REFR (Research Frontiers) GF Value Rank: 4 (As of Aug. 18, 2026) — 33% Above Median

Author: Vera Yuan Vera Yuan
Vera Yuan
Vera Yuan
Director of Data and Quant Analytics at GuruFocus
Focused on building reliable datasets, financial models, and research tools for value-minded investors. Committed to turning complex data into practical guidance for value-investing and long-term wealth.
Reviewed by: Charlie Tian Charlie Tian
Charlie Tian
Charlie Tian
Founder & CEO of GuruFocus
Dr. Charlie Tian is the founder and CEO of GuruFocus.com, a leading global investment research platform established in 2004. With a Ph.D. in physics, Dr. Tian transitioned from science to finance, applying a data-driven, disciplined approach to value investing.

REFR Research Frontiers Inc REFR
28 GF Score
Price $0.44
GF Value $0.81
Valuation Possible Value Trap
! 5 Warning Signs
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What is Research Frontiers GF Value Rank?

Research Frontiers REFR +0.96% 28 GF Value Rank is 4 as of Aug. 18, 2026, which is 33% above its 10-year median of 3.00. GuruFocus rates REFR with a GF Score™ of 28/100 and a GF Value™ of $0.81 (Possible Value Trap). The stock has 5 warning signs investors should review.

Research Frontiers has the GF Value Rank of 4.

GF Value Rank evaluates the exclusive GuruFocus valuation and performance of a stock, rated on a scale from 1 to 10. It is determined by the price-to-GF-Value (P/GF Value) ratio, a proprietary metric calculated based on historical multiples along with an adjustment factor based on a company's past returns and growth and future estimates of the business' performance.

GuruFocus found that for valuation, we cannot simply give stocks a better GF Value rank simply because they have a lower P/GF Value ratio. Backtesting shows that over the long term, the two worst-performing groups are the most expensive group (with the highest P/GF Value ratio) and the least expensive group (with the lowest P/GF Value ratio).

We can understand why the most expensive group underperforms. We were initially puzzled by the underperformance of the least expensive group, but we realized there is a reason why some stocks are super cheap. If they look too undervalued, it is often because the businesses behind them are poor quality. The market realized this and gave them low valuations. In a way, the market is efficient.

After multiple backtesting analyses, we granted the stocks in third-cheapest percentile the highest GF Value rank, as they have performed the best over a full market cycle. Stock performance is actually not as sensitive to valuation as it is to growth and profitability. On average, the companies in the 20%-50% valuation groups have similar performances. Therefore, we should avoid the most expensive and the least expensive stocks. We can be more tolerant of valuation.

A higher score indicates a stock with a relatively low valuation and substantial potential for outperformance. Conversely, a lower score often reflects stocks that are either highly overvalued or deeply undervalued, both of which tend to underperform.

Please click GF Score to see more details on the GF Score's 5 Key Aspects of Analysis.

Research Frontiers GF Value Rank Related Terms

REFR vs WETH, NEON, MTEK: GF Value Rank Comparison

For the Electronic Components subindustry, Research Frontiers's GF Value Rank, along with its competitors' market caps and GF Value Rank data, can be viewed below:

* Competitive companies are chosen from companies within the same industry, with headquarter located in same country, with closest market capitalization; x-axis shows the market cap, and y-axis shows the term value; the bigger the dot, the larger the market cap. Note that "N/A" values will not show up in the chart.

Research Frontiers GF Value Rank vs Hardware Industry

For the Hardware industry and Technology sector, Research Frontiers's GF Value Rank distribution charts can be found below:

* The bar in red indicates where Research Frontiers's GF Value Rank falls into.


REFR
28GF Score
Research Frontiers Inc REFR
GF Value Rank is just one metric. See GF Score™, valuation, warning signs, and more.
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Frequently Asked Questions Learn more about GF Value Rank →
What does a GF Value Rank of 4 mean?
Research Frontiers (REFR) has a GF Value Rank of 4 as of Aug. 18, 2026. GF Value Rank is given based on historical multiples along with past returns, growth and future estimates of the business' performance. View historical data on Research Frontiers and its competitors. This is 33% above median its historical median of 3.00. Over the past decade, Research Frontiers' GF Value Rank has ranged from 1.00 to 10.00.
Is Research Frontiers' GF Value Rank too high?
Research Frontiers' current GF Value Rank of 4 is 33% above median its 10-year median of 3.00. Over the past 10 years, this metric has ranged from a low of 1.00 to a high of 10.00. Overall, Research Frontiers has a GF Score™ of 28/100 and is considered Possible Value Trap, reflecting its overall financial health beyond just this single metric.
How does Research Frontiers' GF Value Rank compare to WETH and NEON?
Research Frontiers' GF Value Rank of 4 can be compared against companies in the Hardware industry. Historically, Research Frontiers' own GF Value Rank has ranged from 1.00 to 10.00 over the past decade. See the competitive comparison table and distribution chart on this page for a detailed peer-by-peer breakdown.
What is a good GF Value Rank for a Hardware company?
A good GF Value Rank depends on the Hardware industry context. However, GF Value Rank should not be evaluated in isolation — investors should consider it alongside profitability, growth, and financial strength metrics. Use the industry distribution chart on this page to see where any company falls relative to its peers.
What does a high GF Value Rank mean?
A high GF Value Rank can signal that a stock is expensive relative to its fundamentals. GF Value Rank is given based on historical multiples along with past returns, growth and future estimates of the business' performance. View historical data on Research Frontiers and its competitors. Research Frontiers's current GF Value Rank is 4, which is 33% above median its own 10-year median of 3.00. However, context matters — high-growth companies often justify higher valuations. Always evaluate alongside other metrics like GF Score™ and GF Value™.
Is Research Frontiers stock overvalued right now?
Based on GuruFocus' analysis, Research Frontiers (REFR) is currently considered Possible Value Trap. The stock's GF Value™ is $0.81, compared to a current price of $0.44 — trading 45.7% below its estimated fair value. The current GF Value Rank is 4, which is 33% above median its 10-year median of 3.00. Research Frontiers' overall GF Score™ is 28/100 with 5 warning signs to review. Investors should evaluate multiple metrics — including profitability, growth, and financial strength — before making a decision.
How is GF Value Rank calculated?
GF Value Rank is calculated from a company's financial statements. For Research Frontiers (REFR), the current GF Value Rank is 4 as of Aug. 18, 2026. GuruFocus calculates this using data sourced from SEC filings and annual reports. See the calculation section and 30-year financial data on this page for the full breakdown.

Is Research Frontiers (REFR) Overvalued in 2026?

Based on GuruFocus' analysis, Research Frontiers stock appears to be undervalued. The current stock price of $0.44 is trading 45.7% below its estimated GF Value™ of $0.81. GuruFocus considers Research Frontiers to be Possible Value Trap.

Key valuation signals for REFR:

  • GF Value Rank: 4 (33% above median its 10-year median of 3.00)
  • GF Value™: $0.81 vs. price of $0.44 (45.7% below fair value)
  • GF Score™: 28/100 with 5 warning signs

No single metric tells the full story. See the REFR stock analysis page for a complete view including 30-year financials, guru trades, and insider activity.

Research Frontiers Business Description

Address 240 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, NY, USA, 11797-2033
Research Frontiers Inc is engaged in the development and marketing of technology and devices to control the flow of light. The company develops and licenses its patented suspended particle device light-control technology to other companies that manufacture and market the SPD-Smart chemical emulsion, the light-control film made from the chemical emulsion, the light-control panels made by laminating the film, electronics to power end-products incorporating the film, or lamination services for, and the end-products. The company's revenue source comes from the licensing of technology.
28GF Score

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GF Value Rank is just one metric. See GF Value™, 30-year financials, guru trades, warning signs, and more.

$0.44
Price
$0.81
GF Value