Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, Acacia Research (ACTG 0.20%), which acquires, develops, licenses, and enforces patented technologies, has earned a respected four-star ranking.

With that in mind, let's take a closer look at Acacia and see what CAPS investors are saying about the stock right now.

Acacia facts

Headquarters (founded)

Newport Beach, Calif. (1992)

Market Cap

$1.1 billion

Industry

Research and consulting services

Trailing-12-Month Revenue

$201.2 million

Management

CEO Matthew Vella (since August 2013)

CFO Clayton Haynes (since November 2001)

Return on Equity (average, past 3 years)

10.7%

Cash/Debt

$320.1 million / $0

Dividend Yield

2.3%

Competitors

RPX

Safeguard Scientifics

Sources: S&P Capital IQ and Motley Fool CAPS.

On CAPS, 87% of the 151 members who have rated Acacia believe the stock will outperform the S&P 500 going forward.  

Just last week, one of those Fools, kurtdabear, succinctly summed up the Acacia bull case for our community:

This company frequently gets sold off because its quarterly results can vary widely, depending on whether it's leaning more toward investing in new patent portfolios or reaping the royalties of old ones. As a result, "traders" run in and out of it and increase volatility. For "investors," ACTG represents a well-run company with a good business model. Management takes a long-term view, has recently begun paying regular quarterly dividends, and has a buy-back plan in effect. Currently trading toward the bottom of its 52-week range, it represents good value for the patient investor.