InterDigital Inc (IDCC)

[Gamco]

InterDigital (IDCC) Renews Sony Patent License Agreement

CONTRIBUTOR
Zacks Equity Research  Zacks
PUBLISHED
JAN 10, 2022
InterDigital, Inc. IDCC recently extended its patent license agreement with Sony Corporation of America – the subsidiary of Japan-based Sony Group Corporation SONY, for an undisclosed amount. In addition to the patent renewal, the firms extended their Convida Wireless joint venture deal to continue their collaborative research in the fields of 5G and IoT.

Formed in 2013, Convida Wireless aims to leverage Sony's consumer electronics expertise and InterDigital's IoT know-how to drive new research in IoT communications and other connectivity areas. This, in turn, is likely to sow the seeds of future technologies for advancing 5G standards for high bandwidth and low latency applications. Sony’s patent renewal agreement will further enable it to strengthen its rich portfolio of assets in wireless technologies to better serve its customers.

InterDigital’s commitment to licensing its broad portfolio of technologies to wireless terminal equipment makers, which allows it to expand its core market capability, is laudable. It has leading companies, such as Huawei, Samsung, LG and Apple, under its licensing agreements. Consequently, the company expects to generate solid recurring revenues from the patent licensing business in the forthcoming quarters as well.

InterDigital’s global footprint, diversified product portfolio and its ability to penetrate different markets are impressive. Apart from the company’s strong portfolio of wireless technology solutions, the addition of technologies related to sensors, user interface and video to its offerings is likely to drive significant value, considering the massive size of the market it licenses. Furthermore, the company remains committed to pursuing acquisitions to drive its product portfolio and boost organic growth.

The company is focused on pursuing agreements with unlicensed customers in the handset and consumer electronics markets. InterDigital aims to become a leading designer and developer of technology solutions and innovation for the mobile industry, IoT, and allied technology areas by leveraging its research and development capabilities, technological know-how and rich industry experience. At the same time, it intends to enhance its licensing revenue base by adding licensees and expanding into adjacent technology areas that align with its intellectual property position.

Additionally, more and more companies are increasingly offering the work-from-home option to employees to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Several firms are also providing a secure and connected workplace setup through quick onboarding and enablement services to support the seamless continuity of businesses and enable employees to fulfill their professional obligations. This, in turn, is likely to create new revenue-generating opportunities for InterDigital, as humans become solely dependent on the digital platform to stay connected not only for their professional lives but also for online education, shopping, dining and entertainment.

The stock has gained 6.3% over the past year compared with the industrys growth of 17%. Nevertheless, we remain impressed with the inherent growth potential of this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold stock.











JAN 10, 2022 8:54AM EST