Key TakeawaysOn September 24, 2026, Iridium shareholders overwhelmingly backed Rocket Lab’s takeover bid, with 99.6% approval among votes cast.Around 81% of all outstanding Iridium shares participated in the special stockholder meeting.Iridium shareholders will receive $54.00 per share in notional value through a mix of cash and Rocket Lab equity.Shares of Rocket Lab surged 5% to $73.61 on Thursday, boosted by the vote results, a Space Force contract award, and continued ARK Invest purchases.Regulatory approvals remain outstanding, with both companies targeting a mid-2027 completion date.Shares of Rocket Lab (RKLB) rose 5% during Thursday’s session, finishing at approximately $73.61 after touching an intraday high of $75.46. The rally followed a decisive stockholder vote on the company’s planned acquisition of satellite communications provider Iridium Communications (IRDM).Rocket Lab USA, Inc., RKLBDuring a special meeting held on September 24, Iridium’s shareholders voted overwhelmingly in support of the proposed merger. An impressive 99.6% of ballots cast favored the transaction, with participation from approximately 81% of all outstanding shares.In addition to the merger approval, stockholders also endorsed an advisory compensation resolution related to executive golden parachute payments. These votes represent critical milestones in advancing the deal toward completion.The agreement’s structure calls for Iridium investors to receive $27.00 per share in cash alongside Rocket Lab stock determined through a collared exchange ratio. The combined consideration represents a notional valuation of $54.00 for each Iridium share.Peter Beck, Rocket Lab’s CEO, characterized the stockholder approval as “an important milestone” in creating what he envisions as a next-generation space industry leader. Meanwhile, Iridium’s CEO Matt Desch highlighted how the two organizations’ capabilities would complement each other in the combined entity.Both parties anticipate finalizing the transaction by mid-2027, subject to regulatory clearances and standard closing requirements.Additional Catalysts Driving Rocket Lab SharesThe Iridium vote wasn’t the only positive development for Rocket Lab this week. The company secured a position on the Space Force’s NITE-STAR contract vehicle, which carries a maximum aggregate value of $981 million extending through 2036. However, Rocket Lab’s actual allocation from this contract remains uncertain.ARK Invest continued accumulating shares this week, purchasing approximately $25 million worth of Rocket Lab stock across its various investment vehicles. Fund manager Cathie Wood has maintained consistent buying interest in the company throughout this year.Industry dynamics may also favor Rocket Lab. Reports suggest SpaceX plans to reduce its third-party rideshare offerings, potentially creating additional launch demand for alternative providers like Rocket Lab.Thursday’s trading session saw elevated activity, with nearly 25 million shares exchanging hands—representing an 8% increase over the typical daily volume of approximately 23.2 million shares.Wall Street Sentiment VariesAnalyst opinions on Rocket Lab remain divided. The stock currently holds a “Moderate Buy” consensus with an average price objective of $107.32, based on MarketBeat data.Piper Sandler assigned a “neutral” stance with an $83.00 target in July. Stifel Nicolaus established a more optimistic $132.00 price objective in June, while Wall Street Zen moved to a “sell” recommendation in August.Several market observers have raised questions about the Iridium transaction. Risk factors cited include financing requirements, execution challenges during integration, and potential valuation concerns given the company’s already elevated multiples.Rocket Lab continues operating at a loss. The company reported a $0.08 per share deficit in its most recent quarter, falling short of analyst projections, although revenue of $234.07 million exceeded forecasts.Insider activity has tilted toward selling recently. CEO Peter Beck divested more than 1.29 million shares in July, generating approximately $110 million in proceeds and reducing his ownership position by roughly 32%.Meanwhile, institutional investment has accelerated. Andra AP fonden expanded its Rocket Lab position by over 2,500% during the second quarter.Iridium shares edged up 1% following the stockholder vote announcement. The latest analyst rating on IRDM sits at “Hold” with a $54.00 price target, aligning with the merger’s notional valuation.The post Rocket Lab (RKLB) Stock Surges 5% as Iridium Shareholders Greenlight $54 Acquisition appeared first on Blockonomi.