Should You Buy BlackBerry (TSX:BB) for a Shot at Big Gains in 2021?

BlackBerry Ltd. (TSX:BB) stock finally looks ripe for picking, as COVID-19 pressures begin to fade going into the new year.

| More on:

BlackBerry (TSX:BB)(NYSE:BB) stock has been made sexy again thanks to its multi-year collaboration with Amazon.com Web Services (AWS) on its vehicle data platform called IVY. While the ambitious project’s existence probably won’t pave the way for meaningful multiple expansion in 2021, I think that many medium-term catalysts can.

Things could be looking up for BlackBerry in 2021

With COVID-19 headwinds positioned to fade alongside this pandemic, BlackBerry could be in a spot to surge, as its QNX business looks to recover further, all while CEO John Chen continues to prove to investors that his firm can sustain meaningful organic growth on the enterprise software services (ESS) front.

Moreover, BlackBerry isn’t just throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks. Cylance and BlackBerry’s Spark suite could help the company make a huge splash in the new year, as many firms, which have embraced the work-from-anywhere (WFA) theme, look to further invest in security and endpoint management capabilities.

While it’s tough to evaluate a firm like BlackBerry, given all the moving parts that have been further complicated by acquisitions, I think the stock is worth standing by, given it provides investors with a front-row seat to some of the most lucrative areas of the tech scene and at a ridiculously cheap multiple.

The epitome of deep value

BlackBerry is one of few cybersecurity and Internet-of-Things (IoT) plays that trades for less than three times its book value. Clearly, the perennial underperformer gets a bad rap for its past performance. Even the most patient of investors have likely lost money in the name. While it could take many more years for the firm’s transformative efforts to finally pay off in the form of a surging stock, I think the wait will be worthwhile, especially with a behemoth like Amazon shining the spotlight on the name.

BlackBerry faces stiff competition, but with a stellar manager like John Chen at the helm, I think the company can carve out a spot for itself within tech sub-industries that are poised for profound secular trends. Amazon’s willingness to collaborate with BlackBerry is a testament to its underrated and underappreciated innovative capabilities.

Moving forward, updates on project IVY will be something for investors to look forward to, as will growth in Cylance and Spark, which may be heavily discounted by investors who demand to see some sustainable organic growth. I think it’ll be a few years before BlackBerry can be the sexy stock that it used to be, but I’m certainly not against loading up on shares here while they’re still trading at absurdly low single-digit price-to-book (P/B) multiples.

There’s a reason why Prem Watsa, a man we know as the Warren Buffett of Canada, was so bullish on the new-and-improved BlackBerry for a reason. Although he didn’t have much to show for his investment, I still think it’s way too early to conclude that BlackBerry is a dud of a stock. Turning the ship around isn’t going to be easy, and the stock isn’t right for a majority of investors who are looking for quick gains. That said, young investors willing to stash and forget the name in their TFSAs, I believe, could surprise themselves over the course of the next decade.

Foolish takeaway on BlackBerry stock

For now, a majority of analysts seem unenthused by BlackBerry, with the large number of “hold” ratings on the stock and the single-digit price targets. I think the name is in need of an upgrade but don’t think one will be sparked (forgive the pun) until the company can pull the curtain on some remarkable recovery numbers that reveal strength across the board.

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 Joey Frenette has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends BlackBerry and BlackBerry.

More on Tech Stocks

The virtual button with the letters AI in a circle hovering above a keyboard, about to be clicked by a cursor.
Tech Stocks

Emerging Canadian AI Companies With Big Potential

These tech stocks are paving the way to an AI-filled future, but still offer enough growth ahead for a strong…

Read more »

Young Boy with Jet Pack Dreams of Flying
Tech Stocks

Is Constellation Software Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

CSU stock has long been a strong option for high growth, high value stocks. But are there now too many…

Read more »

An investor uses a tablet
Tech Stocks

Canadian Tech Stocks to Buy Now for Future Gains

Not all tech stocks are created equal. In fact, these three are valuable options every investor should consider.

Read more »

dividend growth for passive income
Tech Stocks

2 Rapidly Growing Canadian Tech Stocks With Lots More Potential

Celestica (TSX:CLS) and Constellation Software (TSX:CSU) are Canadian tech darlings worth watching in the new year.

Read more »

BCE stock
Tech Stocks

10% Yield: Is BCE Stock a Good Buy?

The yield is bigger than it's ever been in the company's history. That might not be a good thing.

Read more »

Happy shoppers look at a cellphone.
Tech Stocks

So You Own Shopify Stock: Is it Still a Good Investment?

Shopify (TSX:SHOP) stock has had a run, but there's still room to the upside.

Read more »

A person uses and AI chat bot
Tech Stocks

AI Where No One’s Looking: Seize Growth in These Canadian Stocks Before the Market Catches Up

Beyond flashy headlines about generative AI, these two Canadian AI stocks could deliver strong returns for investors who are willing…

Read more »

Data center servers IT workers
Tech Stocks

Better Buy: Shopify Stock or Constellation Software?

Let's dive into whether Shopify (TSX:SHOP) or Constellation Software (TSX:CSU) are the better options for growth investors in this current…

Read more »