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GSAT vs. IRDM: Which Satellite Communications Stock is the Better Buy?
ZACKSยท 2025-09-26 13:46
Industry Overview - Globalstar, Inc. (GSAT) and Iridium Communications Inc. (IRDM) are key players in the satellite communications industry, which is crucial for global connectivity, especially in remote areas where terrestrial networks are unavailable [1][2] - The global satellite communication market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.2% from 2025 to 2030, reaching $159.6 billion [1] Globalstar (GSAT) Insights - Globalstar operates a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, providing mobile satellite services and voice/data communications across various sectors [3] - The company possesses proprietary spectrum, which is a significant competitive advantage in the satellite communications space [3][4] - GSAT is experiencing growth in wholesale capacity services and commercial IoT revenues, with a revenue outlook of $260-$285 million for 2025 and expected adjusted EBITDA margins around 50% [4][9] - Innovative platforms like the RM200 two-way module and XCOM RAN are expected to drive further revenue growth, with the RM200M module gaining traction in sectors such as oil & gas and defense [5][6] - A comprehensive infrastructure upgrade is underway, including the addition of approximately 90 antennas across 35 ground stations in 25 countries, enhancing network capacity and resiliency [7] Iridium Communications (IRDM) Insights - Iridium operates a large commercial constellation of 66 operational LEO satellites, which minimizes the need for ground infrastructure [10] - The company is focused on growth in commercial IoT, voice and data, and government segments, with a significant relationship with the U.S. Department of Defense [11] - Iridium aims for $1 billion in service revenues by 2030, driven by services like STL, IoT, and Direct-to-Device [12][13] - Despite maintaining a long-term outlook, Iridium has lowered its 2025 service revenue growth guidance from 5-7% to 3-5% due to various factors [14] Share Performance and Valuation - Over the past month, GSAT's stock rose by 22.8%, while IRDM's stock declined by 30.4% [9][17] - GSAT shares are trading at a forward 12-month price/sales ratio of 14.52X, significantly higher than IRDM's 2.06X [18] - Analysts have revised earnings estimates upward for GSAT, while IRDM has seen marginal downward revisions [20][22] Investment Outlook - Both companies are well-positioned to benefit from the growing satellite communications market [22] - GSAT currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a more favorable investment outlook compared to IRDM, which holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) [23]