This article was written by Doug Nathman, with research by his team at Trefis.
Rocket Lab's $8 billion Iridium acquisition transforms its model into vertically integrated space infrastructure with recurring high-margin cash flows. Iridium contributes approximately $875 million in revenue and $495 million in OEBITDA, significantly improving Rocket Lab's earnings stability profile. Management guides toward $914 million in 2026 revenue and roughly $2 billion by 2029 with a delayed EBITDA inflection.
CEO Peter Beck just spent approximately $8 billion to buy a satellite phone company.
Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB | RKLB Price Prediction) shareholders who bought two years ago are now sitting on one of the loudest re-ratings in the market.
Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB | RKLB Price Prediction) in 2026 has been one of the most electric setups in the market.
The latest trading day saw Rocket Lab Corporation (RKLB) settling at $100.07, representing a -1.55% change from its previous close.
Space stocks are diverging sharply at midday Wednesday, with the market's newest space giant sliding even as smaller rivals rally on their own catalysts.
RKLB expands mission software capabilities, strengthening integrated space solutions from launch planning to on-orbit operations.
Space stocks are having a moment, and two names leading the discussion today are Rocket Lab Corporation RKLB and SpaceX SPCX. Here's why both are grabbing headlines, and what it means for their long-term positioning.
Rocket Lab (RKLB) acquires Iridium in an $8B deal, completing a three-pillar strategy: launch services, space systems, and space-based connectivity. This transformative acquisition brings 2.5M subscribers, global L-band spectrum, and 66 LEO satellites, enabling integrated constellation deployment and recurring revenues. RKLB's valuation profile improves with Iridium's $883M-$916M annual sales and $483M-$500M EBITDA, accelerating positive free cash flow and EBITDA timelines.
Rocket Lab USA Inc (NASDAQ:RKLB) announced that it has agreed to acquire Iridium Communications in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at approximately $8 billion in a deal that would combine a leading launch and spacecraft manufacturer with an established global satellite communications operator. Under the terms of the agreement, Iridium shareholders will receive $27 in cash and a portion of Rocket Lab stock for each Iridium share, subject to a collar mechanism tied to Rocket Lab's share price.
Rocket Lab (RKLB) shares surged in trading on Monday after the company announced an $8 billion cash-and-stock acquisition of satellite communications provider Iridium Communications (IRDM), one of the biggest consolidation moves in the commercial space industry. Rocket Lab stock climbed 12% at the time of writing, while Iridium shares jumped about 21%.