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Iridium Communications (IRDM)
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Iridium Communications (IRDM) AI Stock Analysis

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IRDM

Iridium Communications

(NASDAQ:IRDM)

Rating:72Outperform
Price Target:
$27.00
▲(8.48% Upside)
Iridium Communications' overall score reflects strong financial performance and strategic corporate moves. However, technical indicators suggest short-term challenges, and valuation is moderate. The earnings call revealed mixed guidance, highlighting areas of growth and concern. Focus on maintaining financial health and strategic execution is crucial for future performance.
Positive Factors
Financial Performance
Iridium Communications is making progress with its new non-terrestrial-network (NTN) offering, which is expected to enhance future revenue streams.
Free Cash Flow
Iridium reaffirmed its expectation to generate $302 million in free cash flow this year, which represents 13% of the company’s market cap.
Strategic Partnerships
Iridium’s partnerships with Garmin and the U.S. Department of Defense will continue to expand, strengthening its market position.
Negative Factors
Competition
The main downside risk to shares is intensifying competition from SpaceX and Apple.
Revenue Outlook
Shares of Iridium are trading down 20% after the company reported second-quarter financials below consensus and lowered its full-year services revenue outlook.
Subscriber Shifts
Maritime customers have been shifting from using Iridium’s satellite network as their primary broadband connection to using SpaceX instead.

Iridium Communications (IRDM) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Iridium Communications Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionIridium Communications Inc. provides mobile voice and data communications services and products to businesses, the United States and international governments, non-governmental organizations, and consumers worldwide. The company offers postpaid mobile voice and data satellite communications; prepaid mobile voice satellite communications; push-to-talk; broadband data; and Internet of Things (IoT) services. It also provides hosted payload and other data services, such as satellite time and location services, and inbound connections from the public switched telephone network, short message, subscriber identity module, activation, customer reactivation, and other peripheral services. In addition, the company offers voice and data solutions comprising personnel tracking devices; asset tracking devices for equipment, vehicles, and aircrafts; beyond-line-of-sight aircraft communications applications; maritime communications applications; specialized communications solutions for high-value individuals; mobile communications and data devices for the military and intelligence agencies, such as secure satellite handsets, as well as netted voice, messaging, and paging services; and maintenance services for the United States government's dedicated gateway. Further, it provides satellite handsets, personal connectivity devices, voice and data modems, broadband data devices, and IoT data devices; various accessories for its devices that include batteries, holsters, earbud headphones, portable auxiliary antennas, antenna adaptors, USB data cables, charging units, and others; and engineering and support services. Iridium Communications Inc. sells its products and services to commercial end users through a wholesale distribution network that include service providers, and value-added resellers and manufacturers. The company was formerly known as Iridium Holdings LLC and changed its name to Iridium Communications Inc. in September 2009. Iridium Communications Inc. was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in McLean, Virginia.
How the Company Makes MoneyIridium Communications generates revenue primarily through the sale of satellite communication services and equipment. Key revenue streams include service revenue from voice and data communication plans, which are offered to individual customers, businesses, and government agencies. Additionally, the company earns revenue by selling satellite phones, modems, and other communication devices. Iridium also partners with various service providers and resellers to extend its market reach, further enhancing its revenue potential. The company's strategic focus on niche markets such as maritime, aviation, and defense, where reliable communication is critical, helps sustain its earnings. Furthermore, Iridium's network of interlinked satellites provides a unique coverage advantage, contributing to its competitive position and financial performance.

Iridium Communications Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jul 24, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: -23.25%|
Next Earnings Date:Oct 16, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call revealed a balanced mix of positive and negative aspects. While there was strong operational EBITDA growth and advancements in IoT and government services, the company faced challenges with reduced service revenue growth outlook and declines in certain segments such as commercial broadband and subscriber equipment sales.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Operational EBITDA Growth
Operational EBITDA was up 6% in the second quarter to $121.3 million, driven by a combination of revenue from engineering and support and recurring services.
Commercial IoT Revenue Growth
Commercial IoT revenue totaled $44.8 million in the second quarter, up 8% from a year earlier, reflecting broad-based adoption of IoT services.
Government Service Revenue Increase
Government Service revenue was up modestly in the second quarter to $26.8 million, reflecting the step-up in the EMSS contract with the U.S. government.
Strong Engineering and Support Revenue
Engineering and support revenue was $41.9 million in the second quarter, a strong increase from $25.8 million in the prior year period, driven by work with the Space Development Agency and new U.S. contract awards.
Ongoing Share Buyback and Dividend Increase
Iridium retired approximately 2.6 million shares of common stock during the second quarter, with a Board-approved authorization balance of $295 million. Quarterly dividends increased to $0.15 per share.
Negative Updates
Reduction in Service Revenue Growth Outlook
Service revenue growth outlook for 2025 was reduced from 5% to 7% to between 3% and 5%, due to conversion of maritime vessels to companion service, timing of PNT revenue, and slower growth in commercial voice and data.
Decline in Commercial Broadband Revenue
Commercial broadband revenue was down 6% from the year-ago period to $12.7 million, reflecting a mix shift in customers from primary service to companion backup VSAT plans at a lower ARPU.
Subscriber Equipment Sales Decline
Subscriber equipment sales were $19.5 million in the second quarter, down 15% from the prior year's quarter.
Challenges in Maritime Segment
The maritime business faces challenges with ongoing conversions from primary service to companion service, affecting revenue growth.
Company Guidance
During the Iridium Communications Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call, the company provided guidance on several financial metrics. They are on track for a 5% operational EBITDA growth at the midpoint of their guidance, though they adjusted their service revenue growth outlook to between 3% and 5% for the year. This adjustment is primarily due to a faster-than-expected transition in maritime broadband services, reductions in voice subscribers due to canceled USAID funding, and delays in positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) revenue, now expected in 2026. The company remains confident in its long-term goal of achieving $1 billion in service revenue by 2030, driven by investments in new products and services such as Iridium Certus IoT and Iridium NTN Direct. The company also highlighted growing opportunities in IoT, government contracts, and partnerships, emphasizing continued growth in certified devices and the addition of nearly 50 new business relationships since the start of 2025. Despite challenges, Iridium's diverse portfolio positions them well for future growth across various sectors.

Iridium Communications Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Iridium Communications demonstrates strong financial performance with robust profitability and effective cash management. The high debt-to-equity ratio presents some financial risk, but is mitigated by strong return on equity and cash flow generation. Continued cost and debt management are essential for sustained financial health.
Income Statement
85
Very Positive
Iridium Communications has demonstrated strong profitability with a robust gross profit margin of 74.4% TTM. The net profit margin increased to 13.2% TTM, indicating improved operational efficiency. Revenue growth is sound at 3.2% TTM, although it has slowed compared to historical growth rates. EBIT and EBITDA margins are healthy, reflecting effective cost management. However, the decrease in gross profit compared to the previous year suggests potential cost pressures.
Balance Sheet
73
Positive
The company's balance sheet reveals a relatively high debt-to-equity ratio of 3.82 TTM, suggesting a leveraged position which could pose risks in volatile markets. However, the return on equity is strong at 23.9% TTM, showing efficient use of shareholder funds to generate profits. The equity ratio stands at 18.4% TTM, indicating a moderate reliance on equity financing.
Cash Flow
78
Positive
Iridium Communications exhibits a strong operating cash flow to net income ratio of 3.66 TTM, highlighting efficient cash generation from operations. The free cash flow growth rate is solid at 6.5% TTM, providing flexibility for investments and debt repayment. The company's free cash flow to net income ratio of 2.88 TTM underscores effective cash management, although the capital expenditure increase may impact future liquidity.
BreakdownDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue830.68M790.72M721.03M614.50M583.44M
Gross Profit652.54M565.60M519.88M464.10M440.75M
EBITDA404.05M380.07M380.16M351.75M338.66M
Net Income112.78M15.41M8.72M-9.32M-56.05M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets2.67B2.66B2.95B3.18B3.36B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments93.53M71.87M168.77M320.91M244.73M
Total Debt1.79B1.48B1.49B1.60B1.61B
Total Liabilities2.09B1.77B1.83B1.89B1.94B
Stockholders Equity576.64M888.10M1.13B1.29B1.42B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow306.06M241.43M273.46M260.73M211.08M
Operating Cash Flow375.95M314.91M344.73M302.87M249.77M
Investing Cash Flow-180.60M-83.49M-121.27M-36.38M-46.47M
Financing Cash Flow-170.48M-327.05M-374.98M-182.47M-188.19M

Iridium Communications Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price24.89
Price Trends
50DMA
28.53
Negative
100DMA
26.99
Negative
200DMA
28.15
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-1.46
Positive
RSI
33.01
Neutral
STOCH
10.20
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For IRDM, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 24.89 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 28.70, below the 50-day MA of 28.53, and below the 200-day MA of 28.15, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -1.46 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 33.01 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 10.20 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for IRDM.

Iridium Communications Risk Analysis

Iridium Communications disclosed 47 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Iridium Communications 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

Iridium Communications Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (56)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
$0.0014.7113.78%6.07%-7.99%2.16%
73
Outperform
$3.40B8.0243.53%9.75%
72
Outperform
$0.0024.6317.96%2.32%7.56%38.78%
59
Neutral
$3.16B-18.66%14.55%-81.21%
57
Neutral
$4.08B-0.97%0.44%-5.14%78.63%
56
Neutral
HK$63.39B-0.68-4.21%5.27%-2.16%-18.87%
51
Neutral
$3.85B-78.94%-6.50%43.47%
* Communication Services Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
IRDM
Iridium Communications
24.89
-1.42
-5.40%
LUMN
Lumen Technologies
3.75
-2.88
-43.44%
GSAT
Globalstar
24.97
8.62
52.72%
TIMB
TIM
19.63
5.47
38.63%
TDS
Telephone & Data Systems
36.64
16.34
80.49%
VEON
VEON
48.52
21.57
80.04%

Iridium Communications Corporate Events

DividendsFinancial Disclosures
Iridium Communications Increases Quarterly Dividend to $0.15
Positive
Jul 24, 2025

On July 23, 2025, Iridium Communications announced a quarterly cash dividend increase to $0.15 per share, payable on September 30, 2025, continuing its trend of annual dividend increases since 2023. The company reported a net income of $22 million for Q2 2025, a decrease from the previous year due to a non-recurring gain in 2024, with a total revenue increase of 8% year-over-year. Iridium’s service revenue grew by 2%, driven by a 3% increase in billable subscribers, particularly in commercial IoT. The company also updated its full-year 2025 outlook, adjusting service revenue growth expectations to between 3% and 5% and maintaining its OEBITDA guidance.

The most recent analyst rating on (IRDM) stock is a Buy with a $38.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Iridium Communications stock, see the IRDM Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Iridium Communications Expands Board with New Appointment
Positive
Jun 17, 2025

On June 17, 2025, Iridium Communications Inc. announced the appointment of Monique S. Shivanandan to its Board of Directors, expanding the board to eleven members. Shivanandan, an independent director, brings extensive experience from senior roles in cybersecurity and telecommunications, and will serve on the Compensation Committee. Her appointment is expected to enhance Iridium’s strategic capabilities, leveraging her expertise in data analytics and information security to strengthen the company’s industry positioning.

The most recent analyst rating on (IRDM) stock is a Buy with a $38.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Iridium Communications stock, see the IRDM Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder MeetingsDividends
Iridium Communications Holds Annual Meeting, Approves Key Proposals
Neutral
May 14, 2025

At the Annual Meeting held virtually on May 14, 2025, Iridium Communications‘ stockholders approved several key proposals, including the election of ten directors for one-year terms, the compensation of executive officers, and the ratification of KPMG LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. Additionally, the stockholders approved an amendment to the company’s certificate of incorporation to limit the liability of certain officers and the amended and restated 2015 Equity Incentive Plan. The Board of Directors also declared a cash dividend of $0.14 per share, payable on June 30, 2025, to stockholders of record as of June 13, 2025.

The most recent analyst rating on (IRDM) stock is a Buy with a $38.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Iridium Communications stock, see the IRDM 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: Jul 30, 2025