From chips to display….
A leader in chips for smartphones and other mobile gadgets, QUALCOMM, Inc. (NASDAQ:QCOM) is getting into the display game as well. QUALCOMM, Inc. (NASDAQ:QCOM) has created an interferometric modulator display technology (IMODs), which they have dubbed “Mirasol.”
Their trademarked Mirasol product, an alternative to LCD technology, basically reflects light by utilizing a reflective membrane that comes into contact with a thin, semi-transparent film stack. Between the membrane and film stack is an air gap, which allows the display technology to “behave like an optically resonant structure” that determines which color to reflect by the air gap’s size. Electricity causes the IMOD to absorb all of the reflected light.
Because of its reflective nature, Mirasol flat screens work best in natural light. Jim McGregor, principal analyst at Tirias Research, however, explained that:
“This technology is an alternative to LCD displays and works best under natural light, but most of us don’t sit and work under natural light any more.”
There just doesn’t seem to be a market for the technology, at least not yet. We shall see what the future brings, however, as things like rumored “smart watches” that may collaborate better with natural lighting come out.
Brighter LCDs…
Conglomerate 3M Co (NYSE:MMM) also has display plans. The company recently announced its new display product, Quantum Dot Enhancement Film (QDEF), which is a film that apparently allows for up to 50% more color in LCD displays. In a partnership with Nanosys, 3M Co (NYSE:MMM) will begin making the new film to bring more color, clarity, and brightness to LCD televisions — as well as mobile devices like tablets and smartphones.
Apparently, the increase in color will also make LCDs able to display more “truer-to-life” coloring as well, unlike current LCD technology that has a more limited capability in regards to the visible color spectrum. According to Ty Silberhorn, 3M Co (NYSE:MMM)’s vice president and general manager of its Optical Systems Division:
“One of the many advantages of the new 3M QDEF solution is the film’s ability to deliver richly-saturated colors, while minimizing power consumption – a difference you can clearly see…”
So apparently, the new technology will be more efficient as well. Silberhorn also let everyone know that his company, “
will have qualification material available to customers for design cycles starting late second quarter this year.”
The film will also be able to replace the film found in existing LCD backlights, so no new equipment would be needed for LCD manufacturers to make the switch to the new technology.
King of glass?
Display technologies can’t be brought up without mentioning the leader in specialty glass and display technologies, Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW) . Corning is the company behind the Gorilla Glass, which is found in most devices that have touchscreen capabilities, which was taken mainstream when Steve Jobs decided to use it for the iPad and iPod.
Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW) has a new glass that it has recently introduced called Lotus XT. The Lotus XT is glass designed for hi-resolution displays, and according to the company, “is designed to have improved thermal and dimensional stability over higher temperatures, generating higher yields for our customers.”
Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW) has also introduced its Willow Glass, which is an ultra-thin and flexible glass that may be the main helper for the “wearable technology” of the future that will require glass that is “bendable.”
The bottom line
While QUALCOMM, Inc. (NASDAQ:QCOM) is still heavily into producing processors and chips, and 3M Co (NYSE:MMM) is a diversified conglomerate who isn’t going to see a huge pop in share price from one product, Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW) seems to be further building its moat in display technologies that have the potential to continue to move its share price over time.
The company’s Gorilla Glass is already the industry standard, and with Willow Glass and Lotus XT coming out of the pipeline — the company has a huge opportunity to capitalize from the display trend. The company currently gets most of its sales from LCD displays, but its newer, innovative glass products are also growing and may even expand one day into other things such as automobile windshields.
The company is attractively valued now and financially strong, with well over $2 billion in cash on its books net of debt. The company trades at only about 13.5 times earnings, and carries a lowly P/E ratio of only about 11. Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW) also trades at a P/B ratio of only about 1. Corning has also been increasing its dividend lately, and now yields around 2.50%.
That’s a pretty cheap stock in a rising market, especially if the LCD market starts picking up.
The article Riding the Display Technologies Trend originally appeared on Fool.com.
Joseph is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network — entries represent the personal opinion of the blogger and are not formally edited.
Copyright © 1995 – 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
