Iridium Communications (NasdaqGS:IRDM) Q3 2025 Earnings Call October 23, 2025 08:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsVince O'Neill - CFOJustin Lang - VPHamed Khorsand - Principal and Director of ResearchTim Horan - Managing DirectorKen Levy - VP of Investor RelationsMatt Desch - CEOChris Quilty - Founder and PartnerRic Prentiss - Managing DirectorConference Call ParticipantsMathieu Robilliard - AnalystEdison Yu - AnalystGreg Mesniaeff - Managing Director and Senior Technology AnalystLouie DiPalma - Aerospace & Def ...

Iridium Communications (NasdaqGS:IRDM) Q3 2025 Earnings Call October 23, 2025 08:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsVince O'Neill - CFOJustin Lang - VPHamed Khorsand - Principal and Director of ResearchTim Horan - Managing DirectorKen Levy - VP of Investor RelationsMatt Desch - CEOChris Quilty - Founder and PartnerRic Prentiss - Managing DirectorConference Call ParticipantsMathieu Robilliard - AnalystEdison Yu - AnalystGreg Mesniaeff - Managing Director and Senior Technology AnalystLouie DiPalma - Aerospace & Def ...

Iridium Communications (NasdaqGS:IRDM) Q3 2025 Earnings Call October 23, 2025 08:30 AM ET Speaker1Good day and welcome to Iridium Communications Inc.'s third quarter 2025 earnings conference call. All participants will be in listen-only mode. Should you need assistance, please signal a conference specialist by pressing the star key followed by zero. After today's presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. To ask a question, you may press star then one on a touchtone phone. To withdraw your ...

Iridium Communications (NasdaqGS:IRDM) Q3 2025 Earnings Call October 23, 2025 08:30 AM ET Speaker0Good day and welcome to Iridium's Third Quarter twenty twenty five Earnings Conference Call. All participants will be in listen only mode. Please note this event is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to Ken Levy, Vice President of Investor Relations. Please go ahead.Speaker1Thanks, Chloe. Good morning and welcome to Iridium's third quarter twenty twenty five earnings call. Joining me o ...

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]

战略合作加速推进 Iridium NTN 直连服务及卫星-地面 NB-IoT 集成理查森市，得克萨斯州, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 致力于构建未来网络的云原生网络基础设施提供商 Mavenir 今日宣布，公司已获全球领先的卫星语音与数据通信服务提供商 Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ：IRDM) 选定，为其非地面网络 (NTN) 部署核心网络，助力实现基于 3GPP 标准的设备间直接通信 (D2D) 服务。 为支持 Iridium NTN DirectSM 服务，Mavenir 将提供其完全容器化、云原生的融合分组核心解决方案，该方案将部署于 Iridium 的亚马逊网络服务 (AWS) 云环境中。 此次部署支持 Iridium 通过现有卫星网络提供基于 3GPP 标准的非地面网络 (NTN) 功能的战略，同时为未来 D2D 通信服务的推出做好准备。 Mavenir 核心网络总裁 Ashok Khuntia 表示：“与 Iridium 的合作是 Mavenir 实现陆地与非陆地领域无缝连接使命中的一个战略里程碑。 通过在 AWS ...

Core Insights - Iridium Communications has partnered with Deutsche Telekom to provide global connectivity through the upcoming NTN Direct service, positioning both companies at the forefront of 5G-powered non-terrestrial networks for IoT applications [1][10] - The integration of Iridium's NTN Direct service into Deutsche Telekom's existing IoT infrastructure aims to enhance global coverage and connectivity for various industries [2][3] Group 1: Service and Technology Integration - The NTN Direct service will leverage Iridium's LEO satellite network to expand Deutsche Telekom's NB-IoT coverage, ensuring reliable connectivity for sensors, machines, and vehicles [3][4] - The service is set to launch commercially in 2026, enabling IoT roaming for applications such as messaging, tracking, and device status updates across multiple sectors [5][10] Group 2: Growth Strategy and Financial Goals - Iridium aims to achieve $1 billion in annual service revenues by 2030 through significant R&D investments and technology upgrades, including the development of 3GPP 5G standards-based services [6][10] - The company is focusing on expanding its service offerings, including Satellite Time and Location (STL) and Direct-to-Device (D2D) communications, to enhance its market position [6][7] Group 3: Market Challenges - Iridium faces challenges in a competitive market, including licensing delays, rising tariffs, and funding cuts, which have led to a revised service revenue forecast of 3-5% for 2025 [8] - The company's debt-to-capital ratio has increased to nearly 79%, significantly higher than the industry average of 57%, indicating heightened financial risk [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Operational EBITDA increased by 6% in Q2 to $121.3 million, driven by revenue from engineering and support and recurring services [22] - Service revenue rose by 2% to $128.8 million, led by growth in IoT [22] - Commercial IoT revenue totaled $44.8 million in Q2, up 8% from the previous year [22] - Subscriber equipment sales decreased by 15% to $19.5 million [24] - The company updated its full-year service revenue growth guidance from 5%-7% to 3% [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Voice and data revenue rose by 1% to $56.8 million, with subscriber numbers remaining consistent [22] - Commercial broadband revenue declined by 6% to $12.7 million due to a shift from primary service to companion backup VSAT plans [23] - Engineering and support revenue increased significantly to $41.9 million, up from $25.8 million in the prior year [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Government service revenue increased modestly to $26.8 million, reflecting a step-up in EMSS contracts with the U.S. Government [23] - The maritime broadband business is transitioning to a companion service, impacting service revenue growth [7][25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on investments in new revenue streams, including Iridium Certus IoT products and PNT services, to achieve a $1 billion service revenue target by 2030 [8][28] - The strategy includes expanding partnerships with mobile network operators and enhancing the product portfolio to address specific customer needs [10][94] - The company is also exploring next-generation network technologies to enhance service offerings [18][83] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in long-term growth despite short-term adjustments in service revenue guidance [28] - The company anticipates continued demand for PNT services as organizations address vulnerabilities in GPS systems [11][27] - Management highlighted the importance of capital investments and R&D to support future growth [17][31] Other Important Information - Capital expenditures for the year are expected to reach approximately $90 million, focusing on satellite software and cloud-based infrastructure [13] - The company has a cash balance of $79.3 million and a net leverage of 3.6 times OIBDA [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Service revenue reduction guidance and maritime ARPU stabilization - Management indicated that maritime broadband is less than 10% of the business and will remain a solid foundation despite ARPU pressures [37][38] Question: Timing of PNT revenue and customer acquisition - Management noted that the timing of certain PNT revenues has shifted to next year, but the opportunity for growth remains strong [41][42] Question: FAA issues and Aireon service - Management is monitoring FAA developments and believes there is a significant opportunity for Aireon in the future [44] Question: IoT growth and annual growth deceleration - Management remains confident in achieving double-digit growth in IoT for the second half of the year, driven by new product developments [50][51] Question: Partnership with Amazon constellation - Management discussed the potential for partnerships with large commercial players to drive growth in industrial and mobility sectors [104]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Operational EBITDA increased by 6% in Q2 to $121.3 million, driven by revenue from engineering and support and recurring services [22] - Service revenue rose by 2% to $128.8 million, led by growth in IoT [22] - Commercial IoT revenue totaled $44.8 million in Q2, up 8% from the previous year [22] - Subscriber equipment sales decreased by 15% to $19.5 million [25] - The company updated its full-year service revenue growth guidance from 5%-7% to between 3% and 5% [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Voice and data revenue rose by 1% to $56.8 million, with subscriber numbers remaining consistent [22] - Commercial broadband revenue declined by 6% to $12.7 million due to a shift from primary service to companion backup plans [23] - Engineering and support revenue increased significantly to $41.9 million, reflecting growing work with the Space Development Agency [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Government service revenue modestly increased to $26.8 million, reflecting a step-up in EMSS contracts with the U.S. Government [24] - The maritime broadband business is transitioning to a companion service, impacting service revenue growth [6][26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve $1 billion in service revenue by 2030, focusing on investments in D2D, PNT, IoT, and government sectors [8][29] - New products like Iridium Certus IoT and NTN Direct are seen as core pillars for future growth [8][12] - The company is expanding its partner ecosystem, adding nearly 50 new business relationships since the start of 2025 [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in long-term growth despite short-term adjustments in service revenue guidance [29] - The company is optimistic about the demand for PNT services, especially in light of vulnerabilities in GPS systems [11][28] - Management noted that capital expenditures will reach approximately $90 million this year, focusing on satellite software and cloud-based infrastructure [12][31] Other Important Information - The company plans to relocate its headquarters about three blocks away to accommodate growth [71] - A quarterly dividend payment of $0.14 per share was made, with an increase to $0.15 per share expected in Q3 [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Service revenue reduction guidance and ARPU stabilization - Management indicated that broadband is less than 10% of the business and will remain a solid foundation despite ARPU pressures [38][39] Question: Timing of PNT revenue - Management noted that some PNT revenue slipped into next year but remains optimistic about future growth [42][43] Question: FAA issues and opportunities - Management is monitoring FAA developments and believes there is a significant opportunity for Aireon services in the future [45] Question: IoT data line growth and acceleration - Management expressed confidence in double-digit growth for IoT in the second half of the year, citing new product developments [52][56] Question: Partnership with Amazon constellation - Management emphasized that growth in the commercial space relies on new services and partnerships, particularly in IoT and autonomous systems [104][106]

Core Insights - Iridium Communications Inc. has announced a partnership with Syniverse to support the rollout of Iridium NTN Direct service with mobile network operators (MNOs) globally [1][4] - The partnership aims to provide MNOs with a reliable solution for non-terrestrial network (NTN) services, integrating Iridium NTN Direct with Syniverse's global platform [1][4] Company Overview - Iridium Communications Inc. is a leading provider of global voice and data satellite communications, with a fully deployed satellite constellation and unmatched coverage [3][5] - The company has a history of providing reliable safety of life services and is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol IRDM [6] Industry Context - According to GSMA's 2025 Industry Survey, 85% of MNOs planning to pursue NTN services are looking for Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) solutions to extend their global coverage [2] - Iridium NTN Direct will offer direct-to-device (D2D) and narrow-band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) messaging for various applications, including consumer devices and industrial sectors [2][5] Partnership Details - The integration of Syniverse's system with Iridium's network is expected to simplify deployment for MNOs, ensuring consistency and security while accelerating access to non-terrestrial connectivity [4] - Syniverse has over 35 years of experience in mobile interoperability and serves approximately 600 carrier customers in 170 countries [4] Future Outlook - The first Iridium NTN Direct connected devices are planned to be available in 2026, with 3GPP Release 19 expected to be completed by the end of 2025 [5]