Iridium Communications (IRDM) vs Telephone and Data Systems (TDS)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Iridium Communications (IRDM) has outperformed Telephone and Data Systems (TDS) over the past year, gaining 149.0% versus a loss of 9.7%. Over five years, TDS leads with a +81.9% price change compared with +23.3% for IRDM. Iridium Communications is the larger company by market cap ($5.02 billion vs $3.89 billion), about 1.3 times the size.
On valuation, Telephone and Data Systems trades at a lower trailing P/E (8.5x vs 53.9x for Iridium Communications). Iridium Communications offers the higher dividend yield (1.27% vs 0.47%). Iridium Communications converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 13.1% versus -0.5%.
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 | IRDM | TDS |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $47.40 | $33.82 |
| Market cap | $5.02B | $3.89B |
| 1-day change | -1.99% | -4.34% |
| YTD return | +178.25% | -13.78% |
| 1-year return | +149.02% | -9.73% |
| 5-year return | +23.27% | +81.94% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 53.86 | 8.45 |
| Forward P/E | 27.64 | — |
| EPS (TTM) | $0.88 | $4.00 |
| Dividend yield | 1.27% | 0.47% |
| Annual dividend | $0.60 | $0.16 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $871.66M | $1.23B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +4.93% | -5.30% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $114.37M | $-6.24M |
| Operating margin | 27.07% | -7.93% |
| Net margin | 13.12% | -0.51% |
| 52-week high | $57.18 | $49.12 |
| 52-week low | $15.65 | $31.51 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -17.10% | -31.16% |
| Analyst consensus | none | none |
| Avg. price target upside | -11.39% | +40.47% |
| Average volume | 1.17M | 1.31M |
| Shares outstanding | 105.98M | 107.57M |
| Employees | 975 | 4,000 |
| Sector | Consumer Discretionary | Telecommunications |
| 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
- IRDM has outperformed TDS by 158.8 percentage points over the past year.
- Iridium Communications trades at a higher earnings multiple (53.9x vs 8.5x trailing P/E).
- Iridium Communications is more profitable, keeping 13.1 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus -0.5 cents for Telephone and Data Systems.
- Iridium Communications grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+4.93% vs -5.30%).
- The two companies sit in different sectors: Iridium Communications in Consumer Discretionary and Telephone and Data Systems in Telecommunications.
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
About Telephone and Data Systems
TDS stock →Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., a telecommunications company, provides communications services to residential, commercial, and wholesale customers in the United States. It operates through two segments: TDS Telecom and Array.
Telecommunications · Telecommunications Equipment · 4,000 employees
IRDM vs TDS FAQ
Which is bigger, Iridium Communications or Telephone and Data Systems?
Iridium Communications (IRDM) is larger, with a market capitalization of $5.02B compared with $3.89B for Telephone and Data Systems (TDS).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, IRDM or TDS?
IRDM returned +149.02% over the past 12 months, compared with -9.73% for TDS (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, IRDM or TDS?
TDS has the lower trailing P/E at 8.5, versus 53.9 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, Iridium Communications or Telephone and Data Systems?
Iridium Communications has the higher yield at 1.27%, compared with 0.47% for Telephone and Data Systems.
Are Iridium Communications and Telephone and Data Systems in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Telecommunications Equipment industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.