Canadian investors looking to diversify beyond the domestic market can gain exposure to a wide range of U.S.-listed companies, including AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS). Because AST SpaceMobile trades on the Nasdaq, Canadians can generally buy shares through a variety of online brokerages that provide access to U.S. securities. Investors should check their individual brokerage for availability, foreign-exchange costs, commissions, and any account-specific restrictions before placing a trade.
One of the main attractions of the U.S. stock market is its concentration of globally significant companies. For Canadian investors, U.S. equities can provide exposure to industries that are less represented on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Many of the world’s largest technology, healthcare, consumer, semiconductor, software, and communications businesses are listed on U.S. exchanges.
For Canadian investors, this means the U.S. market can complement a portfolio that already has substantial exposure to Canadian banks, energy producers, mining companies, and other domestically important sectors.
The objective does not necessarily have to be replacing Canadian investments with U.S. stocks. Instead, U.S. equities can form another component of a diversified portfolio, potentially increasing exposure to industries that are less prominent in Canada. AST SpaceMobile is an example of this broader opportunity set.
Source: Getty Images
AST SpaceMobile is building a different kind of network
AST SpaceMobile is developing a space-based cellular broadband network designed to connect directly with smartphones. Its satellite-to-smartphone technology gives investors exposure to a specialized segment of the communications and space industries that is underrepresented among Canada’s largest publicly traded companies.
Unlike traditional satellite communications systems that may require specialized equipment, AST SpaceMobile’s technology is designed to work with existing mobile devices. AST SpaceMobile has signed partnerships with several mobile network operators globally, which collectively represent a large subscriber base.
AST SpaceMobile’s long-term prospects appear solid
During the second quarter, it reported revenue of $31.5 million, compared with just $1.2 million in the same quarter a year earlier. Revenue was driven primarily by commercial gateway deliveries and milestones associated with U.S. government contracts. AST SpaceMobile maintained its full-year 2026 revenue guidance of $150 million to $200 million.
Supporting its longer-term investment case is the company’s reported revenue backlog of approximately $1.30 billion. The backlog includes contracted revenue with commercial partners and contract awards from the U.S. government. AST SpaceMobile also reported more than $125 million of U.S. government awards supporting national-security applications.
AST SpaceMobile’s opportunity extends beyond consumer mobile connectivity. The company is also targeting government and national-security applications, where resilient communications can be valuable. Potential applications include secure communications, emergency response, defense-related connectivity, and other mission-critical services.
The U.S. government has already awarded AST SpaceMobile notable contracts. This provides a solid revenue stream alongside commercial agreements with mobile network operators.
Bottom line for Canadian investors
Yes, Canadians can buy AST SpaceMobile stock through a brokerage that offers access to U.S. stocks. But the more important investment question is do adding U.S. equities improve the diversification and opportunity set of my portfolio? AST SpaceMobile can then be evaluated as one potential company within that much larger investment universe.
