Iridium Communications Past Earnings Performance
Past criteria checks 2/6
Iridium Communications has been growing earnings at an average annual rate of 66%, while the Telecom industry saw earnings growing at 17% annually. Revenues have been growing at an average rate of 8.4% per year. Iridium Communications's return on equity is 22.5%, and it has net margins of 12.1%.
Key information
66.02%
Earnings growth rate
67.47%
EPS growth rate
| Telecom Industry Growth | 6.72% |
| Revenue growth rate | 8.40% |
| Return on equity | 22.54% |
| Net Margin | 12.05% |
| Last Earnings Update | 31 Mar 2026 |
Recent past performance updates
Recent updates
IRDM: Spectrum Hype Will Confront Flat 2026 Service Revenue Outlook
The analyst price target for Iridium Communications has shifted from $29.00 to $30.38, with analysts pointing to stronger perceived value in the company’s spectrum assets, increased spectrum optionality, and updated views on future P/E expectations as key drivers of the change. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Iridium Communications highlights a mix of optimism around spectrum value and future optionality, balanced by questions about execution and the pace at which that value could be realized.IRDM: Spectrum Optionality Focus Will Clash With Softer 2026 Outlook
Narrative Update on Iridium Communications The analyst price target on Iridium Communications has moved higher to $26, up $2 from $24, as analysts point to growing interest in the company’s spectrum optionality and an early stage shift in its business focus despite softer guidance for 2026. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Iridium Communications centers on how the market is weighing softer 2026 guidance against the company’s spectrum optionality and early stage shift in business focus.IRDM: Spectrum Optionality And Early Business Pivot Will Shape Future Returns
Iridium Communications' analyst price target has been reset to $26, while the intrinsic value estimate edges to $29.00 from $29.75 as analysts factor in slightly lower revenue growth assumptions, higher profit margin expectations, and updated views on spectrum optionality and the timing of a potential business pivot. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Iridium centers on how investors should weigh a refreshed outlook on spectrum opportunities against more tempered medium term guidance and a still early business pivot.
IRDM: Spectrum Optionality And Counter Drone Role Will Support Future Rebound
Analysts have raised their price targets for Iridium Communications to $26, citing growing interest in the company’s spectrum optionality despite softer guidance, and viewing it as a secondary beneficiary of rising demand for low cost, scalable counter-drone solutions. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts are highlighting Iridium as a secondary beneficiary of rising interest in low cost, scalable counter drone solutions, especially in light of recent geopolitical events that have put drone and missile defense back in focus.Iridium: No Longer A Falling Knife, And We Have Growth Catalysts Ahead (Upgrade)
Feb 27
IRDM: Spectrum Optionality Enthusiasm Will Likely Clash With Soft 2026 Outlook
Analysts have lifted their average price target on Iridium Communications to $26 from $24, pointing to growing interest in the company's spectrum optionality, even as guidance for 2026 remains soft and any potential pivot is still at an early stage. Analyst Commentary Recent research highlights a mixed setup for Iridium Communications.IRDM: Index Shift And Sector P E Will Support Future Rebound Potential
Analysts have maintained their fair value estimate for Iridium Communications at $40.00, making slight adjustments to assumptions for the discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E after incorporating recent Street research, including a downgrade and updated views on sector peers. Analyst Commentary Street research on Iridium Communications has recently included a downgrade alongside updated views on sector peers.Market Participants Recognise Iridium Communications Inc.'s (NASDAQ:IRDM) Earnings Pushing Shares 25% Higher
Jan 24
IRDM: Competitive And Spectrum Pressures Will Weigh On Future Prospects
Analysts have lowered their price expectations for Iridium Communications, citing softer revenue growth assumptions amid increased competitive pressure and spectrum deals by rivals. Updated models also reflect changes in discount rates, profit margin assumptions and future P/E levels.IRDM: Spectrum Competition Will Set Up Future Rebound Potential
Narrative Update: Iridium Communications Analysts have trimmed their fair value estimate for Iridium Communications from $45.00 to $40.00, citing a higher discount rate, slightly softer revenue growth and margin assumptions, and increased competitive pressure highlighted by recent spectrum deals pursued by rivals. Analyst Commentary The latest Street research on Iridium remains cautious overall, with some analysts adjusting expectations to reflect competitive pressures from rival spectrum agreements.IRDM: Competitive Pressures And Spectrum Deals Will Shape Balanced Outlook
Analysts have reduced their fair value estimate for Iridium Communications to approximately $16.00 per share from about $25.00 per share, citing slower expected revenue growth amid mounting competitive pressures and spectrum deals by rival satellite operators. This is partly offset by a modestly improved profit margin outlook and a lower assumed future price to earnings multiple.IRDM: Expanding Spectrum Deals And Partnerships Will Drive Long Term Upside Potential
Analysts have trimmed their price target on Iridium Communications to $21 from $26, citing heightened competitive pressure and reduced long term revenue growth expectations amid rival spectrum deals. Analyst Commentary Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts note that Iridium still retains a differentiated satellite network and entrenched government and enterprise relationships, which they see as supporting a valuation floor despite reduced growth expectations.Iridium Communications (NASDAQ:IRDM) Has Announced A Dividend Of $0.15
Dec 07IRDM: Expanding Global Network Partnerships Will Unlock New Connectivity Opportunities
Iridium Communications' average analyst price target was revised downward by $5 to $21, as analysts cite increased competition and rival spectrum acquisitions as key drivers for their more cautious outlook. Analyst Commentary Recent analyst notes reflect a shift in sentiment for Iridium Communications as the competitive landscape evolves.IRDM: Expanding Global Partnerships Will Drive Connectivity Beyond Competitive Threats
Analysts have lowered their fair value estimate for Iridium Communications from $31.00 to $29.75 per share, citing ongoing concerns about intensifying competition and the recent reduction in industry price targets. Analyst Commentary Recent updates from Street research indicate a shifting landscape for Iridium Communications, as analysts re-evaluate the company’s prospects in light of intensifying competition and strategic spectrum acquisitions by rivals.Sector Competition And Spectrum Shifts Will Shape Global IoT And Security Futures
Analysts have lowered their price target for Iridium Communications to $31.00 from $33.38. They cite slower revenue growth expectations and intensified competition from new spectrum deals in the satellite communications sector.It's Down 29% But Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:IRDM) Could Be Riskier Than It Looks
Oct 02Satellite IoT And Secure Communications Will Unlock Lasting Opportunities
Analysts have lowered Iridium Communications’ price target to $33.38, citing mounting competitive threats from SpaceX Starlink's spectrum acquisition and anticipated aggressive market entry strategies that may erode Iridium’s market share and profitability. Analyst Commentary Increased competitive pressure due to SpaceX Starlink's acquisition of key wireless spectrum, enabling direct competition with Iridium’s core services.Returns Are Gaining Momentum At Iridium Communications (NASDAQ:IRDM)
Sep 09Investors Interested In Iridium Communications Inc.'s (NASDAQ:IRDM) Earnings
Aug 18With EPS Growth And More, Iridium Communications (NASDAQ:IRDM) Makes An Interesting Case
Jul 08Does Iridium Communications (NASDAQ:IRDM) Have A Healthy Balance Sheet?
Jun 23Iridium Communications' (NASDAQ:IRDM) Dividend Will Be $0.14
May 19We Think Some Shareholders May Hesitate To Increase Iridium Communications Inc.'s (NASDAQ:IRDM) CEO Compensation
May 07Iridium Communications: Shares Deserve To Fly To The Exosphere (Rating Upgrade)
Apr 29Iridium Communications Inc.'s (NASDAQ:IRDM) 26% Dip Still Leaving Some Shareholders Feeling Restless Over Its P/SRatio
Apr 09Here's Why Iridium Communications (NASDAQ:IRDM) Can Manage Its Debt Responsibly
Mar 09Here's Why Iridium Communications (NASDAQ:IRDM) Has Caught The Eye Of Investors
Feb 14Iridium Communications: A Post-Earnings Assessment
Feb 13Iridium Communications Inc.'s (NASDAQ:IRDM) Share Price Not Quite Adding Up
Jan 24Investors Will Want Iridium Communications' (NASDAQ:IRDM) Growth In ROCE To Persist
Jan 03Iridium: Free Cash Flow And Buybacks Supporting The Stock For Now
Dec 05Iridium Communications (NASDAQ:IRDM) Has A Pretty Healthy Balance Sheet
Dec 03IRDM: Leveraging Satelles Synergies with Opportunistic Buybacks for Long-Term Growth
Satelles Integration: The acquired PNTS technology synergizes with Iridium’s satellite network, providing incremental revenue growth without adding operational redundancies or significant capital costIridium Communications: Still A Solid Long-Term Play On Steady Growth
Oct 09Iridium Communications Inc.'s (NASDAQ:IRDM) Shareholders Might Be Looking For Exit
Oct 04
Satellite Innovations And Calculated Government Ties Propel Market Leadership And Revenue Surge
Iridium's leadership in alternative PNT with Satelles acquisition and expansion into Europe and Asia positions it for new business opportunities and revenue diversification.Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
How Iridium Communications makes and spends money. Based on latest reported earnings, on an LTM basis.
Earnings and Revenue History
| Date | Revenue | Earnings | G+A Expenses | R&D Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Mar 26 | 876 | 106 | 168 | 21 |
| 31 Dec 25 | 872 | 114 | 158 | 20 |
| 30 Sep 25 | 872 | 126 | 153 | 23 |
| 30 Jun 25 | 858 | 113 | 162 | 24 |
| 31 Mar 25 | 842 | 124 | 169 | 27 |
| 31 Dec 24 | 831 | 113 | 168 | 28 |
| 30 Sep 24 | 812 | 114 | 162 | 26 |
| 30 Jun 24 | 797 | 88 | 151 | 24 |
| 31 Mar 24 | 789 | 25 | 140 | 24 |
| 31 Dec 23 | 791 | 15 | 144 | 20 |
| 30 Sep 23 | 790 | -23 | 146 | 20 |
| 30 Jun 23 | 776 | -20 | 145 | 20 |
| 31 Mar 23 | 758 | 16 | 136 | 17 |
| 31 Dec 22 | 721 | 9 | 124 | 16 |
| 30 Sep 22 | 683 | 4 | 115 | 14 |
| 30 Jun 22 | 661 | -1 | 109 | 12 |
| 31 Mar 22 | 636 | -1 | 104 | 12 |
| 31 Dec 21 | 615 | -9 | 100 | 12 |
| 30 Sep 21 | 605 | -11 | 100 | 12 |
| 30 Jun 21 | 594 | -13 | 95 | 13 |
| 31 Mar 21 | 585 | -30 | 92 | 12 |
| 31 Dec 20 | 583 | -56 | 90 | 12 |
| 30 Sep 20 | 576 | -156 | 88 | 12 |
| 30 Jun 20 | 569 | -170 | 90 | 11 |
| 31 Mar 20 | 572 | -178 | 90 | 13 |
| 31 Dec 19 | 560 | -166 | 93 | 14 |
| 30 Sep 19 | 554 | -68 | 92 | 18 |
| 30 Jun 19 | 546 | -65 | 96 | 20 |
| 31 Mar 19 | 538 | -51 | 99 | 21 |
| 31 Dec 18 | 523 | -24 | 98 | 22 |
| 30 Sep 18 | 506 | 124 | 100 | 20 |
| 30 Jun 18 | 486 | 164 | 92 | 19 |
| 31 Mar 18 | 463 | 192 | 88 | 17 |
| 31 Dec 17 | 448 | 218 | 84 | 15 |
| 30 Sep 17 | 440 | 101 | 81 | 15 |
| 30 Jun 17 | 436 | 103 | 81 | 16 |
| 31 Mar 17 | 434 | 105 | 83 | 17 |
| 31 Dec 16 | 434 | 95 | 83 | 16 |
| 30 Sep 16 | 433 | 2 | 85 | 16 |
| 30 Jun 16 | 426 | 0 | 84 | 14 |
| 31 Mar 16 | 419 | -1 | 80 | 15 |
| 31 Dec 15 | 411 | -8 | 81 | 16 |
| 30 Sep 15 | 405 | 84 | 79 | 18 |
| 30 Jun 15 | 407 | 75 | 80 | 19 |
Quality Earnings: IRDM has high quality earnings.
Growing Profit Margin: IRDM's current net profit margins (12.1%) are lower than last year (14.7%).
Free Cash Flow vs Earnings Analysis
Past Earnings Growth Analysis
Earnings Trend: IRDM has become profitable over the past 5 years, growing earnings by 66% per year.
Accelerating Growth: IRDM's has had negative earnings growth over the past year, so it can't be compared to its 5-year average.
Earnings vs Industry: IRDM had negative earnings growth (-14.6%) over the past year, making it difficult to compare to the Telecom industry average (11.1%).
Return on Equity
High ROE: Whilst IRDM's Return on Equity (22.54%) is high, this metric is skewed due to their high level of debt.
Return on Assets
Return on Capital Employed
Discover strong past performing companies
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/04/30 00:21 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/04/30 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
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| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Iridium Communications Inc. is covered by 18 analysts. 8 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Mathieu Robilliard | Barclays |
| Hamed Khorsand | BWS Financial Inc. |
| Colin Canfield | Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. |