IRDM
Communication ServicesIridium Communications Inc. · Telecommunications Services · $5B
What is Iridium Communications Inc.?
Iridium Communications operates a global satellite network delivering voice, data, and IoT connectivity in places where terrestrial networks simply cannot reach. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, the company serves governments, enterprises, and individual users across every corner of the globe.
Iridium generates revenue by selling satellite airtime subscriptions and devices through a network of service partners worldwide. Its low-earth-orbit satellite constellation enables two-way voice calls, broadband data, push-to-talk, and IoT machine connectivity in remote and maritime environments. The company also earns hosted-payload revenue by leasing capacity on its satellites to third parties, including the U.S. government, and sells specialized hardware such as handsets, modems, and tracking devices.
Iridium Communications was incorporated in 2008 and is headquartered in McLean, Virginia.
- Postpaid and prepaid satellite voice and data subscriptions
- IoT and asset-tracking data services
- Broadband and push-to-talk connectivity
- Hosted payload and satellite time-and-location services
- Satellite handsets, modems, and personal connectivity devices
Is IRDM a Good Stock to Buy?
UQS Score rates IRDM as Below Average overall, reflecting a mixed picture across its five quality pillars.
Valuation stands out as the most favorable pillar for IRDM, suggesting the market may not be pricing in excessive optimism. Quality and Moat both register at a Neutral level, meaning the business has some structural advantages — particularly its unique satellite constellation — but these are not yet translating into standout financial characteristics relative to peers.
Growth and Risk are the weakest areas of the profile, indicating limited near-term expansion momentum and meaningful financial or operational vulnerabilities that investors should weigh carefully.
See the exact pillar breakdown and full financial metrics by signing up for a UQS Pro account. Sign up free →
Past performance does not guarantee future results. UQS Score is based on fundamental data and is not a buy/sell recommendation.
Does IRDM pay dividends?
Yes — Iridium Communications Inc. pays a dividend.
Iridium pays a regular dividend, which is relatively uncommon among satellite communications companies still carrying significant infrastructure debt. This signals management's confidence in recurring cash generation from its subscription-based model. Income-oriented investors may find the dividend noteworthy, though the Risk pillar's Weak rating warrants attention when evaluating dividend sustainability.
When does IRDM report earnings?
Iridium Communications reports earnings on a quarterly cadence, consistent with standard practice for U.S.-listed equities.
Revenue is driven primarily by subscriber growth and hosted-payload contracts, which tend to produce relatively predictable cash flows quarter to quarter. Growth has been modest, and the company's cost structure tied to satellite operations can weigh on profitability metrics.
For the most recent quarter's results and guidance, visit Iridium's official investor relations page.
IRDM Price History
+19.5% over 5Y
Monthly close, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment.
What if I invested in Iridium Communications Inc.?
Based on Iridium Communications Inc.'s historical closing prices, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.
IRDM Long-term Outlook
The UQS Growth pillar registers as Weak for IRDM, pointing to limited near-term revenue acceleration. The Risk pillar is also Weak, reflecting leverage and competitive pressures inherent in operating a capital-intensive satellite network. On the positive side, a Good Valuation label suggests the stock may already reflect these headwinds. The fundamental outlook hinges on whether IoT subscriber additions and government contract renewals can offset slower consumer growth.
Growth drivers
- Expanding IoT and machine-to-machine subscriber base across maritime and logistics sectors
- Long-term U.S. and allied government contracts for secure satellite communications
- Hosted-payload revenue from third parties leveraging the Iridium constellation
Key risks
- High capital intensity and debt load from satellite constellation maintenance and upgrades
- Slow overall subscriber growth limiting revenue upside
- Emerging low-earth-orbit competitors potentially eroding Iridium's unique coverage advantage
IRDM vs Peers
Iridium operates in a niche corner of Communication Services, but it can be benchmarked against other connectivity and telecom infrastructure providers.
Array Digital focuses on digital infrastructure buildout rather than satellite-based connectivity, representing a different approach to closing coverage gaps.
PLDT is a major Philippine telecommunications operator with a broad fixed and mobile network, contrasting with Iridium's global satellite-only model.
Liberty Global provides broadband and cable services primarily across Europe, competing in connectivity but through terrestrial infrastructure rather than satellites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Iridium Communications do?
Iridium Communications operates a global low-earth-orbit satellite network that provides voice, data, push-to-talk, broadband, and IoT connectivity. It serves governments, enterprises, maritime operators, and individuals in remote areas where ground-based networks are unavailable. The company also leases hosted-payload capacity on its satellites to third parties.
Does IRDM pay dividends?
Yes, Iridium pays a regular dividend. This is notable for a satellite operator carrying infrastructure-related debt. The dividend reflects the company's recurring subscription revenue model, though investors should review the Risk pillar profile before relying on dividend continuity.
When does IRDM report earnings?
Iridium reports financial results on a quarterly basis, in line with standard U.S. equity reporting requirements. For precise dates and the latest guidance, check Iridium's investor relations page directly, as our data source does not publish forward earnings dates.
Is IRDM a good stock to buy?
UQS Score rates IRDM as Below Average, driven by Weak Growth and Risk pillars. The Valuation pillar is rated Good, which may interest value-conscious investors. Whether it fits your portfolio depends on your risk tolerance and investment horizon — the full pillar breakdown is available to Pro members.
Is IRDM overvalued?
The UQS Valuation pillar for IRDM is rated Good, suggesting the stock does not appear significantly overpriced relative to its fundamentals. However, valuation alone does not determine investment merit — the Growth and Risk profiles also matter and are currently rated Weak.
How does IRDM compare to its competitors?
Iridium's satellite-only global coverage model is structurally distinct from terrestrial telecom operators like PLDT or cable providers like Liberty Global. Its unique constellation gives it a geographic reach advantage, but its capital intensity and slower growth profile differentiate it from more diversified communication services peers.
What is IRDM's market cap bracket?
Iridium Communications is classified as a mid-cap company. This places it in a range where institutional coverage exists but liquidity and analyst attention may be lower than for large-cap or mega-cap peers in the Communication Services sector.
Who founded Iridium Communications?
The current Iridium Communications Inc. entity was incorporated in 2008 after the original Iridium LLC emerged from bankruptcy. The broader Iridium satellite project was originally conceived and developed by Motorola engineers in the late 1980s. Founding context for the current corporate entity is widely available through public filings.
Is IRDM a long-term quality investment?
As a long-term quality indicator, IRDM's UQS profile shows Neutral Quality and Moat alongside Weak Growth and Risk. The satellite constellation provides a durable infrastructure asset, but limited growth momentum and elevated risk factors mean long-term conviction requires careful monitoring of subscriber trends and debt management.
What is the main competitive advantage of Iridium Communications?
Iridium's primary advantage is its truly global satellite coverage — including polar regions — which no terrestrial network can replicate. This makes it the preferred provider for maritime, aviation, military, and remote-area users. Replicating this constellation would require enormous capital, creating a natural barrier to entry.
What sector does IRDM belong to?
Iridium Communications is classified under the Communication Services sector. Within that sector, it occupies a specialized niche focused on satellite-based connectivity rather than traditional wireless, cable, or media businesses.
Is IRDM a growth stock or value stock?
Based on UQS pillar labels, IRDM leans toward value territory — the Valuation pillar is rated Good while the Growth pillar is rated Weak. This profile is more consistent with a value or income-oriented holding than a high-growth opportunity, though sector dynamics can shift that balance over time.
Unlock Full IRDM Analysis
Sign in to unlock the detailed analysis behind the UQS Score.
- ✓View exact scores across all five UQS pillars
- ✓Access complete financial metrics and trend data
- ✓Compare IRDM against sector peers side by side
- ✓Screen for stocks with stronger Growth and Risk profiles
- ✓Get the full analyst-grade quality breakdown in one place
Pro Analysis
IRDM — Score History
| Date | UQS | Quality | Moat | Growth | Risk | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 23, 2026 | 47.9 | 49.7 | 47.0 | 17.3 | 82.7 | 52.3 | -0.9 |
| May 19, 2026 | 48.8 | 50.9 | 47.0 | 16.5 | 82.7 | 57.1 | -0.5 |
| May 13, 2026 | 49.3 | 51.4 | 47.0 | 15.9 | 82.7 | 60.6 | +8.9 |
| May 7, 2026 | 40.4 | 53.2 | 47.0 | 15.9 | 20.5 | 60.6 | -0.1 |
| May 3, 2026 | 40.5 | 53.2 | 47.0 | 15.9 | 20.5 | 61.5 | -0.1 |
| May 2, 2026 | 40.6 | 53.2 | 47.0 | 15.9 | 20.5 | 61.8 | -2.4 |
| Apr 26, 2026 | 43.0 | 53.2 | 47.0 | 21.8 | 20.5 | 70.2 | +0.2 |
| Apr 25, 2026 | 42.8 | 53.2 | 47.0 | 22.2 | 20.5 | 68.3 | +0.1 |
| Apr 19, 2026 | 42.7 | 53.2 | 47.0 | 21.7 | 20.5 | 68.0 | -1.0 |
| Apr 18, 2026 | 43.7 | 54.3 | 47.0 | 21.7 | 20.5 | 73.3 | -0.5 |
IRDM — Pillar Breakdown
Quality
— 49.7/100 (25%)Iridium Communications Inc. has average quality metrics, with room for improvement in margins or capital efficiency.
How effectively capital is deployed to generate returns.
Profitability relative to shareholders' equity.
Ability to convert revenue into operating profit.
Bottom-line profit as a share of revenue.
Asset productivity — how much gross profit each dollar of assets generates.
Free cash flow relative to market value.
Growth
— 17.3/100 (20%)Iridium Communications Inc. faces growth headwinds with declining or stagnant revenue trends.
Revenue trajectory over the last twelve months.
Compound annual revenue growth rate over 3 years.
Year-over-year earnings per share growth.
Analyst consensus for future revenue growth.
Analyst consensus for future earnings growth.
Risk
— 82.7/100 (15%)Iridium Communications Inc. carries minimal financial risk with conservative leverage and strong solvency.
Debt levels relative to earnings capacity.
Total debt relative to shareholder equity.
Short-term liquidity — ability to pay near-term obligations.
Earnings capacity relative to interest payments.
Valuation
— 53.6/100 (15%)Iridium Communications Inc. has a mixed valuation — some metrics suggest fair value while others appear stretched.
Inverse of forward P/E — higher yield means cheaper stock.
How many years of FCF the market cap represents.
P/E relative to earnings growth — lower is more attractive.
Enterprise value multiple relative to sector median.
Moat
— 47/100 (25%)Iridium Communications Inc. possesses some competitive advantages but faces meaningful competition. The Moat pillar evaluates competitive advantages across five dimensions: Switching Costs, Network Effects, Cost Advantage, Intangible Assets, and Scale & Ecosystem. Sign in to customize moat ratings for IRDM.
Score Composition
Financial Data
More Stock Analysis
How is the IRDM UQS Score Calculated?
The UQS (Unified Quality Score) for Iridium Communications Inc. is calculated using a proprietary 6-pillar framework with 29 financial metrics. Each pillar evaluates a different dimension on a 0–100 scale, then combines into a single weighted score. Scoring thresholds are calibrated per sector. Momentum is an optional Pro toggle — without it, you get the 5-pillar / 25-metric core shown below.
Quality (25%) measures profitability and capital efficiency — ROIC, ROE, margins, GP/Assets, and FCF Yield.
Moat (25%) assesses Iridium Communications Inc.'s competitive advantages across switching costs, network effects, cost advantages, intangible assets, and ecosystem scale.
Growth (20%) tracks revenue trajectory and earnings momentum, combining historical results with analyst forward estimates.
Risk (15%) is inversely scored — lower leverage and strong balance sheet health result in higher scores.
Valuation (15%) measures whether Iridium Communications Inc. is fairly priced using earnings yield, price-to-FCF, PEG ratio, and EV/EBITDA relative to sector peers.
Six investor-inspired presets are available, each with different pillar weights: Balanced, Buffett, Munger, Lynch, Cathie Wood, and Graham. The public score shown here uses the Balanced preset. Learn more in our FAQ.