Positive
Nov 6, 2025

On November 5, 2025, EchoStar Corporation entered into an Amended and Restated License Purchase Agreement with Space Exploration Technologies Corp. and Spectrum Business Trust 2025-1, revising their previous transaction to include the transfer of 15 MHz of AWS spectrum, increasing the total transaction value to over $19.6 billion. Additionally, on November 6, 2025, EchoStar announced the creation of a new division, EchoStar Capital, and appointed Charles W. Ergen as Chairman, President, and CEO, while Hamid Akhavan became CEO of the new division, reflecting strategic leadership changes within the company.

The most recent analyst rating on (SATS) stock is a Hold with a $74.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Echostar stock, see the SATS Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Dec 31, 2025