Iridium Revenue Rises 8% as Aireon Gain Lifts Quarterly Profit

Iridium Communications Inc. grew third-quarter 2026 revenue 8% to $245.7 million, while a $103.9 million gain tied to Aireon lifted profit as its proposed acquisition by Rocket Lab Corporation remains pending.

Net income reached $106.9 million, or $0.98 per diluted share, compared with $37.1 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2025. The latest results included the gain tied to Iridium’s acquisition of Aireon.

Service revenue rose 13% from a year earlier, driven primarily by Aireon, and accounted for 76% of total revenue. Iridium ended the quarter with 2.7 million billable subscribers, up 6% from a year earlier.

The results follow Rocket Lab’s proposed acquisition of Iridium. If completed, the transaction would combine Rocket Lab’s launch and satellite-manufacturing businesses with Iridium’s satellite network and spectrum assets.

Iridium shareholders approved the transaction Sept. 24, 2026. The companies expect it to close by mid-2027, subject to remaining regulatory approvals and other conditions.