Viasat Stock Surges 30.67% on $480M Trading Volume, Ranks 235th in Market Activity

Viasat (VSAT) surged 30.67% on August 6, 2025, with a trading volume of $480 million, a 191.42% increase from the prior day, ranking it 235th in market activity. The stock’s performance followed a mixed Q1 fiscal 2026 report showing revenue growth but persistent net losses.

The company reported $1.17 billion in quarterly revenue, up 4% year-over-year, driven by a 15% rise in its Defense and Advanced Technologies segment and steady Communication Services revenue. Adjusted EBITDA reached $408 million, reflecting improved operational efficiency. However, a net loss of $56 million widened compared to $33 million in the prior-year period, attributed to higher tax provisions and depreciation. Non-GAAP net income of $23.1 million, or 17 cents per share, exceeded estimates by 22 cents, signaling underlying business resilience.

Key drivers included strong demand for information security and cyber defense products, with $224 million in awards, and a 14% increase in aviation services. Challenges emerged in fixed broadband and maritime segments, where declining subscribers and market conditions offset gains. The CEO highlighted efforts to reduce capital intensity, leverage shared infrastructure, and address satellite program delays impacting cash flow.

Cash reserves stood at $1.2 billion, while net debt totaled $5.6 billion. For fiscal 2026, management projects low single-digit revenue growth and stable adjusted EBITDA, with DAT segment growth expected to reach mid-teens. Capital expenditures are forecast at $1.2 billion, including $400 million for Inmarsat-related projects.

The strategy of purchasing the top 500 stocks by daily trading volume and holding them for one day delivered a 166.71% return from 2022 to the present, outperforming the benchmark return of 29.18% by 137.53%. This underscores the role of liquidity concentration in short-term stock performance, particularly in volatile markets. The outperformance highlights the effectiveness of capturing price momentum in high-volume stocks, though risks from shifting market trends and rapid reversals remain.