MetaCap

Research Frontiers (REFR) vs Xcel Brands (XELB)

Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.

Summary

Research Frontiers is the larger company by market cap ($21.7 million vs $4.2 million), about 5.2 times the size.

Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology

Relative performance

REFR-8.95%XELB+21.40%
+23%+6%-10%
Oct 7, 20261 yearOct 8, 2026

Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.

Head-to-head

REFR versus XELB key metrics
MetricREFRXELB
Share price$0.6224$0.64
Market cap$21.70M$4.20M
1-day change-8.95%+21.40%
YTD return-52.49%—
1-year return-66.89%—
5-year return-73.06%—
EPS (TTM)$-0.06$-2.86
Dividend yield0.00%0.00%
Annual dividend$0.00$0.00
52-week high$2.70$2.47
52-week low$0.34$0.515
Distance from 52-week high-76.95%-74.09%
Analyst consensus—none
Avg. price target upside—+525.00%
Average volume1.66M367.93K
Shares outstanding34.87M6.56M
Employees515
SectorTechnologyConsumer Cyclical
IndustryElectronic ComponentsApparel Manufacturing

Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.

Key differences

  • Research Frontiers is about 5.2 times larger than Xcel Brands by market value ($21.70M vs $4.20M).
  • The two companies sit in different sectors: Research Frontiers in Technology and Xcel Brands in Consumer Cyclical.

About Research Frontiers

REFR stock →

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.

Technology · Electronic Components · 5 employees

About Xcel Brands

XELB stock →

Xcel Brands, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a media and consumer products company in North America. The company engages in the design, licensing, marketing, live streaming, and social commerce sale of branded apparel, footwear, accessories, fine jewelry, home goods, and other consumer products.

Consumer Cyclical · Apparel Manufacturing · 15 employees

REFR vs XELB FAQ

Which is bigger, Research Frontiers or Xcel Brands?

Research Frontiers (REFR) is larger, with a market capitalization of $21.70M compared with $4.20M for Xcel Brands (XELB).

Are Research Frontiers and Xcel Brands in the same industry?

No. Research Frontiers is in the Technology sector, while Xcel Brands is in Consumer Cyclical.

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