It wasn't a great 2011 for Rambus
Recovery mode
Rambus swung back to red ink in 2011, staining its 2010 success as a potential one-hit wonder. It was a steep slump, with three times the loss per share that analysts had anticipated for the year. Rambus did net an annual profit of $46.3 million under the non-GAAP measures it prefers, but that too was significantly lower than 2010's $165.7 million profit.
Investors seemed rather sanguine after hearing the news, with shares trading just (air quotes) 7% lower after hours. Since the stock already lost over half its value in one session late last year, much of the dour expectation was probably already priced in. Rambus shares are now worth almost exactly what they were three years ago.
Rambus Total Return Price Chart by YCharts
Turnarounds are hard work
Hughes touted license agreements with Freescale Semiconductor
Rambus made several strategic acquisitions last year to broaden its technology portfolio, and is also branching out into LED lighting with General Electric
Can Rambus slide around, or are the golden days of patent royalties over? The next few quarters will be telling, if investors can stomach the wait. But if you don't want to wait to find a company that can cash in no matter whose technology is running the show, check out this free report. In it, you'll find everything you need to know about the rise of data analytics and the one company offering the best solutions for businesses around the world. There's no patent on this information, it's free -- but it won't be available for long. Click here for your copy.