Why BlackBerry Ltd. Shares Got Pummeled on Thursday

Are BlackBerry Ltd. (TSX:BB)(NASDAQ:BBRY) shares now trading at a bargain?

| More on:
The Motley Fool

Thursday was not a good day for stocks, but it was especially bad for BlackBerry Ltd. (TSX:BB)(NASDAQ:BBRY). The company saw its shares slide by more than 8% on the day.

So what exactly caused the drop, and has this created a nice buying opportunity?

Another Android phone

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which is currently taking place in Las Vegas, BlackBerry CEO John Chen said that the company is planning on releasing one to two more phones this year, both of which will run Android.

He declined to give further details. But based on earlier reports and leaks, BlackBerry’s next device will likely come with a cheaper price tag than its first Android phone, the Priv. This device would also feature a fixed QWERTY keyboard located at the bottom of the phone.

Why do investors not want to see another phone?

Mr. Chen has said that BlackBerry needs to sell five million handsets to make that business profitable, and if that target isn’t reached, BlackBerry will stop selling phones. But it seems that BlackBerry’s shareholders want the company to stop selling handsets immediately.

There are a few reasons why. First of all, if BlackBerry stopped selling phones it would instantly transform from a struggling handset maker to a fast-growing software provider. The company could focus on what it does best. And no one would have to worry about more losses in the handset business.

Besides, any Android-based device, especially one with a cheaper price tag, would certainly be targeting the consumer market. It would also face heavy competition. So there’s little reason to believe BlackBerry would be successful in this endeavour.

There’s yet another reason for abandoning the handset business. Fellow Motley Fool Canada contributor Nelson Smith has suggested that if BlackBerry stopped selling phones, the company could enforce its mobile patents more vigorously, since it wouldn’t have to worry so much about retaliation.

Is this an opportunity to buy?

BlackBerry’s shares may look cheap now, but even at US$8 per share, the stock is still quite expensive on most financial metrics. And its handset business is certainly in for a tough slog.

Of course, software is far more important to BlackBerry’s future. For example, the company is showcasing its QNX operating system at CES. But these are competitive markets as well, and if BlackBerry is still making handsets, it may not have the focus required to win in software.

So for now at least, there are better options for your portfolio.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Benjamin Sinclair has no position in any stocks mentioned.

More on Tech Stocks

ways to boost income
Tech Stocks

Billionaires Are Selling Meta Stock and Buying This TSX Stock Instead

These two tech stocks might seem similar, but one offers way more risk while another offers pretty much nothing but…

Read more »

dividend growth for passive income
Tech Stocks

3 Top TSX Stocks to Buy in March 2025

Here's why Canadian investors should consider gaining exposure to quality TSX stocks such as Docebo and NFI right now.

Read more »

Illustration of data, cloud computing and microchips
Tech Stocks

Got $2,500? 3 Canadian Tech Stocks to Buy Right Now

Descartes Systems (TSX:DSG) could profitably power tariffs-stricken global trade. Two more Canadian tech stocks may grow a $2,500 investment with…

Read more »

Person uses a tablet in a blurred warehouse as background
Tech Stocks

Shopify Has Risen 56% Over 12 Months: Is it Still a Good Stock to Buy Now?

Given its favourable market conditions, growth initiatives, and improved profitability, I expect Shopify’s stock price rally to continue.

Read more »

Nvidia Voyager Headquarters
Tech Stocks

Nvidia Stock Is Tumbling This Week. Is This a Chance to Buy?

Shares are down more than 13% in the past five days.

Read more »

A plant grows from coins.
Tech Stocks

The Ultimate Growth Stocks to Buy With $5,000 Right Now

Are you wondering what kind of growth stocks to hold for the years ahead? These three stocks would be good…

Read more »

a-developer-typing-lines-of-ai-code-while-viewing-multiple-computer-monitors
Tech Stocks

2 Canadian AI Stocks Poised for Significant Gains

These top Canadian AI stocks could see solid gains in the years to come as they continue to integrate AI…

Read more »

A worker uses a double monitor computer screen in an office.
Tech Stocks

Outlook for Shopify Stock in 2025 

Explore the latest updates on Shopify. Discover its journey from pandemic success to recent challenges and strategic changes.

Read more »