Why Acacia Research's Shares Popped

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Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of intellectual property firm Acacia Research (NASDAQ: ACTG ) jumped 13% briefly at the open of trading, after announcing earnings.

So what: The company's revenue more than tripled, to $66.3 million, and net income doubled, to $9.8 million, or $0.20 per share. Analysts only expected $41.4 million in revenue, and earnings per share of $24, which compares to the $0.84 of adjusted EPS Acacia reported.

Now what: The momentum that the business saw is very strong and, with shares trading at just 11 times forward earnings, there's plenty of upside potential. Results tend to be lumpy, but with revenue trending higher throughout 2012, and a growing patent portfolio, we can expect some certainty going forward. I think there's upside from here, especially considering the drop shares had later in trading to near flat on the day.

Interested in more info on Acacia Research? Add it to your watchlist by clicking here.

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Fool contributor Travis Hoium has no position in any stocks mentioned. You can follow Travis on Twitter at @FlushDrawFool, check out his personal stock holdings, or follow his CAPS picks at TMFFlushDraw. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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