Topic: How To Invest

Dear Pat: What are your thoughts on Research Frontiers Inc.? As always, thank you.

Article Excerpt

Research Frontiers, $5.29, symbol REFR on Nasdaq (Shares outstanding: 23.9 million; Market cap: $127.0 million; www.smartglass.com), invented suspended particle device (SPD) technology, a film-based system that lets users control the tint of glass or plastic. The company aims to sell this innovation to clients in four main industries, the largest of which it feels is the automotive business, followed by aerospace, architecture and marine. It also operates its VariGuard division, which seeks to protect light-sensitive artifacts from damage. So far, Research Frontiers says it has licensed its systems to over 40 firms. One example is Mercedes’ S-Class luxury car, which will feature Research Frontiers’ SPD-SmartGlass system. The S-Class Coupe, as well as other variants, will offer an optional panoramic roof that uses this technology. The company’s tinting system has appeal, but it has yet to move far beyond options for buyers in high-end niche markets like luxury cars, yachts,…