Globalstar's Apple Deal Provides 'Constructive Growth Outlook' - Morgan Stanley

© Reuters. GlobalStar's (GSAT) Apple (AAPL) Deal Provides 'Constructive Growth Outlook' - Morgan Stanley

By Sam Boughedda

It was announced on Wednesday that mobile satellite-communications company Globalstar would be Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) satellite operator partner for new satellite-enabled services.

The news resulted in a jump in Globalstar (NYSE:GSAT) shares before they closed over 1% lower during Wednesday's session. They have continued that decline Thursday, currently down over 8%.

Reacting to the news, a B.Riley analyst, who has a Buy rating and $3.25 price target on Globalstar shares, told investors in a research note that they "see GSAT's $4B EV at $2.10/share as barely covering the value of its U.S. mid-band spectrum alone, leaving ample upside for the value of its like international spectrum."

He added that the value of its satellite services business is "now poised to produce positive FCF well into the next decade."

"We believe the Apple partnership alone adds about $70M of fixed service fees annually, not a bad piece of work where IoT competitor Iridium trades at an 18x EBITDA multiple," continued the analyst.

Elsewhere, a Morgan Stanley analyst, who has an Underweight rating and $1.03 price target on the stock, stated: "Including the Partnership Agreements and excluding terrestrial spectrum, Globalstar is targeting total 2023 revenue of $185-230mn vs our current $123mn estimate. Assuming the targeted 55% margins at the midpoint of revenue guidance implies EBITDA of $114mn vs our current $41mn estimate."

"This announcement provides significant clarity regarding Globalstar's core business with a constructive growth outlook, though some may have expected a more significant revenue opportunity and the FCF impact will be limited somewhat by recognition of deferred revenue," the analyst added.