Apps & Software

Has BlackBerry Positioned Itself for the New Normal?

Wikimedia Commons

BlackBerry Ltd. (NYSE: BB) reported second-quarter fiscal 2021 results before markets opened Thursday. The enterprise software firm posted quarterly adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.11 on adjusted revenue of $266 million. In the same period a year ago, BlackBerry reported break-even earnings on revenue of $244 million. Second-quarter results compare to consensus estimates for EPS of $0.02 and $238 million in revenue.

On a GAAP basis, BlackBerry reported quarterly revenue of $259 million and a net loss per share of $0.04. Gross margin was 77%, and adjusted gross margin was 78%. Recurring software product revenue continues to be approximately 90% of revenues.

The company’s enterprise security software suite, BlackBerry Spark, got a boost from the work-from-home movement related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also during this quarter, BlackBerry QNX and Desay Automotive together developed the autonomous driving domain controller for Xpeng Motor’s new P7 high-performance electric vehicle. Its QNX technology will be used by StradVision in autonomous vehicle systems in South Korean automakers.

CEO John Chen noted that the company’s QNX platform for self-driving cars, combined with new customers for Spark, “position the business strongly for the future.” The recovery in automobile manufacturing “point to sequential revenue growth and return to a normal run rate” by early in 2021.

On the books, BlackBerry cash, cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments totaled $977 million. Net cash generated from operating activities in the quarter was $31 million.

The company said it would provide a fiscal year 2021 outlook on its conference call. Analysts have estimated that third-quarter revenue will come in at $234 million and that BlackBerry will post a break-even quarter. For the full year, the consensus estimate calls for EPS of $0.07 and revenue of $955 million.

Excluding Thursday’s move, BlackBerry stock had underperformed the broad markets with a retreat of about 25% year to date. In the past 52 weeks, the share price was down closer to 17%.

BlackBerry stock traded up by as much as 8.5% in Thursday’s premarket session but pulled back to a gain of around 4.3%, or $5.00 a share. The stock’s 52-week range is $2.70 to $6.89 and the consensus price target is $5.72.

Want to Retire Early? Start Here (Sponsor)

Want retirement to come a few years earlier than you’d planned? Or are you ready to retire now, but want an extra set of eyes on your finances?

Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply clicking here you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help you build your plan to retire early. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free.

Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.