Gilat to Acquire Comtech’s Satellite & Space Communications Segment¹ Creating a Leading Provider of Advanced Defense and Satellite Communications Solutions
Rhea-AI Summary
Gilat (NASDAQ:GILT) agreed to acquire most of Comtech’s Satellite & Space Communications segment for $157.5 million in cash on a cash-free, debt-free basis. The deal is expected to be funded from existing cash; Gilat reported about $170 million net cash at Q1 2026.
The acquired business generated Adjusted Revenue of $195.2 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $16.8 million in the twelve months ended January 31, 2026. Gilat targets a combined organization with projected annual revenue above $700 million and projected annual adjusted EBITDA of $80 million, which would more than double Gilat Defense revenues.
The transaction, unanimously approved by both boards, is expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to approvals from CFIUS, the FTC, the DOJ under HSR, and other customary conditions.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Positive
- Purchase price of $157.5 million funded from existing cash with $170 million net cash at Q1 2026
- Acquired business Adjusted Revenue of $195.2 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $16.8 million TTM January 31, 2026
- Combined organization projected to exceed $700 million in annual revenue
- Combined business projected to reach $80 million in annual adjusted EBITDA
- Acquisition expected to more than double Gilat Defense revenues
- Significant expansion of U.S. presence, engineering capabilities, and manufacturing footprint
Negative
- Transaction subject to CFIUS, FTC, DOJ (HSR), and other regulatory approvals
- Closing expected only by the end of 2026, delaying full financial contribution
- Cash consideration of $157.5 million will consume most of reported $170 million net cash balance
News Market Reaction – GILT
On the day this news was published, GILT declined 4.67%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction. Argus tracked a trough of -2.4% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 17 alerts that day, indicating notable trading interest and price volatility. This price movement removed approximately $53M from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $1.08B at that time.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Peers on Argus
GILT slipped 2.41% while key peers showed mixed, mostly modest moves (e.g., AVNW up, CLFD down) and only one momentum name (AAOI up 5.74%). This points to a stock-specific reaction rather than a broad communication equipment move.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 02 | Defense portfolio expansion | Positive | +0.5% | Showcased expanded defense UAV and multi-orbit ESA portfolio at Eurosatory 2026. |
| May 19 | Aviation connectivity milestone | Positive | -2.5% | Key Boeing milestone for Sidewinder ESA as future in-flight connectivity line-fit option. |
| May 13 | Q1 2026 earnings beat | Positive | -21.4% | Reported 20% revenue growth and stronger profitability while reiterating 2026 guidance. |
| May 07 | Investor conference appearances | Neutral | -5.1% | Announced CFO participation in two May investor conferences for outreach and access. |
| May 05 | Strategic India partnership | Positive | +9.4% | Signed multimillion SkyEdge IV deal with Nelco to support Ka-band services in India. |
Positive operational and earnings news has sometimes seen negative price reactions, especially around the strong Q1 2026 results, while partnership wins and defense expansions have produced more supportive or modestly positive moves.
Over recent months, Gilat has emphasized defense and mobility growth, including a multimillion SkyEdge IV partnership in India on May 5, 2026 and expanded tactical unmanned platform offerings at Eurosatory 2026 on June 2, 2026. A strong Q1 2026 report on May 13, 2026 showed revenue up 20%, yet the stock fell sharply. The current acquisition continues the defense and space scale-up theme, adding significant U.S. presence and complementary technologies to prior organic initiatives and partnerships.
Regulatory & Risk Context
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement outlines a cash-funded acquisition that adds a Comtech segment with $195.2 million in adjusted revenue and $16.8 million in adjusted EBITDA, lifting projected combined revenue above $700 million and adjusted EBITDA to $80 million. It deepens Gilat’s U.S. defense and space presence and broadens technologies such as Troposcatter BLOS. Investors may focus on regulatory approvals, integration progress and whether anticipated revenue and cost synergies materialize as described.
Key Terms
adjusted revenue financial
adjusted EBITDA financial
troposcatter technical
beyond line-of-sight (blos) technical
committee on foreign investment in the united states (cfius) regulatory
federal trade commission (ftc) regulatory
department of justice (doj) regulatory
hart-scott-rodino act (hsr) regulatory
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Transformative acquisition for
Transaction is expected to be fully funded from Gilat’s existing cash resources, supported by its strong balance sheet, which included net cash of approximately
- Accelerates Gilat’s transformation into a leading provider of mission-critical defense and satellite communications solutions, creating a scaled organization in the rapidly evolving satellite ground infrastructure market and more than doubling Gilat Defense revenues
- Significantly expands Gilat’s U.S. presence, engineering capabilities and manufacturing footprint, reinforcing its commitment to supporting U.S. and allied defense customers and mission-critical programs
- Broadens Gilat Defense advanced communications technology portfolio, adding complementary capabilities in RF technologies, space electronics, and over-the-horizon Troposcatter Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) communications
- The business acquired generated Adjusted Revenue of
$187.8 million and Adjusted EBITDA of$14.9 million in Comtech’s fiscal year 2025 ended July 31, 2025, and Adjusted Revenue of$195.2 million and Adjusted EBITDA of$16.8 million for the trailing twelve months ended January 31, 20262 - Significant increases in both revenue and cost synergies are expected from cross-selling, operational efficiencies, and scale benefits across the combined organizations
- Creates a scaled organization with projected annual revenue exceeding
$700 million and projected annual adjusted EBITDA of$80 million , strengthening competitiveness for larger, more complex defense and space opportunities worldwide, and more than double Gilat Defense revenues - Gilat Management to host a conference call today at 08:00 AM EDT / 15:00 IST to discuss the acquisition
PETAH TIKVA, Israel, June 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: GILT, TASE: GILT) (“Gilat”), a worldwide leader in satellite networking technology, solutions, and services, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the majority of the Satellite & Space Communications segment of Comtech Telecommunications Corporation (NASDAQ: CMTL) on a cash-free, debt-free basis for the purchase price of
The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both Gilat and Comtech. The closing of the transaction is subject to certain regulatory approvals, including the receipt of clearance from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act (HSR), as well as other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2026.
Comtech Satellite & Space Communications segment provides satellite ground infrastructure solutions for GEO, MEO, and LEO constellations, over-the-horizon Troposcatter BLOS communications systems, engineering and other services for satellites, launch vehicles, and other manned space applications. Comtech Satellite & Space Communications segment serves a diverse, global customer base including the U.S. Department of War, allied defense agencies, and commercial customers, including satellite operators and energy companies.
Executive Commentary
“This acquisition represents a transformative milestone in Gilat’s evolution into a larger, more diversified defense communications and space technology company,” said Adi Sfadia, CEO of Gilat.
“Over the past several years, we have strategically expanded our capabilities and presence in the defense market. The addition of Comtech’s Satellite & Space Communication segment significantly accelerates this strategy by increasing our scale, strengthening our U.S. presence, and expanding our ability to address larger and more complex defense and space programs. We are committed to continuing to invest in these technologies, supporting existing customers and building upon Comtech’s decades-long heritage serving mission-critical programs,” added Mr. Sfadia.
“Additionally, this transaction enables our diversification into adjacent domains, including space-based infrastructure and Troposcatter BLOS communications, while expanding our access to a broader set of customers, including NASA, other space agencies, and additional defense and military organizations worldwide,” concluded Mr. Sfadia.
Ken Traub, Chairman, President and CEO, Comtech Telecommunications Corp., added, "We are pleased to have entered into this mutually beneficial transaction with Gilat. Gilat will be a natural home for Comtech's Satellite & Space business as they share a commitment to innovation and customer support for the future of the satellite and space communications market."
Conference Call Details
Gilat’s management will discuss the acquisition and will participate in a question-and-answer session:
| In English: | |
| Date: | Monday, June 15, 2026 |
| Start: | 08:00 AM EDT / 15:00 IST |
A simultaneous webcast of the conference call will be available on the Gilat website at www.gilat.com and through this link: https://www.veidan-conferencing.com/gilat
| Or Dial-in: | |
| US: | 1-888-407-2553 |
| International: | +972-3-918-0609 |
The webcast will also be archived for a period of 30 days on the Company’s website and through the link above.
| In Hebrew: | |
| Date: | Monday, June 15, 2026 |
| Start: | 16:30 IST |
A simultaneous webcast of the conference call will be available on the Gilat website at www.gilat.com and through this link:
https://gk-biz.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NCzweLGqRpWpF9asSq36Ag
Advisors
Naschitz, Brandes, Amir & Co. is serving as Gilat’s legal counsel.
Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. acted as financial advisor to Gilat in connection with the transaction.
Quilty Space acted as a business advisor to Gilat in connection with the transaction.
Norton Rose Fulbright acted as legal advisor to Comtech on the transaction.
TD Securities (USA) LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor to Comtech on the transaction.
About Gilat
Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: GILT, TASE: GILT) is a leading global provider of satellite-based broadband communications. With over 35 years of experience, we develop and deliver deep technology solutions for satellite, ground, and new space connectivity, offering next-generation solutions and services for critical connectivity across commercial and defense applications. We believe in the right of all people to be connected and are united in our resolution to provide communication solutions to all reaches of the world.
Together with our wholly owned subsidiaries Gilat Wavestream, Gilat DataPath, and Gilat Stellar Blu, we offer integrated, high-value solutions supporting multi-orbit constellations, Very High Throughput Satellites (VHTS), and Software-Defined Satellites (SDS) via our Commercial and Defense Divisions. Our comprehensive portfolio is comprised of a software-defined platform and modems, high-performance satellite terminals, advanced Satellite On-the-Move (SOTM) antennas and Electronically Steered Antennas (ESAs), highly efficient, high-power Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPA) and Block Upconverters (BUC), and includes integrated ground systems for commercial and defense markets, field services, network management software, and cybersecurity services.
Gilat’s products and tailored solutions support multiple applications including government and defense, IFC and mobility, cellular backhaul, enterprise, aerospace and critical infrastructure clients all while meeting the most stringent service level requirements. For more information, please visit: https://www.gilat.com
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “seek,” “could,” “should,” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements of Gilat to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, the ability of the parties to complete the proposed transaction in a timely manner or at all; the satisfaction of conditions to closing, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals on expected terms, in a timely manner or at all; the potential impact of the announcement or pendency of the proposed transaction on the ability of Gilat and Comtech’s Satellite & Space Communications business to retain and hire key personnel, maintain relationships with customers, suppliers and other business partners, and operate their respective businesses; risks that Gilat will not be able to achieve the post-closing projected revenue and projected Adjusted EBITDA; disruption to current plans and operations as a result of the proposed transaction or its announcement; risks that the acquired business will not be integrated successfully into Gilat’s operations; risks that Gilat may not realize the anticipated benefits, synergies or growth opportunities from the transaction; including cost synergy opportunities from cross-selling, operational efficiencies, and scale benefits across the combined organizations; changes in general economic, market and business conditions; failure to maintain market acceptance of Gilat’s products; failure to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications; rapid changes in the markets in which Gilat operates; increased competition, loss of market share or pressure on prices; loss of key OEM partners; inability to attract and retain qualified personnel; inability to protect proprietary technology; and risks associated with Gilat’s international operations and its location in Israel, including those arising from regional military conflicts and geopolitical instability. For additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties, please refer to Gilat’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Gilat undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Contact:
Gilat Satellite Networks
PublicRelations@gilat.com
Alliance Advisors
GilatIR@allianceadvisors.com
Phone: +1 212 838 3777
_____________________
1 Acquired segment excludes mainly the Cyber and Services business line.
2 Data is based on Comtech’s publicly released financial statements and have been adjusted by Comtech to reflect the results associated with the business to be acquired. In addition, Gilat has made additional adjustments which mainly reflect its accounting policies and expense allocations.
