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Upturn AI SWOT - About
REFR 
Research Frontiers Incorporated (REFR)
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Upturn Advisory Summary
09/17/2025: REFR (1-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
Upturn Star Rating
Not Recommended Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, consistently fall short of market performance, signaling caution before investing.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit 4.71% | Avg. Invested days 40 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  3.0 | Stock Returns Performance  1.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 09/17/2025 |
Key Highlights
Company Size Small-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 55.52M USD | Price to earnings Ratio - | 1Y Target Price 3 |
Price to earnings Ratio - | 1Y Target Price 3 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) - | Beta 0.07 | 52 Weeks Range 0.93 - 2.39 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 0.93 - 2.39 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) - | Basic EPS (TTM) -0.04 |
Earnings Date
Report Date - | When - | Estimate - | Actual - |
Profitability
Profit Margin -66.15% | Operating Margin (TTM) -42.8% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) -20.77% | Return on Equity (TTM) -37.98% |
Valuation
Trailing PE - | Forward PE - | Enterprise Value 55767782 | Price to Sales(TTM) 35.1 |
Enterprise Value 55767782 | Price to Sales(TTM) 35.1 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 35.25 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA -24.11 | Shares Outstanding 33648200 | Shares Floating 28665929 |
Shares Outstanding 33648200 | Shares Floating 28665929 | ||
Percent Insiders 14.81 | Percent Institutions 16.53 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Research Frontiers Incorporated
Company Overview
History and Background
Research Frontiers Incorporated (REFR) was founded in 1965 and is the developer of patented SPD-SmartGlass light-control technology, which allows users to instantly, precisely and uniformly control the transmission of light.
Core Business Areas
- SPD-SmartGlass Licensing: REFR's primary business is licensing its SPD-SmartGlass technology to manufacturers of glass and plastic products. Licensees pay royalties based on their sales of products incorporating the technology.
- Technical Support: Provides technical support to licensees to assist with the production and application of SPD-SmartGlass products.
Leadership and Structure
Joseph M. Harary is the President and CEO. The company has a board of directors overseeing its operations.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- SPD-SmartGlass Technology: REFR's core product is its patented SPD-SmartGlass technology. This technology is not sold directly to end-users, but is licensed to manufacturers. While specific market share data is unavailable, REFR aims to dominate the SPD-SmartGlass market. Competitors include companies offering alternative light-control technologies like electrochromic glass (e.g., View, Inc., Gentex Corporation), but SPD is supposed to be better in the automotive market.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The market includes companies that provides light control technologies, like electrochromic glass, suspended particle device (SPD) smart glass, photochromic glass, polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) and micro-blind technologies
Positioning
REFR positions itself as the leading innovator in SPD-SmartGlass technology. Its competitive advantage lies in its patented technology and licensing business model.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The total addressable market for smart glass is estimated to be in the billions of dollars. REFR is positioned to capture a portion of this market through its licensing agreements.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Patented SPD-SmartGlass technology
- Licensing business model
- Established relationships with licensees
- High growth potential
Weaknesses
- Reliance on licensees for market penetration
- Limited direct control over product quality and marketing
- Relatively small size compared to potential competitors
- High dependency on automotive industry
Opportunities
- Expanding applications of SPD-SmartGlass (e.g., automotive, architectural, aerospace)
- Increasing demand for energy-efficient and light-controlled solutions
- Partnerships with major automotive manufacturers
- Expanding into new geographic markets
Threats
- Competition from alternative light-control technologies
- Potential patent infringement
- Economic downturns affecting the automotive and construction industries
- Technological advancements rendering SPD technology obsolete
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- GNTX
- VIEW
Competitive Landscape
REFR's main advantage is its patented technology. However, competitors like Gentex have greater financial resources and established market presence.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Historical growth has been dependent on licensee sales and adoption of SPD-SmartGlass technology.
Future Projections: Future growth projections depend on increased adoption of SPD-SmartGlass in automotive and architectural applications.
Recent Initiatives: Recent strategic initiatives likely include expanding licensing agreements and promoting SPD-SmartGlass benefits.
Summary
Research Frontiers Incorporated is a technology licensing company with potential for significant growth if SPD-SmartGlass technology is adopted broadly. It benefits from patented technology but relies on licensees for market penetration. Financial performance hinges on the success of its licensees and its ability to secure new agreements. Competition from alternatives and economic downturns pose potential challenges.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Yahoo Finance
- Research Frontiers Incorporated Investor Relations
Disclaimers:
The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Market share data is estimated.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About Research Frontiers Incorporated
Exchange NASDAQ | Headquaters Woodbury, NY, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 1993-12-20 | CEO, President, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary & Director Mr. Joseph M. Harary J.D. | ||
Sector Technology | Industry Electronic Components | Full time employees 6 | Website https://www.smartglass.com |
Full time employees 6 | Website https://www.smartglass.com | ||
Research Frontiers Incorporated, together with other subsidiary, engages in the development and marketing of technology and devices to control the flow of light worldwide. It develops and licenses suspended particle device (SPD-Smart) light-control technology to companies that manufacture and market the SPD-Smart chemical emulsion, light-control film made from the chemical emulsion, the light-control panels made by laminating the film, and electronics to power end-products incorporating the film, as well as lamination services for and the end-products, such as windows, skylights, and sunroofs. The company's SPD-Smart light-control technology is used in various product applications, including windows, sunshades, skylights, and interior partitions for homes and buildings; automotive windows, sunroofs, sun-visors, sunshades, rear-view mirrors, instrument panels, and navigation systems; aircraft windows; museum display panels, and eyewear products; and flat panel displays for electronic products. It serves architectural, automotive, marine, and aerospace and appliance applications. The company was incorporated in 1965 and is headquartered in Woodbury, New York.
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