ASTS vs. IRDM: A Head-to-Head Stock Comparison
Updated onHere’s a clear look at ASTS and IRDM, comparing key factors like historical performance, profitability, financial strength, growth, dividend, and valuation.
Company Profile
| Symbol | ASTS | IRDM |
|---|---|---|
| Company Name | AST SpaceMobile, Inc. | Iridium Communications Inc. |
| Country | United States | United States |
| GICS Sector | Communication Services | Communication Services |
| GICS Industry | Diversified Telecommunication Services | Diversified Telecommunication Services |
| Market Capitalization | 16.88 billion USD | 2.65 billion USD |
| Exchange | NasdaqGS | NasdaqGS |
| Listing Date | November 1, 2019 | March 20, 2008 |
| Security Type | Common Stock | Common Stock |
Historical Performance
This chart compares the performance of ASTS and IRDM by tracking the growth of an initial $10,000 investment in each. Use the tabs to select the desired time period. Data is adjusted for dividends and splits.
Historical Performance at a Glance
| Symbol | ASTS | IRDM |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Day Price Return | -2.26% | 1.34% |
| 13-Week Price Return | 97.52% | -1.30% |
| 26-Week Price Return | 52.33% | -23.04% |
| 52-Week Price Return | 29.17% | -6.62% |
| Month-to-Date Return | -11.47% | 2.13% |
| Year-to-Date Return | 123.08% | -13.92% |
| 10-Day Avg. Volume | 9.27M | 1.44M |
| 3-Month Avg. Volume | 12.02M | 1.50M |
| 3-Month Volatility | 76.16% | 53.17% |
| Beta | 2.49 | 0.75 |
Profitability
Return on Equity (TTM)
ASTS
-63.47%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 35.96%
- Q3
- 14.90%
- Median
- 8.29%
- Q1
- -0.99%
- Min
- -18.19%
ASTS has a negative Return on Equity of -63.47%. This indicates the company is generating a loss for its shareholders, which can be a result of unprofitability or negative shareholder equity and is often a sign of financial distress.
IRDM
20.28%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 35.96%
- Q3
- 14.90%
- Median
- 8.29%
- Q1
- -0.99%
- Min
- -18.19%
In the upper quartile for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, IRDM’s Return on Equity of 20.28% signals a highly effective use of shareholder capital to drive profitability compared to most of its peers.
Net Profit Margin (TTM)
ASTS
-7,213.88%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 28.40%
- Q3
- 13.05%
- Median
- 6.85%
- Q1
- -0.81%
- Min
- -18.76%
ASTS has a negative Net Profit Margin of -7,213.88%, indicating the company is operating at a net loss as its expenses exceeded its revenues.
IRDM
11.12%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 28.40%
- Q3
- 13.05%
- Median
- 6.85%
- Q1
- -0.81%
- Min
- -18.76%
IRDM’s Net Profit Margin of 11.12% is aligned with the median group of its peers in the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry. This indicates its ability to convert revenue into profit is typical for the sector.
Operating Profit Margin (TTM)
ASTS
-5,539.51%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 37.46%
- Q3
- 22.24%
- Median
- 15.73%
- Q1
- 9.79%
- Min
- 2.06%
ASTS has a negative Operating Profit Margin of -5,539.51%. This signifies the company is unprofitable at the operational level, as its core business expenses exceed its revenue.
IRDM
21.39%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 37.46%
- Q3
- 22.24%
- Median
- 15.73%
- Q1
- 9.79%
- Min
- 2.06%
IRDM’s Operating Profit Margin of 21.39% is around the midpoint for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, indicating that its efficiency in managing core business operations is typical for the sector.
Profitability at a Glance
| Symbol | ASTS | IRDM |
|---|---|---|
| Return on Equity (TTM) | -63.47% | 20.28% |
| Return on Assets (TTM) | -28.08% | 4.27% |
| Net Profit Margin (TTM) | -7,213.88% | 11.12% |
| Operating Profit Margin (TTM) | -5,539.51% | 21.39% |
| Gross Profit Margin (TTM) | 49.35% | 60.37% |
Financial Strength
Current Ratio (MRQ)
ASTS
8.23
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 1.63
- Q3
- 1.14
- Median
- 0.92
- Q1
- 0.68
- Min
- 0.16
ASTS’s Current Ratio of 8.23 is exceptionally high, placing it well outside the typical range for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry. This indicates a very strong liquidity position, though such a high ratio may also suggest that the company is not using its assets efficiently to generate profits.
IRDM
2.51
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 1.63
- Q3
- 1.14
- Median
- 0.92
- Q1
- 0.68
- Min
- 0.16
IRDM’s Current Ratio of 2.51 is exceptionally high, placing it well outside the typical range for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry. This indicates a very strong liquidity position, though such a high ratio may also suggest that the company is not using its assets efficiently to generate profits.
Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ)
ASTS
0.57
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 3.82
- Q3
- 2.06
- Median
- 1.32
- Q1
- 0.74
- Min
- 0.11
Falling into the lower quartile for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, ASTS’s Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.57 points to a conservative financing strategy. This results in lower financial risk but potentially limits strategic investments compared to more leveraged competitors.
IRDM
3.82
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 3.82
- Q3
- 2.06
- Median
- 1.32
- Q1
- 0.74
- Min
- 0.11
IRDM’s leverage is in the upper quartile of the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, with a Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 3.82. While this approach can boost equity growth, it also exposes the company to greater financial vulnerability.
Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM)
ASTS
-115.23
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 14.66
- Q3
- 8.25
- Median
- 3.53
- Q1
- 1.47
- Min
- -2.60
ASTS has a negative Interest Coverage Ratio of -115.23. This indicates that its earnings were insufficient to cover even its operational costs, let alone its interest payments, signaling significant financial distress.
IRDM
2.20
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 14.66
- Q3
- 8.25
- Median
- 3.53
- Q1
- 1.47
- Min
- -2.60
IRDM’s Interest Coverage Ratio of 2.20 is positioned comfortably within the norm for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, indicating a standard and healthy capacity to cover its interest payments.
Financial Strength at a Glance
| Symbol | ASTS | IRDM |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio (MRQ) | 8.23 | 2.51 |
| Quick Ratio (MRQ) | 8.14 | 1.61 |
| Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ) | 0.57 | 3.82 |
| Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM) | -115.23 | 2.20 |
Growth
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
Dividend
Dividend Yield (TTM)
ASTS
0.00%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 10.34%
- Q3
- 5.44%
- Median
- 3.89%
- Q1
- 1.73%
- Min
- 0.00%
ASTS currently does not pay a dividend, resulting in a yield of 0%. This is a common strategy for growth-focused companies that prioritize reinvesting earnings, though it may be less typical in mature, income-oriented sectors.
IRDM
2.48%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 10.34%
- Q3
- 5.44%
- Median
- 3.89%
- Q1
- 1.73%
- Min
- 0.00%
IRDM’s Dividend Yield of 2.48% is consistent with its peers in the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, providing a dividend return that is standard for its sector.
Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM)
ASTS
0.00%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 270.06%
- Q3
- 135.21%
- Median
- 76.62%
- Q1
- 35.06%
- Min
- 0.00%
ASTS has a Dividend Payout Ratio of 0%, indicating it does not currently pay a dividend. This is a common strategy for growth-oriented companies that reinvest all profits back into the business.
IRDM
55.46%
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 270.06%
- Q3
- 135.21%
- Median
- 76.62%
- Q1
- 35.06%
- Min
- 0.00%
IRDM’s Dividend Payout Ratio of 55.46% is within the typical range for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry, suggesting a balanced approach between shareholder payouts and company reinvestment.
Dividend at a Glance
| Symbol | ASTS | IRDM |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield (TTM) | 0.00% | 2.48% |
| Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM) | 0.00% | 55.46% |
Valuation
Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM)
ASTS
--
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 33.39
- Q3
- 23.91
- Median
- 16.72
- Q1
- 13.00
- Min
- 4.13
P/E Ratio data for ASTS is currently unavailable.
IRDM
22.35
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 33.39
- Q3
- 23.91
- Median
- 16.72
- Q1
- 13.00
- Min
- 4.13
IRDM’s P/E Ratio of 22.35 is within the middle range for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry. This suggests its valuation is in line with the sector average, representing neither a significant premium nor a discount compared to its peers.
Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM)
ASTS
3,302.29
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 4.75
- Q3
- 2.60
- Median
- 1.62
- Q1
- 0.94
- Min
- 0.35
With a P/S Ratio of 3,302.29, ASTS trades at a valuation that eclipses even the highest in the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry. This implies the market has priced in exceptionally optimistic scenarios for future revenue growth, posing considerable valuation risk.
IRDM
2.49
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 4.75
- Q3
- 2.60
- Median
- 1.62
- Q1
- 0.94
- Min
- 0.35
IRDM’s P/S Ratio of 2.49 aligns with the market consensus for the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry. This suggests its valuation, based on sales, is seen as standard and is on par with its competitors.
Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ)
ASTS
18.09
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 5.77
- Q3
- 3.45
- Median
- 2.10
- Q1
- 1.19
- Min
- 0.32
At 18.09, ASTS’s P/B Ratio is at an extreme premium to the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry. This signifies that the market’s valuation is heavily reliant on future potential rather than its current net asset value, which can be a high-risk proposition.
IRDM
6.89
Diversified Telecommunication Services Industry
- Max
- 5.77
- Q3
- 3.45
- Median
- 2.10
- Q1
- 1.19
- Min
- 0.32
At 6.89, IRDM’s P/B Ratio is at an extreme premium to the Diversified Telecommunication Services industry. This signifies that the market’s valuation is heavily reliant on future potential rather than its current net asset value, which can be a high-risk proposition.
Valuation at a Glance
| Symbol | ASTS | IRDM |
|---|---|---|
| Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM) | -- | 22.35 |
| Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM) | 3,302.29 | 2.49 |
| Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ) | 18.09 | 6.89 |
| Price-to-Free Cash Flow Ratio (TTM) | -- | 7.76 |