Rocket Lab (RKLB) Acquires Iridium Communications for $8 Billion

Rocket Lab (RKLB) announced a deal to acquire Iridium Communications (IRDM) for $8 billion, structured as half cash and half stock. This acquisition positions Rocket Lab to compete more directly with SpaceX's Starlink service. Despite RKLB trading down 32% from its all-time high, it has seen a 187% increase in share price over the last year. The company's market capitalization stands at approximately $58.6 billion, with a valuation of around 64 times this year's expected sales and a first-quarter sales increase of 63.5% year over year, reaching $200.3 million.