Kodak drew a one-time $550 million royalty payment from Samsung and a $414 million from LG Electronics. It has licensed digital-imaging technology to about 30 companies, including mobile-device makers such as Motorola Inc. and Nokia Corp.
Relying on its rich array of inventions for repeated cash infusions has become an indispensable tactic driven in large part by Kodak's long and painful digital turnaround.
Since 2004, Kodak has reported only one full-year profit -- in 2007 -- and expects another annual loss this year before crossing back to profitability sometime in 2012. It has trimmed its work force to 18,800 from 70,000 in 2002.
The maker of cameras, film and printing technology is investing heavily in four growth businesses -- workflow software, packaging, home inkjet printers and high-speed inkjet presses. Through 2013, it expects that revenue will reach nearly $2 billion, accounting for 25 percent of all revenue.
Kodak shares rose 7 cents, or 2 percent, to close at $3.57 on Thursday amid a broader sell-off on Wall Street. The stock is trading in a 52-week range of $2.75 to $5.95.