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REFR logo REFR
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Research Frontiers Incorporated (REFR)

Upturn stock ratingUpturn stock rating
$1.64
Last Close (24-hour delay)
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PASS
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Upturn Stock infoUpturn Stock info Stock price based on last close
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Upturn Advisory Summary

06/30/2025: REFR (1-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.

Upturn Star Rating

rating

Not Recommended Performance

These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, consistently fall short of market performance, signaling caution before investing.

Number of Analysts

rating

Analysts rated it

Very few follow this stock; limited insights, higher-risk early investing.

1 Year Target Price $0

1 Year Target Price $0

Analysts Price Target For last 52 week
$0Target price
Low$
Current$1.64
high$

Analysis of Past Performance

Type Stock
Historic Profit 4.71%
Avg. Invested days 40
Today’s Advisory PASS
Upturn Star Rating Upturn stock ratingUpturn stock rating
Upturn Advisory Performance Upturn Advisory Performance 3.0
Stock Returns Performance Upturn Returns Performance 1.0
Upturn Profits based on simulationUpturn Profits based on simulation Profits based on simulation
Upturn Profits based on simulationUpturn Profits based on simulation Last Close 06/30/2025

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

Analyst Ratings

Rating -
Target Price -
Buy -
Strong Buy -
Buy -
Strong Buy -
Hold -
Sell -
Strong Sell -
Strong Sell -

ai summary icon Upturn AI SWOT

Research Frontiers Incorporated

stock logo

Company Overview

overview logo History and Background

Research Frontiers Incorporated (REFR) was founded in 1965. It is primarily focused on developing and licensing SPD-SmartGlass technology, which controls the amount of light and heat passing through windows and other glazings.

business area logo Core Business Areas

  • Licensing: REFR's main business is licensing its SPD-SmartGlass technology to manufacturers of glass, plastic, and related products. They receive royalties based on licensees' sales of SPD-SmartGlass products.
  • Technical Support: The company provides technical support to its licensees to help them successfully integrate SPD-SmartGlass technology into their products.

leadership logo Leadership and Structure

Joseph M. Harary serves as the President and CEO. The company has a small management team focused on licensing and technical support.

Top Products and Market Share

overview logo Key Offerings

  • SPD-SmartGlass Technology: REFR licenses its patented SPD-SmartGlass technology used in automotive sunroofs, architectural windows, aircraft windows, and eyewear. Competitors include Gentex (auto-dimming mirrors) and other dynamic window technologies. Market share data is difficult to pinpoint precisely, but SPD-SmartGlass holds a substantial portion of the dynamic glazing market. Revenue is derived from royalty payments tied to licensees' sales.

Market Dynamics

industry overview logo Industry Overview

The dynamic glazing market is growing, driven by demand for energy-efficient buildings and enhanced comfort in vehicles. Key trends include increasing adoption of smart windows in residential and commercial construction, as well as automotive and aerospace applications.

Positioning

REFR is a technology licensing company. Their competitive advantage lies in their patented SPD-SmartGlass technology and their established network of licensees.

Total Addressable Market (TAM)

The TAM for dynamic glass is projected to reach billions of dollars. Research Frontiers is positioned to capture a portion of this market through its licensing model, with significant growth opportunities in automotive, architectural, and aerospace markets.

Upturn SWOT Analysis

Strengths

  • Patented SPD-SmartGlass technology
  • Established licensing model
  • Diverse application areas (automotive, architectural, aerospace)
  • Potential for high royalty income

Weaknesses

  • Reliance on licensees' sales performance
  • Small company size and limited resources
  • Market adoption depends on consumer demand
  • Limited control over licensees marketing efforts

Opportunities

  • Growing demand for energy-efficient buildings
  • Increasing adoption of smart technologies in vehicles
  • Expansion into new application areas (e.g., eyewear)
  • Strategic partnerships with major manufacturers

Threats

  • Competition from alternative dynamic glazing technologies
  • Economic downturn impacting construction and automotive industries
  • Patent infringement
  • Licensee performance issues

Competitors and Market Share

competitor logo Key Competitors

  • GNTX
  • View, Inc. (VIEW)

Competitive Landscape

Research Frontiers competes with companies offering alternative dynamic glazing technologies. REFR's competitive advantage is its patented SPD-SmartGlass technology, but it faces challenges from larger companies with greater resources and established market positions.

Growth Trajectory and Initiatives

Historical Growth: Historical growth has been uneven, reflecting the cyclical nature of the construction and automotive industries and the adoption rate of SPD-SmartGlass technology.

Future Projections: Future growth is dependent on increasing adoption of SPD-SmartGlass in key markets. Analyst estimates may vary widely due to the limited coverage and the uncertainty surrounding licensee performance.

Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives include expanding the licensee network, developing new applications for SPD-SmartGlass, and promoting the benefits of the technology to end-users.

Summary

Research Frontiers Incorporated is a licensing company with patented SPD-SmartGlass technology that has strong potential for growth in the dynamic glazing market. Its success depends heavily on the performance of its licensees and broader industry trends. The company's strengths include its unique technology and diverse applications, but its weaknesses lie in its size, reliance on licensees, and competition. The company's lack of acquisitions and minimal dividend history makes it a volatile option. REFR needs to focus on expanding its licensee network and promoting its technology to capture a larger share of the growing market.

Peer Comparison

Sources and Disclaimers

Data Sources:

  • Company SEC Filings
  • Industry Reports
  • Company Website

Disclaimers:

The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Market share data is estimated and may not be precise. Financial data is based on available information and may not be comprehensive. All investment decisions should be made based on thorough research and consultation with a qualified financial advisor.

Upturn AI SummarizationUpturn AI Summarization AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.

Upturn AI SummarizationUpturn AI Summarization Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.

Upturn AI SummarizationUpturn AI Summarization Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.

Upturn AI SummarizationUpturn AI Summarization 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
Full time employees 6

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.