Calix (CALX) vs Iridium Communications (IRDM)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 21, 2026.
Summary
Iridium Communications (IRDM) has outperformed Calix (CALX) over the past year, gaining 135.4% versus a loss of 40.0%. Over five years, IRDM leads with a +8.4% price change compared with -42.4% for CALX. Iridium Communications is the larger company by market cap ($4.66 billion vs $2.27 billion), about 2.0 times the size, while Calix is growing revenue faster (+20.3% vs +4.9%).
On valuation, Calix trades at a lower forward P/E (15.7x vs 25.0x for Iridium Communications). Iridium Communications converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 13.1% versus 1.8%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | CALX | IRDM |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $36.08 | $43.94 |
| Market cap | $2.27B | $4.66B |
| 1-day change | +1.23% | -0.54% |
| YTD return | -31.83% | +152.82% |
| 1-year return | -40.00% | +135.35% |
| 5-year return | -42.36% | +8.36% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 48.11 | 49.93 |
| Forward P/E | 15.67 | 24.97 |
| EPS (TTM) | $0.75 | $0.88 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 1.36% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $1.00B | $871.66M |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +20.26% | +4.93% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $17.88M | $114.37M |
| Gross margin | 56.83% | — |
| Operating margin | 2.10% | 27.07% |
| Net margin | 1.79% | 13.12% |
| 52-week high | $71.22 | $57.18 |
| 52-week low | $32.35 | $15.65 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -49.34% | -23.15% |
| Analyst consensus | none | none |
| Avg. price target upside | +72.75% | -4.42% |
| Average volume | 1.02M | 1.10M |
| Shares outstanding | 62.96M | 105.98M |
| Employees | 1,921 | 975 |
| Sector | Consumer Discretionary | Consumer Discretionary |
| Industry | Telecommunications Equipment | Telecommunications Equipment |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Iridium Communications is about 2.0 times larger than Calix by market value ($4.66B vs $2.27B).
- IRDM has outperformed CALX by 175.3 percentage points over the past year.
- Iridium Communications offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (1.36% vs 0.00%).
- Iridium Communications is more profitable, keeping 13.1 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 1.8 cents for Calix.
- Calix grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+20.26% vs +4.93%).
About Calix
CALX stock →Calix, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of cloud and software platforms, and systems and services in the United States, rest of Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company cloud and software platforms, and systems and services enable broadband service providers (BSPs) to provide a range of services.
Consumer Discretionary · Telecommunications Equipment · 1,921 employees
About Iridium Communications
IRDM stock →Iridium Communications Inc. provides mobile voice and data communications services and products to businesses, the United States and foreign governments, non-governmental organizations, and consumers in the United States, Canada, and internationally.
Consumer Discretionary · Telecommunications Equipment · 975 employees
CALX vs IRDM FAQ
Which is bigger, Calix or Iridium Communications?
Iridium Communications (IRDM) is larger, with a market capitalization of $4.66B compared with $2.27B for Calix (CALX).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, CALX or IRDM?
IRDM returned +135.35% over the past 12 months, compared with -40.00% for CALX (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, CALX or IRDM?
CALX has the lower trailing P/E at 48.1, versus 49.9 for IRDM. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Calix or Iridium Communications?
Iridium Communications pays a dividend yielding 1.36%, while Calix does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Calix and Iridium Communications in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Telecommunications Equipment industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.