Iridium Communications (IRDM) vs Millicom International Cellular S.A. (TIGO)
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 Millicom International Cellular S.A. (TIGO) over the past year, gaining 149.0% versus a gain of 86.9%. Over five years, TIGO leads with a +148.5% price change compared with +23.3% for IRDM. Millicom International Cellular S.A. is the larger company by market cap ($15.22 billion vs $5.13 billion), about 3.0 times the size, while Iridium Communications is growing revenue faster (+4.9% vs +0.3%).
On valuation, Millicom International Cellular S.A. trades at a lower forward P/E (12.9x vs 28.2x for Iridium Communications). Millicom International Cellular S.A. offers the higher dividend yield (3.31% vs 1.24%). Millicom International Cellular S.A. converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 22.6% versus 13.1%.
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 | TIGO |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $48.36 | $90.77 |
| Market cap | $5.13B | $15.22B |
| 1-day change | -1.39% | +0.34% |
| YTD return | +178.25% | +63.73% |
| 1-year return | +149.02% | +86.88% |
| 5-year return | +23.27% | +148.48% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 55.59 | 22.81 |
| Forward P/E | 28.20 | 12.88 |
| EPS (TTM) | $0.87 | $3.98 |
| Dividend yield | 1.24% | 3.31% |
| Annual dividend | $0.60 | $3.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $871.66M | $5.82B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +4.93% | +0.26% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $114.37M | $1.32B |
| Gross margin | — | 77.47% |
| Operating margin | 27.07% | 28.17% |
| Net margin | 13.12% | 22.62% |
| 52-week high | $57.18 | $107.13 |
| 52-week low | $15.65 | $44.88 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -15.42% | -15.27% |
| Analyst consensus | none | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | -13.15% | +8.39% |
| Average volume | 1.18M | 1.11M |
| Shares outstanding | 105.98M | 167.71M |
| Employees | 975 | 14,250 |
| Sector | Communication Services | Communication Services |
| Industry | Telecom Services | Telecom Services |
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
- Millicom International Cellular S.A. is about 3.0 times larger than Iridium Communications by market value ($15.22B vs $5.13B).
- IRDM has outperformed TIGO by 62.1 percentage points over the past year.
- Iridium Communications trades at a higher earnings multiple (55.6x vs 22.8x trailing P/E).
- Millicom International Cellular S.A. offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (3.31% vs 1.24%).
- Millicom International Cellular S.A. is more profitable, keeping 22.6 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 13.1 cents for Iridium Communications.
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.
Communication Services · Telecom Services · 975 employees
About Millicom International Cellular S.A.
TIGO stock →Millicom International Cellular S.A. engages in the provision cable and mobile services in Latin America.
Communication Services · Telecom Services · 14,250 employees
IRDM vs TIGO FAQ
Which is bigger, Iridium Communications or Millicom International Cellular S.A.?
Millicom International Cellular S.A. (TIGO) is larger, with a market capitalization of $15.22B compared with $5.13B for Iridium Communications (IRDM).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, IRDM or TIGO?
IRDM returned +149.02% over the past 12 months, compared with +86.88% for TIGO (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, IRDM or TIGO?
TIGO has the lower trailing P/E at 22.8, versus 55.6 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 Millicom International Cellular S.A.?
Millicom International Cellular S.A. has the higher yield at 3.31%, compared with 1.24% for Iridium Communications.
Are Iridium Communications and Millicom International Cellular S.A. in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Telecom Services industry within the Communication Services sector.